Ian Mills congratulates the profession on being an being an exemplary model for others to follow.
As healthcare professionals, we commit to a lifetime of learning and development that extends beyond our initial qualification.
Last month, more than 700 dental professionals qualified to receive FGDP(UK) awards or passed its examinations.
In the past, there may have been a move to collect post nominals – as if our skills and qualification could potentially be measured by the number of letters after our name.
But true professional development is about building skills and knowledge to improve patient care and outcomes.
Our commitment as a profession to development is making a genuine difference.
The latest CQC State of Care review showed that dentists and their teams are setting an example for many other healthcare professions in England to follow.
We should be proud of the consistency with which we provide high quality care to patients.
It is only by learning and developing new skills that we can adapt to changes within our profession.
And it is important that we share this knowledge with others, where possible, through mentoring, networking and discussion.
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