A QUERY ABOUT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM DENTAL TEACHERS

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perception about continuous professional development among dental faculty at Sharif Medical and Dental College.

Study Design: Qualitative research design in constructivist paradigm.

Place and Duration of Study: Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, from Oct 2016 Jan 2017.

Methodology: To explore the perception of dental faculty about continuous professional development. Semi-structured, audio recorded focus group discussion (FGDs) were conducted among the dental faculty that consisted of 2 groups. Group 1 involved of Professors, Associates and Assistant Professors and Group 2 had demonstrators and senior registrars working in the Dental College. The focus group discussion were transcribed and analyzed through thematic analysis. Triangulation of themes and trends was done through content analysis by relating to their respective frequency of quotes.

Results: Personal development and working conditions were the major concerns among the dental faculty whereas good clinical practices, self-directed learning and good working conditions are the major attractions towards continuous professional development.

Conclusion: Perception about continuous professional development (CPD) among the dental college faculty was positive. It was unanimously perceived that there is room for improvement for the faculty. Further, a well-organized institution is needed to fulfill the needs for continuous professional development.