Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dental Technology

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification in Dental Technology

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a learner who is competent in knowledge; attitudes, insight and skills required for the Dental Technology profession. The qualifying learner will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills. The qualification will produce a well-rounded learner who will be capable of practicing as a dental technologist, developing and managing a laboratory or providing services as a private practitioner. The learner will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams and be able to move the profession forward. The qualifying leaner will be able to:

  1. Demonstrates effective communication skills and applies the principles of professional behaviour in the context of the legal framework within which a dental technologist operates while maintaining personal health, wellness and safety.

  2. Independently assesses, prescribes, practices, supervises, evaluates and facilitates the provision of dental technology utilising specialised strategies and technologies.

  3. Demonstrates an understanding of the management, structure and function of the dental technology sector in South Africa and provide operational and practical versions within a dental technology environment.

  4. Be a reflective technologist and lifelong learner within the dental technology profession and be able to transform health sector environments.

Rationale:

The new qualification in Dental Technology is designed to provide students with discipline specific competencies as well as general education, management and research skills. The qualification will address the following issues that were highlighted by the industry and the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC). There is a need for highly skilled Dental Technologists, according to the industry, in order 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 that of the current Bachelor of Technology in order for the profession to develop its scientific, creative and technological base to serve the industry optimally. This proposed qualification is in alignment with the Education Committee proposal of SADTC 2012. 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 in a position to contribute to academic research.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrates effective communication skills and applies the principles of professional behaviour in the context of the legal framework within which a dental technologist operates while maintaining personal health, wellness and safety.
  2. Independently assesses, prescribes, practices, supervises, evaluates and facilitates the provision of dental technology utilising specialised strategies and technologies.
  3. Demonstrates an understanding of the management, structure and function of the dental technology sector in South Africa and provide operational and practical versions within a dental technology environment.
  4. Be a reflective technologist and lifelong learner within the dental technology profession and be able to transform health sector environments.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

  • Professional conduct, behaviour, and attitudes in all academic and laboratory settings are applied.
  • Optimal expertise and knowledge in fundamental and core modules are demonstrated.
  • Ability to demonstrate independence while ensuring safety of self and others is shown.
  • Awareness of the consequences of his or her decisions and actions is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

  • Techniques, processes, systems, or technologies are applied and transferred in an original, creative, and innovative way appropriate to specialized and complex contexts within the health sciences environment and develop new methods, where appropriate.
  • Specialist knowledge and theory are applied in critically reflexive, creative, and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the health sciences environment.
  • Competence in all applications is demonstrated.
  • In-service education and training in dental technology is conducted.
  • Management, education, and research skills are applied during independent practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

  • An understanding of the management, structure, and function of dental technology in South Africa is demonstrated.
  • Operational and practical supervision within a dental technology environment is provided.
  • Skills and capacity for quality assurance in a dental technology environment are shown.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

  • Research skills are developed, and research in dental technology and in a multidisciplinary health sector environment is conducted.
  • Knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of the field is demonstrated.
  • New research initiatives are conceptualized, and new knowledge or practice in dental technology is created.
  • Research leadership is demonstrated, and management of research and research development is conducted in an ethical and accountable manner in Health Sciences.

Integrated Assessment

  • Exit Level Outcomes will be addressed in the assessments.
  • Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values shown in the qualification will be integrated.
  • Assessment of fundamentals will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects - e.g. theory and integrated learning.
  • A variety of assessment methods will be used; however, the assessment tools and activities will be appropriate to the context in which the student will work after graduating.
  • The term 'Integrated Assessment' refers to the theoretical and practical components being assessed together.
  • During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods - where formative feedback will be provided to the student to enable students to improve their work prior to the summative assessment taking place.
  • Continuous assessment will be provided and may include some of the following:
    • Portfolios
    • Simulations
    • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks/logbooks
    • Written assignments
    • Written tests
    • Case studies and case presentations
    • Problem-based assessments
    • Peer group projects and assignments
    • Oral presentations
    • Competency assessment of clinical skills
    • Face-to-face contact with students
  • Learners will be expected to participate in experiential training to gain an overall understanding of the working environment.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
492
SAQA Source
More Information

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Durban University of Technology
Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

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.