What is a Personal Development Portfolio (PDP)?

A PDP is a collation of evidence and reflection that enables dental professionals to identify learning needs and record their training in a suitable format.

It can:

• Produce a framework for meeting training needs
• Produce evidence that something useful has been learned
• Provide an appropriate record of reflection on learning
• Demonstrate that the required professional and systematic approach to CPD is in place
• Assist in the development of a structured career pathway in primary and secondary care

Why is a PDP necessary?

• It is a clinical governance and GDC requirement that dental professionals produce a PDP
• PDPs will be central to future GDC revalidation
• They will provide evidence of learning and training for future employers
• It is now necessary to reflect on learning and training undertaken and record this

How do I produce a PDP?

• Analyse your strengths and weaknesses
• Start by choosing one subject area where you feel improvement is required
• Identify the means by which this can be achieved (ie lectures, courses, diplomas, literature reading etc)
• Estimate the time frame for achievement
• Repeat for other identified areas where improvement is required
• Start a new plan every year

Why ePDPs?

Electronic PDPs have many advantages over paper based evidence:

• Easy to collate information in the correct format using the pre-set proforma
• Accessible on-line from any computer
• Can’t lose important evidence
• Contents can be printed out as paper copy
• Contents can be sent electronically to third parties
• GDC are moving towards e-PDPs
• Can inform the Deanery directly of your training requirements

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