Bachelor of Oral Hygiene
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the 3-year qualification is to ensure that students are prepared with sound theoretical knowledge in the scope of oral hygiene practice in South Africa, integrating this knowledge into clinical and community interventions. The qualification aims to develop cognitive, technological, and scientific enquiry capacity, as well as management skills appropriate to the field of oral health. Upon completion, students should be able to promote oral health and general well-being in individuals, families, and communities through evidence-based practices. The focus is on oral health promotion and prevention at a primary health care level within a multidisciplinary approach.
Skills and Other Attributes:
After graduation, students will be equipped with the necessary skills to analyze data, form oral health concepts, solve clinical problems, and promote oral health effectively. They will also have the ability to communicate with patients, work in a team, use technology, and manage resources efficiently.
Rationale:
The burden of preventable oral health diseases in South Africa necessitates strategies and interventions at various levels to address the oral health profile and its impact. The oral hygienist plays a crucial role in preventive and promotive oral health services across different settings, complementing the primary curative services provided by dental therapists. The expansion of the scope of oral hygiene practice in South Africa led to the development of this 3-year degree to ensure adequate clinical competence and skills development over a sustained period. The qualification aims to prepare students to work in diverse settings, from disadvantaged communities to high-tech clinical environments.
Learner Profile:
The typical learner profile for this qualification includes individuals dedicated to providing oral health care across all life stages with a focus on primary prevention and understanding systemic influences on oral diseases. Qualified oral hygienists will have opportunities in various sectors such as dental practices, academia, research organizations, and public health, with the potential for independent practice. Completion of this qualification may also open doors for pursuing postgraduate studies or branching into related disciplines.
Contribution to NQF Objectives:
This qualification aligns with the National Qualifications Framework objectives by expanding the framework to accommodate the needs of the profession and potential learners. It aims to facilitate access to various career paths while addressing societal needs and contributing to economic growth. The support from relevant stakeholders and approval from the Minister of Health reinforce the need for extended training to develop the required clinical and management competencies for independent practice.
Overall, the 3-year Degree in Oral Hygiene aims to produce competent oral health professionals equipped to address the oral health challenges in South Africa through a strong focus on prevention, promotion, and evidence-driven practices.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate personal, professional and ethical conduct and social responsibilities according to national regulations, codes and guidelines.
- Apply practice management principles in a clinical oral health care environment and demonstrate an ability to efficiently manage and administer all components of a professional practice.
- Understand infection control and apply universal precautions to avoid cross infection and maintain health and safety standards.
- Understand and apply health promotion theory and practice, based on current evidence to prevent diseases and promote health and oral health at a public health and individual patient care level, through the development of integrated oral health promotion programmes and interventions.
- Select and implement health education strategies at individual and community/group level, through the development of appropriate information, communication and educational initiatives on oral health care.
- Explain and apply preventive interventions relevant to the scope of practice.
- Explain, assess and apply therapeutic and cosmetic interventions relevant to the scope of practice.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of therapeutic and other duties, relevant to the scope of practice, within the dental specialties. The range includes but is not limited to general dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxilla-facial surgery, periodontics and paedodontics.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding to conduct a basic research project in the field of oral health.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 1:
- Understand the rules and regulations governing the scope of oral hygiene practice in South Africa.
- Apply the rules and regulations in line with the ethical code of conduct as stipulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
- Reflect professionalism through appearance, personal hygiene, and chair-side environment.
- Establish a caring attitude in the operator-patient relationship.
- Treat patients and staff with respect, dignity, and empathy regardless of their demographic profile.
- Recognize and appreciate multiculturalism and diversity in interactions with patients and communities.
- Ensure effective communication with stakeholders, patients, and community members.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 2:
- Understand dynamics in practice management.
- Explain operational skills in practice management.
- Identify roles and responsibilities of various staff.
- Manage billing, receiving, and accounting for revenue, journal transactions.
- Manage stress and handle conflict effectively.
- Understand malpractice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate knowledge of infection control principles and methods in the dental surgery.
- Apply optimal infection control practices and instruments used in the dental clinic.
- Practice infection control measures such as using Personal Protective Equipment, disinfectants, and sterilization methods.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 4:
- Conduct a needs analysis.
- Communicate with relevant stakeholders.
- Collaborate and form partnerships with stakeholders.
- Develop an intervention program in response to local needs.
- Identify resource needs.
- Implement an integrated program within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Identify and address barriers in the process.
- Monitor and evaluate the program.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 5:
- Select an appropriate health education strategy.
- Use educational aids effectively.
- Communicate efficiently.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of educational aids.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 6:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the application of fluoride topical gels, varnishes, fissure sealants.
- Provide post-operative instructions and patient counseling.
- Conduct thorough assessments and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Utilize various instruments and equipment in a dental practice.
- Provide bacterial plaque control programs and nutritional counseling.
- Offer smoking cessation counseling and referrals.
- Apply remineralizing agents, pit and fissure sealants, and manage dental hypersensitivity.
- Implement preventive care for patients with special needs.
- Maintain clinical asepsis and provide health counseling on oral appliance cleaning.
- Evaluate oral appliances/prostheses for referrals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 7:
- Perform therapeutic procedures including scaling, polishing, root planning, and restorations.
- Monitor wound healing and splint periodontal teeth.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill in cosmetic procedures like bleaching.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 8:
- Conduct clinical case presentations including taking medical, dental, and social histories.
- Formulate and explain treatment plans.
- Administer Local Anesthetic correctly.
- Take impressions and casts for orthodontic purposes.
- Place brackets, bands, and restorations.
- Perform tooth whitening/bleaching procedures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 9:
- Engage in critical review of literature.
- Develop research proposals with systematic approaches.
- Demonstrate critical reading and academic writing skills.
- Assess and apply relevant scientific information.
Integrated Assessment:
- Align assessment practices with the institution's Policy on Assessment.
- Use formative and summative assessment strategies.
- Employ various assessment tools including tests, assignments, portfolios, case studies, presentations, simulations, and examinations.
- Ensure integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes across assessments.
- Focus on application of learning rather than recall of information.
- Use a variety of assessment criteria aligned with learning outcomes to assess student competency.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.