About
College of General Dental Practitioners of Sri Lanka
Established in 1971, the College of General Dental Practitioners of Sri Lanka (CGDPSL) is the premier professional and academic institution dedicated to advancing the standards of general dental practice throughout Sri Lanka. For more than five decades, the College has remained committed to promoting excellence in clinical practice, lifelong professional development, academic achievement, and evidence-based dentistry. Through its educational initiatives and professional programs, CGDPSL continues to empower general dental practitioners and clinical auxiliary staff with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to deliver high-quality oral healthcare to communities across the country.
At the heart of the College’s mission is the continuous advancement of the dental profession. CGDPSL organizes a wide range of professional development activities, including hands-on clinical workshops, seminars, conferences, and specialized training programs designed to enhance the competence and confidence of dental practitioners. These educational opportunities ensure that members remain current with modern clinical techniques, emerging technologies, and international best practices while fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional excellence.
The College also plays a significant role in postgraduate education by conducting the prestigious Membership of the College of General Dental Practitioners (MCGDP) examination. This respected postgraduate qualification recognizes advanced clinical knowledge, professional competency, and commitment to excellence in general dental practice. In addition, CGDPSL actively collaborates with leading academic institutions, including the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), Sri Lanka, to facilitate postgraduate diploma programs, academic certifications, and structured educational pathways that support the continued growth of dental professionals.
Research and academic scholarship form another cornerstone of the College’s activities. CGDPSL actively encourages research in dentistry and allied health sciences while promoting evidence-based clinical practice. The College publishes the General Dental Practitioner Journal, its official academic publication, providing a valuable platform for original research, clinical case studies, reviews, and scholarly discussions that contribute to the advancement of oral healthcare knowledge both nationally and internationally.
To support its educational mission, the College continuously develops and maintains modern facilities, including dedicated training spaces, administrative offices, professional libraries, and educational resources that facilitate learning, collaboration, and professional networking. These facilities create an environment where practitioners can exchange knowledge, develop new skills, and strengthen professional relationships.
CGDPSL also believes that collaboration is essential for advancing healthcare standards. The College actively builds partnerships with professional organizations, academic institutions, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations both within Sri Lanka and internationally. These strategic collaborations enable knowledge sharing, joint educational initiatives, research opportunities, and the adoption of global best practices that benefit the entire dental community.
As an independent academic and professional institution, the College operates exclusively to promote education, research, and professional development. It is not a trade union and does not engage in union-related activities. All resources and initiatives are directed toward strengthening professional standards, improving clinical practice, and supporting the continuing education of dental practitioners. While the College provides comprehensive educational programs, postgraduate qualifications, and professional development opportunities, the statutory registration and regulation of dental practitioners in Sri Lanka remain the responsibility of the relevant regulatory authorities.
Today, the College of General Dental Practitioners of Sri Lanka continues to uphold its founding vision by inspiring excellence, advancing knowledge, and strengthening the future of general dental practice. Through education, research, collaboration, and professional leadership, CGDPSL remains dedicated to improving oral healthcare standards and serving as a trusted academic institution for generations of dental professionals.
Vision
To be the premier institute in Sri Lanka for advancing general dental practice through educational excellence, innovative research, and collaborative professional development.
Mission
To enhance the knowledge, skills, and research capability of General Dental Practitioners and auxiliary staff in Sri Lanka by providing quality educational programs, modern facilities, strategic collaborations, and postgraduate academic pathways.