CPD Requirements at a Glance
Who Must Complete CPD Hours?
According to the Dental Board of Australia CPD Registration Standard, the CPD requirement applies to all registered:
- Dentists (general dental practitioners)
- Dental Specialists (orthodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons, etc.)
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Therapists
- Oral Health Therapists
- Dental Prosthetists
Exemptions: Practitioners with non-practising registration, limited registration in the public interest, limited registration to sit an examination, or student registration are exempt from CPD requirements.
Understanding the 60-Hour Requirement
The AHPRA CPD guidelines require a minimum of 60 hours of CPD activities over each three-year CPD cycle. While the Board encourages spreading activities across each year, you have flexibility in how you accumulate these hours.
Recommended Annual Distribution
Although not mandatory, the Board recommends completing approximately 20 hours per yearto ensure you don't face a rush to complete CPD near the end of the cycle.
| Year in Cycle | Recommended Hours | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Year 2 | 20 hours | 40 hours |
| Year 3 | 20 hours | 60 hours |
Scientific vs Non-Scientific CPD Hours
Scientific/Clinical CPD (Minimum 48 hours - 80%)
According to the Dental Board Guidelines, activities must relate to the scientific, clinical, or technical aspects of oral health care:
- Clinical procedures (endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, etc.)
- Diagnostic techniques and imaging
- Infection prevention and control
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Patient record keeping and dento-legal responsibilities
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
- Evidence-based dentistry
Non-Scientific CPD (Maximum 12 hours - 20%)
Activities that support dental practice but aren't directly clinical:
- Practice management and administration
- Communication and leadership skills
- Marketing and business development
- Financial management
- Team building and HR management
Important: Excess CPD hours accumulated in one three-year cycle cannot be rolled over to the next cycle. Plan your CPD carefully to avoid wasting hours.
Pro Rata Hours for New Registrants
If you register for the first time during a CPD cycle, your required hours are calculated pro rata. The formula is approximately 1.66 hours per month (5 hours per quarter).
Returning to Practice
If you're returning to practice after an absence of more than two years (or have held non-practising registration for more than two years), you must complete 40 hours of CPD in your first registration period.
Record Keeping Requirements
You must maintain detailed CPD records that include:
- CPD provider name
- Activity name and description
- Date, time, and location
- Number of hours (excluding breaks)
- Whether scientific or non-scientific
- Certificates of attendance
The Board may audit your CPD compliance at any time, so keep records for at least five years.
Official References
This information is sourced from official Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA publications:
Disclaimer: This information is provided as general guidance only and was accurate at the time of publication. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with theDental Board of Australiaand AHPRAfor the most up-to-date information.