• Continuing Dental Education (CDE): Educational activities aimed at maintaining or improving the knowledge, skills, and professional behavior of dentists.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Includes professional activities designed to develop healthcare practitioners’ knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required throughout their careers. It also includes management, team building, communication, technology, teaching, and accountability.
• Interchangeable Use of Terms: Although the terms “Continuing Professional Development (CPD)” and “Continuing Dental Education (CDE)” can be used interchangeably, most studies define CDE as a component of CPD. Thus, CDE is considered part of the broader concept of CPD.
• Supreme Committee for Continuing Professional Development in Dentistry: A committee under the Egyptian Health Council responsible for establishing rules for professional licensing and renewal in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population and for developing CPD programs. The committee ensures advanced educational and training programs consistent with quality and safety standards in healthcare provided to Egyptians and monitors developments in dental specialties.
• Professional Registration for Dentists: Refers to listing a dentist’s name in a professional registry confirming their eligibility to practice dentistry, including regular updates of information.
• Professional Licensing for Dentists: The process of granting a license to practice dentistry, involving assessment of qualifications, training, and experience to verify compliance with professional and ethical standards.
• Licensing Requirements: Standards and criteria that must be met by dentists to obtain a practice license, including education, clinical training, examinations, and adherence to professional ethics.
• Renewal of Dental License: The process of reapplying before the current license expires, including updating information and meeting CPD participation requirements.
• Approval of Licensing Requirements: Recognition of the validity of licensing or renewal requirements by the Egyptian Health Council and the Ministry of Health and Population.
• Institutional Accreditation: Formal recognition granted to a CPD provider after evaluation according to quality and educational standards set by the Egyptian Health Council.
• Activity: An educational event designed for dental practitioners based on specific needs and aimed at achieving learning objectives.
• Quality Assurance, Audit, and Review: Evaluation of individuals, institutions, processes, or programs against standards to verify accuracy and internal control.
• Professional Evaluation: Measurement of professional performance at a given time compared with defined standards, conducted using specific methodologies.
• Professional Appraisal: Evaluation followed by actions aimed at improving professional performance.
• Blended Learning: Educational programs combining in-person participation with related distance learning.
• Competence: Includes knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and performance. CPD effectiveness is assessed by documenting improvements in competencies.
• Knowledge: Awareness and understanding of facts and concepts, theoretical or practical.
• Medical Knowledge: Understanding of topics related to medical and healthcare sciences.
• Dental Skills: The abilities and knowledge enabling dentists to deliver high-quality care, including diagnosis, treatment, communication, decision-making, and ethics.
• Professionalism: Values, behaviors, and communication that reflect public trust in dental practitioners.
• Professionalism in Dental Practice: Adherence to ethical and professional standards, reflecting responsibility, integrity, respect, and empathy.
• Ethics and Professional Conduct: Commitment to ethical principles like confidentiality, privacy, respect for patient rights, and non-discrimination.
• Effective Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with patients and teams while understanding patient needs.
• Continuous Updating: Ongoing learning to stay informed of advances in dentistry.
• Informed Decisions: Evidence-based decision-making that respects patient preferences.
• Human Interaction: Ability to interact empathetically and supportively with patients.
• Self-Directed Learning: Taking full responsibility for one’s educational and professional development.
• Approval: A decision confirming an activity meets CPD requirements.
• CPD Program: A set of tools and activities supporting professional development, enabling self-planning, documentation, and evaluation.
• Certificate of Completion for Specialty Training: Awarded upon successful completion of an approved specialty training program.
• Organizing Entity: The organization applying for accreditation to deliver CPD activities.
• Commercial Interest: Any entity involved in producing or marketing healthcare goods or services.
• Commercial Support: Financial or in-kind funding from commercial stakeholders for CPD programs.
• Commercial Sponsor: Entity providing financial or material support for scientific events.
• Organizing/Scientific Committee: Responsible for designing and organizing events, including trainer selection and content preparation, excluding non-medical logistics.
• Conference Booklet: Official publication containing the conference program, lectures, workshops, speakers, sponsors, and promotional content.
• Curriculum: A document detailing the objectives, content, outcomes, and structure of an educational program.
• E-learning Materials: Education delivered electronically, typically via the internet.
• CME Unit: One hour of educational activity, as defined by the Egyptian Health Council or recognized international bodies.
• Accredited Trainers: Approved speakers and educators recognized by the Egyptian Health Council.
• Learning Objective: Expected learning outcome of an educational activity.
• Learning Methodology: Teaching method used to deliver CPD.
• Live Educational Event: Event offering educational content to dentists either in person or remotely.
• Accredited Activities: Activities approved by the Egyptian Health Council or recognized accrediting entities.
• Needs Assessment: Process of collecting and analyzing data to identify educational needs.
• Outcome: Measurable result of participation in CPD.
• Peer Review: Evaluation of educational or scientific material by experts in the same field.
• Accreditation Cycle: Period defined by the Council’s regulations for valid accreditation.
• Non-Compliance: Failure to achieve at least 250 CPD points over three years in three different activities within five years.
• Specialized Subcommittee: Subcommittee under the Supreme CPD Committee for Dentistry, formed to review cases and submit recommendations.
• Governing Texts: Law No. 12 of 2022 on establishing and regulating the Egyptian Health Council and its Executive Regulations, plus related laws and decrees.

1. ❖ Obtaining a License to Practice Medicine for the First Time:

Registration rules for dentists required to be registered for the first time in the records of the Egyptian Health Council and the Ministry of Health and Population: -

1. Registration procedures for the National Exam for dental Practice (DEMLE)، in case of success, are considered sufficient for registration with the Egyptian Health Council, and successful candidates must complete the procedures to obtain a practice license from the competent Authority at the Ministry of Health and Population.

2.   For non-Egyptian dentists, licensing follows the regulations governing practice licenses for foreigners.

After electronically fulfilling the following requirements, the Egyptian Health Council directs them to the licensing authorities:

1.  Statement of Passing the National Exam for dental practice: The National Dental Licensing Examination (DEMLE) assesses the knowledge level of first-time applicants.
2. The dentist must provide the licensing authority evidence with proof of obtaining a Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate from an entity accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or the Supreme Council of Universities.

❖ Renewal of professional practice license for dentists and accreditation:

 The license is renewed by the licensing authorities after the dentist provides the licensing authority with proof of:

1. Completion of a Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation course from an entity accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or the Supreme Council of Universities.

2. The self-development form filled out by the dentist, according to the form prepared by the Egyptian Health Council (Plan of Personal Development), to outline the dentist’s plan for professional growth. The committee has the right to discuss some of the submitted forms with the dentists, provided that the form is duly completed under the supervision of the Egyptian Health Council.

3. Achieving not less than 250 accredited points distributed over 3 years across 2 different activities from the continuing professional development activities.

 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points accredited by the Egyptian Health Council:
- To renew a license for dentists, it is required to obtain 250 accredited points during the evaluation cycle (5 years), distributed over at least three years across (2) different activities from professional development activities.

❖ It should be noted that:
- In case the continuous professional development points are not completed after the allowed period (5 years), the applicant is granted a maximum period of one additional year to complete the required points. Each case must be studied individually, and the schedule should be determined as follows: two months – four months, etc., provided it does not conflict with the laws and regulations governing this matter.
         

❖ Categories of Educational and Training Activities for CPD, and Approved Hours:

These activities include the following:

• Public Learning Activities:

GROUP LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

• • • • Group learning activities in the field of dentistry are educational and training methods that rely on interaction and collaboration among dentists to achieve common learning objectives.
• They aim to develop the continuous professional skills of dentists and enhance both practical and theoretical knowledge through experience exchange and participation in educational events.
• Trainers and trainees are present at the same location either physically or virtually through remote communication using various means.
• Participation may also be a hybrid model, combining physical attendance at the event venue with virtual participation.
• It is essential in all these activities to ensure that participants are able to engage effectively in discussions and dialogues

Examples of Group Learning Activities:

Group Learning activities may include conferences, seminars, training courses, workshops, lectures, regular scientific meetings, journal clubs, webinars, and other similar formats.

1. WEBINARS:

A webinar is a live educational event broadcast online, allowing attendees to actively participate through questions and answers.

All trainers must be accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or by an entity recognized by the Council.

The total number of webinar hours must not exceed 30% of the accredited hours required to fulfill Continuing Professional Development (CPD) criteria, or 50% for professionals working in remote governorates, over a three-year cycle.

2. INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS:

These are workshops delivered by foreign lecturers and must be accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or by a recognized entity by the Egyptian Health Council.

3. NATIONAL  WORKSHOPS:

These are workshops conducted by Egyptian lecturers and must also be accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or by a recognized entity by the Egyptian Health Council.

4. BLENDED LEARNING:

This is an educational program that combines mandatory participation in a live educational event with completion of an associated e-learning component. The program must be fully accredited by the Egyptian Health Council for both its in-person and virtual components (e.g., medical courses comprising theoretical modules and on-the-job training, divided into virtual and in-person segments.

Blended learning requires the physical presence of both the trainer and the trainee, while incorporating elements that allow learners flexibility in terms of time, location, learning path, or pace.

5.CONFERENCES:

• International Conferences:

These conferences include global, continental, and regional conferences held either within Egypt or abroad, provided they are accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or by an entity recognized by the Council.

• Specialized National l Conferences:

These are national or local conferences focused on a single dental specialty, delivered by Egyptian lecturers and accredited by the Egyptian Health Council. The submitted researches must be peer-reviewed by the conference’s scientific committee, and abstracts must be included in the official conference proceedings booklet.

• Non-Specialized National Conferences:

These are national or local conferences covering multiple branches of dentistry, also delivered by Egyptian lecturers and accredited by the Egyptian Health Council. As with specialized conferences, submitted research must be peer-reviewed by the scientific committee and

• Conference Accreditation Requirements:

1. Diverse Participation:

International conferences must include both Egyptian and foreign lecturers and researchers, with the foreign lecturers comprising no less than 15% of the total.

2. Scientific Committee Composition:

The scientific committee of international conferences must include foreign members alongside Egyptian members.

3. Academic Qualifications:

The scientific committee must consist of faculty members specialized in the relevant dental subfields, with each member holding at least the academic rank of Associate Professor.

4. Research Approval and Documentation:

All submitted research papers and presentations must be approved by the scientific committee, and their abstracts must be published in the official conference proceedings booklet.

5. Official Website Requirements:

The conference must have a dedicated scientific website available in both Arabic and English. The website must clearly display all scheduled scientific activities, the accredited CPD points for each activity, and the participation fees for both Egyptian and international attendees.

6. Submission and Evaluation Process: 

All research submissions must be made through the conference website, which must include comprehensive guidelines for submission and evaluation by the scientific committee.

• • Self-Learning Activities:

1. Activities accredited within educational and professional training programs that are affiliated with certifications. Activities should be accredited with a specific number of hours within the training program affiliated with a Master's, Doctorate, Board, Fellowship, or Higher Professional Diploma in a precise specialization.
   • It is required that the professional training activity be clearly accredited and defined (in terms of needs, learning methodology, and curriculum) within the period specified in the training program certificate's regulations.
   •  An official statement must be issued from the responsible entity confirming the dentist’s registration, attendance rate, and completion of practical requirements.
   • If the period specified in the training program certificate’s regulations exceeds the designated self-learning activity, the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours must be completed using other types of professional development activities.

2.  Electronic Learning Materials:

 A type of education that uses electronic technologies to access continuous educational content at a convenient time for the learner. It refers, in most cases, to a course or program delivered online, provided that it complies with the general conditions for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) (such as platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and other electronic self-learning platforms).

3. Accredited Clinical Training Programs:

Accredited Clinical Training Programs: Such as visiting residency programs and clinical attachments.

4. Scientific Publishing and Reviewing:

Scientific publishing and international or national reviewing, or participating in the authorship of a scientific book issued by a recognized international or local publishing house, or involvement in the development of clinical guidelines.

5. Presentations and Scientific Contributions:

Giving a lecture, or acceptance of a research paper or a scientific poster that was presented or delivered at an event accredited by the Egyptian Health Council. In all cases, the committee has the right to verify, through means it deems appropriate, that the activity has educational value.

6. Directed Professional Reading:

• This is a special type of e-learning that can also be provided in printed form. It includes reading medical articles or medical books and engaging with relevant medical content (such as from FDI, Cochrane, ADA) that has been prepared in an educational format and contains questions that the practitioner must answer as evidence of learning.
• This reading must have a specific number of training hours assigned to it, and the trainee must provide evidence of successful completion of the training.

7. Academic and Professional Examinations:

Participation in academic examination committees for programs accredited by the Supreme Council of Universities and in professional examinations.

• • Evaluation Activities: 

Academic and Professional Examinations: Participation in academic examination committees for programs accredited by the Supreme Council of Universities and professional examinations accredited by the Egyptian Health Council or the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation.

Self-Evaluation, Quality, and Accreditation Activities:

Assessment activities:

Professional certification from the Egyptian Health Council or the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation.

‣ Self-assessment, quality and accreditation activities: which aim to improve patient care through self-assessment of work methods, peer review, comparison with external standards and evaluation of differences, development of strategies to improve daily work, testing of new strategies and exchange of scientific experiences and results, such as quality programs supervised by the General Authority for Accreditation and Health Control and the National Authority for Quality Assurance of Education and Accreditation.

▪ Activities not eligible for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points accreditation:

‣ Activities submitted for CPD during or after their occurrence.

‣ If the lecturer is found to be unqualified or lacking expertise in the lecture topics or sufficient experience.

‣ Preparatory programs for Egyptian, Arab, or international academic or professional certifications.

‣ Regular morning meetings.

‣ Internal departmental meetings, case discussions, and public-facing activities.

‣ Community and patient awareness sessions.

‣ Funded scientific sessions of a promotional nature.

Organizations Eligible for Accreditation:

- Any entity or organization with a regular and recurring program of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities in dentistry is eligible to apply for accreditation. Accreditation will not be considered if the content, faculty, or coordination is influenced by sponsors or if there is a conflict of commercial interest.

- Accreditation for institutions offering CPD activities is valid for four calendar years and is renewable after each update and review. Renewal documents (if renewal is required) must be submitted at least six months before the accreditation expires.

- Entities wishing to apply for accreditation from the Supreme Committee for Continuing Professional Development in Dentistry at the Egyptian Health Council must meet the following requirements:

1- The entity, organization, or institution must be legally recognized; Examples include:

- Higher education institutions and other institutions granting education and professional training certificates (e.g., Faculties of Dentistry at Egyptian universities, Al-Azhar University, the Armed Forces, and the Police).

- Governmental institutions.

- Medical organizations.

- Healthcare facilities (hospitals, departments, medical centers, etc.).

- Companies specializing in providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) services, provided they have the necessary documentation from the relevant authorities. e.g., credit hours.

- Non-profit organizations and institutions operating in the healthcare and CPD sectors, provided they have the necessary documentation from the relevant authorities.

2- Availability of a qualified training center to conduct the training.

3- Sufficient educational experience within the institute applying for accreditation regarding the development and management of CPD activities.

4- Availability of certified CPD trainers within the institute applying for accreditation.

5- Submission of at least one training program for program accreditation.

6- Passing the examination and review: The committee will conduct an examination and review of the institute applying for accreditation to ensure compliance with the CPD provisions outlined in these rules and standards.

Steps for Accrediting CPD Activities

• Institutions accredited as providers of CPD activities must prepare a complete file (in both electronic and printed formats) for each proposed activity in the field of dentistry, and submit it to the Egyptian Health Council for accreditation.
  
  
• This file must follow the templates approved by the committee and must include the following:

Obligations Before Implementing the Activity

• Submit a brief description of the institution organizing the event, including its institutional accreditation number issued by the Egyptian Health Council.
• Submit the names, academic and professional qualifications of all trainers, and their accreditation status with the Egyptian Health Council.
• Provide the contact details (email, phone) of all members of the scientific committee organizing the event, ensuring that none of them is affiliated with a commercial sponsor or educational company associated with the event.
• Submit the contact details of the applicant responsible for the accreditation request, who must be a healthcare professional registered with a local professional body (proof of registration required).
• Submit the program at least three months before the scheduled implementation date, to allow sufficient time for scientific and practical content review.
• Provide detailed information on the duration, training objectives, and assessment methods for participants and the program itself.
• Define mechanisms for attendance monitoring during the event.
• Provide a written statement confirming that the program will not be advertised or implemented without prior written approval from the Egyptian Health Council upon accreditation.
• Accredited CPD programs are to be conducted in accordance with the accreditation decision. In the event of any modification, the provider must submit an official request and pay the required fees.
• Accreditation is valid for two years, after which the program must be re-accredited and re-evaluated to ensure alignment with updated evidence and guidelines in dentistry.
• All scientific committee members and trainers must submit a conflict-of-interest disclosure statement. Individuals with conflicts of interest must be excluded from preparing the scientific content, and sponsors’ representatives may not participate in content development or teaching.
• The provider must confirm that the CPD program is non-promotional, and that any commercial supporter (if present) will have no role in the design or delivery of the program.

Obligations During Implementation

• Adhere to all regulations on commercial support and sponsorship, as well as to the rules on the activity booklet, website, and exhibition (if any).
• Record participant attendance, maintain attendance logs, and collect evaluation forms from participants.
• Once the accreditation certificate has been issued, the provider may use the official logo of the Egyptian Health Council on materials related to the activity, but no commercial logos may accompany it.
• The accreditation logo may only be used for the specific accredited activity and may not be transferred to any other events.

Obligations After Implementation

• Within 30 days of the event’s completion, the following documents must be submitted to the Egyptian Health Council:
• A copy of the official activity booklet.
• A list of participants with attendance records and email addresses.
• Copies of attendance certificates (aligned with the official Council template) for both participants and trainers. Additional certificates (e.g., certificates of appreciation) may be issued, provided no commercial logos are used.
• Evaluation forms completed by participants, including feedback on achievement of educational objectives.
• A minimum performance threshold of 75% of total CPD points must be achieved to qualify for certification.
• Certificates are awarded to participants who meet the performance and competency standards and successfully pass the evaluation criteria established by the provider.
• A summary report of the activity, highlighting any issues encountered during implementation, must be submitted.
• All related documentation must be retained for four years and made available to the Council upon request.

Conditions for Commercial Support and Sponsorship

• Educational materials, presenters, and content must be selected solely based on educational needs of dental professionals and must not be influenced by commercial sponsors.
• All educational materials must be free from advertising or bias toward any specific product, company, or treatment.
• Only scientific (generic) names, not trade names, may be used in educational materials and lectures.
• Content must present a balanced view of all treatment alternatives, not limited to a single commercial option.
• Sponsors may only be acknowledged for providing educational grants, without mentioning specific products or services.
• Information about sponsor-led satellite sessions (title, speakers, sponsors) must be listed in a separate section after the scientific program.
• All advertisements and exhibitor lists must be clearly separated from the educational content.
• If material support (e.g., tools, instruments, or supplies) is provided for workshops, participants must be informed of alternative equivalent tools available in the market.

• Conditions for the Activity Booklet
• Company names and advertisements must not appear alongside scientific or educational information.
• The booklet must have separate sections:
• One for scientific and educational content (welcome message, scope, committees, speakers, program).
• Another for logistics and sponsors (registration, website, sponsor list).
• Sponsor acknowledgments are limited to one page only.
• Commercial advertisements or logos must not appear within or adjacent to the Council’s accreditation statement or on the inner front pages of the booklet.
• Sponsor logos and names must not appear on the front cover.

• Conditions for the Event Website
• Industry names or logos must not appear alongside educational or scientific information.
• Sponsor logos, names, and ads must not appear on the homepage or pages containing scientific or professional content; they must be placed under a separate “Sponsors” tab.
• No commercial logos may appear near the Council’s accreditation statement.
• Conditions for Exhibitions
• If a CPD event includes a trade exhibition, it must not interfere with the educational components.
• Commercial representatives may not participate in promotional or sales activities during scientific sessions.
• Commercial banners or prizes must not be displayed within educational or training halls.
• Sponsors may announce their support in pre-event materials, which may include their logo.
• Advertising of equipment or supplies must not appear on or alongside any official written materials (e.g., preliminary/final programs, booklets, notifications).

• 1. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation Certificate issued by the service provider: - CPD certificates must include the following: Name of the trainee
• Name of the provider
• Program title, date, time, and venue
• Number of accredited CPD points
• Signatures of the course director and scientific supervisor
• Accreditation validity period and the Egyptian Health Council logo
• Accreditation number and total CPD points for participants and trainers
• Additional certificates (e.g., appreciation) may be issued with prior committee approval and without commercial logos.

1. Accreditation Certificate from an Entity or Institution to Provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programs issued by the Egyptian Health Council:

Must include:

• Name of the institution and its legal representative
• Title(s) of the accredited program(s)
• Accreditation number, validity date, and official Council logo

2. Trainer Accreditation Certificate for CPD Program issued by the Egyptian Health Council:
   Must include:

• Trainer’s name
• Affiliated accredited institution
• Accreditation validity date
• Trainer’s signature and Council logo
• The Egyptian Health Council may also issue an official training hours certificate for registered dentists upon request, listing their completed training activities to date.

• To ensure compliance with these rules and standards, the Committee or its delegates may randomly audit submitted CPD activity files, trainer accreditation records, or provider documentation without prior notice.
• The Committee has the right to:
• Interview applicants, trainers, or providers to verify data accuracy.
• Assign observers to attend activities.
• Use all necessary mechanisms to ensure proper review and evaluation.
• The Egyptian Health Council will also provide a service for responding to CPD-related inquiries through its official website.

• In cases of violations, the Egyptian Health Council has the right to suspend, cancel, or revoke the accreditation of any program, provider, or trainer involved in CPD activities that contravene these rules and standards.
  Further actions may include public disclosure of violations and sanctions on the Council’s official website and future ineligibility for accreditation.
• Providers may submit a written appeal within one month of notification of a violation.

Examples of Violations

• Submitting false or misleading information in the accreditation request.
• Violating rules related to the advertisement or planning of CPD activities.
• Issuing CPD certificates that do not meet accreditation requirements.
• Granting attendance certificates to individuals who did not attend.
• Failure to submit post-activity documentation within 30 days.

Complaints and appeals must be submitted in writing to the relevant subcommittee of the Council, signed by the complainant (participant, trainer, or provider) and supported with documentation. The committee will respond within one month of submission and issue a prompt decision on the matter.

Members of the Supreme Committee for Continuing Professional Development in Dentistry are prohibited, individually or collectively, from establishing, managing, or supervising any organization that provides training for CPD purposes.

- The fees specified in Article No. (38) of the Prime Minister's Decision No. (3798) of 2023, regarding the

issuance of the executive regulations of the law establishing and regulating the Egyptian Health Council

issued by Law No. (12) of 2022, are applied.

- Unless otherwise specified in the referenced decision, administrative expenses for the activities carried

out by the higher committee for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for dentistry are

determined as outlined in the attached table, by a decision of the board of directors, and subject to the

procedures prescribed in this regard.

- Fee schedules attached to the executive regulations of the law establishing and regulating the

Egyptian Health Council issued by Law No. 12 of 2022.

           The attached table specifies the administrative expenses for the activities performed by the committee:

▪ Fees for Accreditation of Continuing Health and Professional Training Programs:

• Professional Certificate Accreditation Fees:

 ▪ Accreditation Fees for Continuous Health and Professional Training Programs:  

▪ Fees for Accreditation of Training institution:

The board of directors may amend some provisions of these general rules and standards or add new provisions, if necessary, based on a recommendation proposed by the higher committee. This proposal shall be submitted and approved by the board of directors for approval of the amendment or addition.