Bachelor of Health Science in Dental Technology
Health Sciences and Social Services - Rehabilitative Health/Services
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dental Technology (BHSc in Dental Technology) is to produce a Dental Technologist who will be able to manufacture and repair dental prostheses and appliances. Learners will gain detailed knowledge of all four disciplines as required by the South African Dental Technician Council (SADTC) namely: Complete Removable Prosthodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, Removable Partial Prosthodontics and Complete Removable Prosthodontics, which promote an in-depth understanding of key concepts of the profession and also the application of principles and theories of Dental Technology. Qualifying learners will be holistic technologists, potential business owners and functioning professionals within the dental team. They will be able to communicate and collaborate in a meaningful and confident manner with other dental health professionals with regards to dentistry in general and will be equipped to engage in research within the field of applied dental technology and dental sciences.
Rationale:
There is a need for highly skilled dental technologists by the profession to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the SADTC. The SADTC stated that the industry requires a professional qualification equal to or higher than the Bachelor of Technology for the profession to develop its scientific, creative and technological base to serve the industry optimally. This qualification designed to educate and train competent, responsible and accountable Dental Technologists for the dental profession. The qualifying learner will be a professional person who can conduct his or her dental laboratory in any of the recognised disciplines with confidence and will be able to employ other Dental Technicians to work in these dental laboratories. This qualification will allow learners to register with the SADTC as Dental Technologists and register and own a dental laboratory. Workplace-based learning incorporated in this qualification in the third year and the final year will prepare learners for the real-life working environment. The new qualification will allow for greater flexibility of career advancement both vertically and horizontally, as dental technologists are directly involved with changes in technology and are therefore able to contribute to academic research. Academic progression through masters and doctoral degrees will allow for growth and development in the profession leading to evidence-based practice. Scientific growth will allow the profession to develop its knowledge base. The development of research activity in the field will allow for international collaborations, partnerships and reciprocity. Progress in research and applications in Dentistry necessitates parallel developments in academia to ensure service delivery is appropriate. Current research activities within the department of Dental Technology have identified further fields and opportunities for research which, when explored, will feedback into further development of the proposed Bachelor Degree. Established partnerships, linkages and other relevant arrangements with industry, other HEIs (nationally and internationally) to support the offering of this qualification will be pursued. The Department of Dental Sciences has a very close collaboration with another local institution. The proximity of the two facilities from a professional point of view and the interaction that already exists can only be extended to include research. Research supervision and examination collaboration already exists between these two institutions and strengthening this collaboration will be further pursued. Learners at the undergraduate level benefits from the clinical support regarding their case studies and case-based practical experience which is mutually beneficial.
Outcomes
- Analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair edentulous, removable metallic dental prostheses, fixed dental prostheses and partially edentulous removable non-metallic dental prostheses.
- Evaluate and recommend dental materials and equipment used for the fabrication of dental prostheses.
- Perform administration and management functions related to the dental laboratory.
- Communicate effectively using the appropriate registers with professional bodies, peers and all members of the dental team.
- Evaluate the legislative and ethical aspects of dental technology in South Africa and implement it appropriately in the dental laboratory.
- Manage the risk of occupational health hazards in dental laboratories.
- Design an appropriate research project based on sound and ethically responsible research methodology to solve and identify Dental Technology problems.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Analyse models and instructions received by a regulated dental practitioner to fabricate the appropriate dental prostheses.
- Apply dental technology skills and procedures to design and manufacture, edentulous, removable metallic dental prostheses, and partially edentulous removable non-metallic dental prostheses, within a dental laboratory setting, as prescribed by a regulated dental practitioner.
- Apply dental technology skills and procedures to modify and repair edentulous and partially edentulous removable non-metallic dental prostheses, within a dental laboratory setting, as prescribed by a regulated dental practitioner.
- Work independently in a self-directed manner working with edentulous and partially edentulous removable non-metallic dental prostheses.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Select and explain the appropriate materials to be used in the fabrication of the various dental prostheses.
- Explain the basic chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the various dental materials and how they are used in the fabrication of dental prosthetics.
- Select and demonstrate the appropriate equipment to use for the fabrication of various dental prostheses.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Evaluate and implement operational systems related to administration.
- Evaluate and explain systems in managing a dental laboratory related to human resources and the rights of employees.
- Explain the processes in keeping records and stock control within a dental laboratory.
- Apply sound knowledge of the prevailing labour legislation with special reference to employee and employer rights and obligations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Communicate ideas and offer creative insights effectively with other members of the dental team using appropriate terminology.
- Evaluate the appropriate methods and level of professionalism in communicating with professional bodies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Analyse and scrutinise the powers of the South African Dental Technicians Council and how this affects a laboratory owner.
- Explain the ethical implications with regards to the Act, such as the storing of unmounted artificial teeth.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Apply and analyse the Health and Safety procedures applicable to the dental environment.
- Identify, implement and control processes to minimise employee and own exposure to harmful substances and/or processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Review an academic journal paper in Dental Technology research.
- Identify and assess the key research methodology principles and activities appropriate to the study.
- Design a research proposal to solve a dental technology problem, using appropriate methods and sound ethical consideration.
Integrated Assessment
- Continuous assessment consisting of formative and summative assessment.
- Formative assessment aimed at enhancing learning and improving personal accountability and time management.
- Summative assessments at the end of each section of work/quarter.
- Pass mark of 50% required for all assessments.
- Internal and external moderation according to the provider's assessment policy.
- Assessment policy and practices promoting constructive alignment, learner-centred learning, and feedback to enhance engagement.
- Fair, reliable, and valid assessment practices in line with academic norms and standards.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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