Continuing education in the GDS. An England survey

The Department of Health's Management Consultancy Unit Survey of Postgraduate Dental Training in the General Dental Service surveyed a statistically valid sample of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in England to determine the rate of attendance at formal training courses, to look at the needs and expectations of practitioners and to identify factors influencing non-attendance. The results indicate that 79% of GDPs attended some form of training during 1989. Seventy-one per cent of the non-attenders who received Section 63 video programmes watched all the videos they received. Non-attendance rates were highest in those aged under 30 or over 50 years. Ninety-three per cent of practitioners felt their needs were met to an acceptable level and 52% rated their needs very well met or well met.