University of Limpopo

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services

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Purpose and Rationale

Program Overview

Primary Purpose:
The Dentistry program aims to equip qualifiers with specialized knowledge, skills, and competence required for registration as Dentists with the Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. This program ensures that graduates meet all necessary requirements to practice dentistry professionally and ethically.

Subsidiary Purpose:
In addition to meeting individual qualification goals, the program also serves the broader objective of addressing South Africa's need for an ample supply of qualified Dentists. By producing competent and ethical professionals, the program contributes to fulfilling the country's healthcare demands in the field of dentistry.

By focusing on both individual career readiness and societal needs, the Dentistry program plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall dental healthcare landscape in South Africa.

Outcomes

  1. Know-how and be able to promote oral health and be competent to apply supportive methods of health education and communication skills.
  2. Know-how and be able to determine the prevalence of oral diseases and abnormalities and apply appropriate preventive strategies on both an individual and a community basis.
  3. Know-how and be competent to examine for and identify correctly all oral and dental diseases and abnormalities, the management of which falls within the permitted scope of practice of a Dentist.
  4. Know-how and be competent to recognise and refer clinical problems the management of which does not fall within the permitted scope of practice of a Dentist.
  5. Know-how and be competent to plan and implement the oral health services essential to the total care programme of the individual patient.
  6. Know-how and be competent to function within the structures of public Dentistry, and be able to function within the mission and mode of primary health care systems in the public health services in South Africa.
  7. Know-how and be competent to function within the private practice setting and understand the business, logistical and ergonomic principles of practice administration.
  8. Be able to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up to date techniques and procedures.
  9. Know the laws and ethical rules and regulations controlling the practice of the oral health professions in South Africa, with specific reference to the scope and nature of Dentistry as set out by the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
  10. Know how to engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

  1. Oral Health Programmes Support:

    • Support for oral health programmes.
    • Determination of prevalence of oral diseases and abnormalities.
    • Application of appropriate preventive strategies on individual and community basis.

  2. Examination of Oral and Dental Diseases:

    • Examination and identification of oral and dental diseases and abnormalities within the permitted scope of practice of a Dentist.
    • Identification and referral of clinical problems falling outside the Dentist's scope of practice to appropriate professionals.

  3. Planning and Implementation of Oral Health Services:

    • Planning and implementation of oral health services essential to the total care programme of individual patients.
    • Application of mission and mode of primary health care systems in the public health services in South Africa.

  4. Private Practice Administration:

    • Understanding of business, logistical, and ergonomic principles of private practice administration.

  5. Laws and Ethical Rules:

    • Knowledge and application of laws, ethical rules, and regulations controlling the practice of oral health professions in South Africa.
    • Specific reference to the scope and nature of dentistry as set out by the Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Types of Assessments:

    • Simulations.
    • Workplace assessments.
    • Achievement of minimum clinical procedures.
    • Portfolios.
    • Written and oral tests and examinations.

  • Progression Criteria:

    • Achievement of Exit-Level Outcomes before proceeding to the next year of study and training.
    • Assessment of clinical competence through a qualifier to ensure mastery of relevant procedures and techniques.
    • Knowledge assessment to test depth and width of knowledge.

These criteria ensure that students are adequately prepared and competent in their understanding and application of oral health practices before advancing to the next level of study and training.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of Limpopo
University of Limpopo
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Description
The University of Limpopo is a comprehensive university located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the University of the North and the Medical University of South Africa. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health sciences, natural and agricultural sciences, humanities, management sciences, and education. It is known for its commitment to providing quality education, conducting research that addresses societal challenges, and promoting community engagement. The University of Limpopo strives to produce graduates who are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole.
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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.