The five 'C's of lifelong learning: CPD, choices, collegiality, challenges and consequences

Continuing professional development (CPD) serves many purposes and when working optimally, its constituent elements can work synergistically in the interests of patients and dental health professionals alike. It can and should be central to professionalism but can just as easily undermine it. This paper explores the ways in which the best intentions of lifelong learning and the missed opportunities of enhanced CPD have failed to keep up with the scale and pace of change in postgraduate dental education and the training 'market', information and communications technology and with the accelerating generational dichotomy within both the profession and wider society. In particular, the paper questions the basis upon which CPD activity is marketed, chosen and measured, and how its outcome, value, effectiveness and ultimate worth is assessed.