Program planning for effective continuing dental education.

Continuing dental education can only be effective if it is efficiently planned and presented. It is essential to determine the needs as seen by the dentists and to ensure that these needs can best be met by educational means. The potential participants in the programme must then be identified and times and locations most convenient for them be established. The precise purpose and objectives of the course must be clearly stated and detailed organisation can then be commenced. The principles involved in adult education should be clearly understood and appropriate learning aids should be prepared. Evaluation of the programme is essential in order that adjustments can be made to future programmes to correct deficiencies which have been identified and so that the impact on the participants' practices can be assessed.