Aim To produce evidence to inform future provision of continuing professional development (CPD). Method A postal questionnaire survey of 268 dentists who had participated in the pilot peer review scheme in Scotland. Results Courses, both Section 63 and privately run, were both seen as highly effective in changing both knowledge and practising behaviour. Most of the free form comments invited were positive about the effects and acceptability of peer review as a mode of CPD. Courses and reading journals were felt to be better at changing knowledge while all the other modes (vide intra) were felt to be better at changing practice, except computer assisted learning (CAL). Conclusions Peer review in Scotland is perceived as an acceptable and effective CPD mode for changing knowledge and practice. It is not felt to be superior to the established classical modes of courses and reading of journals.

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Lingual nerve damage subsequent to lower wisdom tooth removal affects a small number of patients, sometimes producing permanent sensory loss or impairment. A number of surgical techniques have been described which are associated with low incidences of this distressing post-operative complication. When a technique is adopted by an individual clinician then a personal audit may be prudent to establish how effective it is in relation to established nerve injury rates. This audit looks at a technique involving the minimal interference of lingual soft tissues during lower wisdom tooth removal in a high street practice situation for patients having mild to moderate impacted wisdom teeth removed under local anaesthetic. It was concluded that the technique employed was associated with a low incidence of lingual nerve trauma, comparable with that reported elsewhere.

AimTo investigate the acceptablility of a pilot scheme of revalidation to general dental practitioners. Method Ten general dental practitioners completed portfolios of evidence of being up to date and fit to practise. This portfolio was assessed by a panel of three experts, using an assessment tool developed specifically for that purpose. An action research methodology was used to evaluate participants' perceptions, consisting of a focus group and semi-structured interviews. The views of the assessors on the portfolio and its assessment were collected using a questionnaire. Results The views of the participants on revalidation, the pilot scheme portfolio and its use, who should assess it and how its use could be supported were collected. Also areas of difficulty in using the portfolio were identified, along with suggestions for improving it and alternative ways of evidencing competence. Assessors noted that the quality of evidence was adequate, but also made suggestions for improvement of the portfolio. ConclusionsThe pilot scheme appears to have been acceptable to the dentists in this scheme, given some caveats. The assessors felt that appraisal would significantly enhance any substantive scheme.

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