Course Regulations

Details

Courses approved within this category are provided for dental practitioners in the GDS, CDS and PDS under Section 63 (of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968) and are funded out of money disbursed to the Postgraduate Dental Dean/Directors by the Department of Health for that purpose. The funding is allocated to each Dean annually based on the number of NHS GDPs, CDS and PDS dentists in their area to meet their training needs.

Any NHS GDP whose name is included on a Health Authority (HA) as a performer, a CDS or PDS dentist, or Keeping in Touch schemes (KITS) member, is eligible to attend Section 63 funded courses.

Eligible GDPs attending a Section 63 course may reclaim their travel and subsistence expenses from their PCT on Form FP84-0306. The form must be countersigned by the Postgraduate Dental Tutor organising the course or the Centre Administrator and then sent to their PCT. Dentists can only claim for Travel and Subsistence.

It is important that practitioners retain a copy of Form FP84-0306 - whether or not they are claiming any allowances as it acts as a certificate of attendance which may be required in relation to seniority payments or in support of entry to examinations or membership of professional bodies.

It is very important that participants attend courses when allocated a place. However, if the participant is unable to attend they must let the CPD Administrator know as soon as possible. Charges will be levied for most courses to cover catering costs, production costs etc. Higher fees will be charged for hands-on courses and a deposit cheque required.

"Non-eligible" dentists may attend unlimited courses organised under Section 63 at the discretion of the appropriate Postgraduate Dental Tutor, provided sufficient places are available, although a fee may be levied. Dental Care Professionals (DCP's) will be encouraged to attend some Section 63 courses at the discretion of the course tutor. At the moment DCP's are unable to be reimbursed for Travel and Subsistence from the PCTs.

Dentists are no longer required to claim for verifiable CPD as it is now included in the base contract.

Please go to http://www.gdc-uk.org/ for further information