Bachelor of Dental Therapy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learner with the necessary scientific knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to be able to function as a practitioner in oral health care, independently and as a part of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. The practitioner will focus on the holistic care of clients, which ranges from prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health to the alleviation of oral abnormalities, pain and disease. The practitioner will be able to provide a service for individual clients as well as the broader public in both public and private sectors.

Although the sub-field indicated is that of curative health, the practitioner will also function in the sub-fields of preventive, Promotive and Rehabilitative Health, on primary, secondary and tertiary levels. On successful completion of this Qualification, the learner will be eligible for registration with the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner.

Rationale

Oral diseases are highly prevalent in South Africa and impact on the physical, social, psychological and economic well-being of individuals and communities. The oral disease profile, potential burden of oral diseases and the oral consequences of health problems all require intervention to be addressed at various levels such as promotion, prevention, therapeutic and curative, surgical and rehabilitative measures. The need for oral health care is required for individuals and communities across the social and economic spectrum, and this practitioner can provide care within the South African context that ranges from rural and disadvantaged communities to sophisticated, highly technological urban communities.

The South African community requires the services of practitioner who has the competence to provide cost-effective oral care within and beyond the traditional service modes. Furthermore, to produce competent practitioners who will take cognisance of, and be able to adapt to, the unique circumstances of a changing South Africa with emphasis on equity in health care. This qualification, which will address the oral disease burden, placed on the health care system, will be cost-effective and relevant in terms of meeting the human resource needs of our country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Recognition of Prior Learning may contribute to the achievement of this qualification. Portfolios of evidence, endorsed by previous mentors, education institutions or employers may be presented and may include learning outcomes achieved through formal learning or work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning may be awarded following the decision of the relevant provider an in agreement with the relevant Education Training Quality Assurer (ETQA).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

This qualification consists of the following Compulsory modules totalling 396 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits

• Integrated Clinical Dentistry, 12 Credits.
• Oral Health I, 28 Credits.
• Radiography I, 16 Credits.
• English for Health Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Behavioural Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Dental Public Health, 8 Credits.
• Anatomy, 8 Credits.
• Biology, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Microbiology, 4 Credits.
• Applied Oral Pathology, 4 Credits.
• Oral Biology 4 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 124 Credits

• Oral Health II, 64 Credits.
• Periodontology & Oral Medicine, 20 Credits.
• Radiography II, 8 Credits.
• Academic Skills II, 16 Credits.
• Applied Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
• Dental Public Health II, 4 Credits.
• Ethical Practice Management I, 4 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 152 Credits

• Operative Dentistry II, 56 Credits.
• Oral Medicine, 16 Credits.
• Exodontia, 20 Credits.
• Operative Dentistry I, 32 Credits.
• Radiography III, 12 Credits.
• Ethical Practice Management II, 8 Credits.
• Dental Public Health III, 8 Credits.

1. Impact the ability for self-directed learning and understanding that dental education is a life-long learning activity;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and insight into the environmental and social determinants of health and disease, and their relationship to development, as well as the biological rationale of oral health;
3. Communicate interpersonal relations and interactions with, and education for, individuals, families and communities, and other health workers;
4. Select appropriate interventions for the attainment and management of oral health on an equitable basis, and at the appropriate level of care, and based on sound scientific evidence;
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the effective mechanisms for the prevention of dental diseases at both individual and community levels, and at all levels of treatment;
6. Display technical skills for the recognition and provision of appropriate treatment procedures within the scope of their training and expertise;
7. Practice ethics in a variety of settings and societies with different value systems;
8. Manage, design, implement and evaluate oral health programmes for individuals and communities;
9. Participate in research in a variety of settings.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Communication and consultation skills are applied with relevant stakeholders within the community, health environment and other sectors to bring about change and improvement in the oral health and well-being of the community.
• Health promotion and communication skills are explained and utilised when interacting with individuals and communities.
• Risk assessments of individuals /groups which includes assessment of their knowledge, practices and attitudes, environmental and other risks impacting on oral health are carried out to inform appropriate health promotion strategies.
• Various dental treatment modalities are delivered within the scope of practice.
• A comprehensive clinical examination is followed by a diagnosis and the generation of a client-specific oral health care plan, which is based on current scientific information.
• Pain and anxiety are identified, and appropriate behavioural management strategies are applied.
• Range of therapeutic treatments includes amongst other applications of local anaesthesia.
• Clients requiring alternative methods of sedation are identified and referred to the relevant practitioner.
• Common complications associated with sedation of dental clients are identified, and signs and symptoms thereof are explained.
• Preventive care is provided to maintain the current oral health status and prevent the onset of oral disease.
• Range of preventive care includes but is not limited to regular oral health assessments, mechanical and chemical plaque control, fissure sealant application, fluoride therapy, management of dental hypersensitivity.
• Cleanliness of the oral clinical facility is maintained through adequate hygiene practices, management of professional equipment and instruments.
• Personal protective equipment is consistently used by clinical staff and supplied to clients when appropriate.
• Digital and analogue radiography is described, performed and interpreted within the scope of practice of an oral hygienist.
• Oral health and wellness as it pertains to the health of individuals, families and communities are assessed, analysed, described and promoted.
• Common oral diseases and conditions are described, and individual and population risk factors are identified.
• Range of risk factors includes diet, tobacco product use, poor personal oral hygiene.
• Oral health promotion strategies in a variety of settings are identified, described, applied and critically evaluated to address oral diseases and conditions and promote health-related quality of life.
• Epidemiological statistics are used to determine the oral health status of the target community.
• Ethical and legal responsibilities about oral health care practice are explained, evaluated and applied during all interactions with clients, colleagues and the community.
• All treatment is rendered in terms of the Bill of Rights and Client Charter, and client confidentiality is maintained throughout.
• All interactions with colleagues, clients and communities promote human dignity and indicate due sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, religious and gender diversity.
• The legal requirements governing the operation of private practice are explained and applied following the relevant legislation.
• Ethical and legal responsibilities about oral health care practice are explained, evaluated and applied during all interactions with clients, colleagues and the community.
• Personal work plans and for practice protocols for all personnel within the practice are explained.
• Booking registers and client records are maintained in a manner that ensures client confidentiality and efficiency of the practice.
• The preventive, therapeutic and assisting roles of general dental practice are explained with examples.
• Clients are educated and informed about various treatment options in different speciality areas.
• Prescriptions for advanced clinical procedures from dentists are carried out following the terms of the scope of practice of the dental therapist.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessment strategies are used throughout the qualification to ensure that all outcomes are met. The following tools utilised in formative assessment may include, amongst others, Tests; Written and practical assignments; Practical assessments in, for example, clinical/client examination, health promotion; Literature reviews; Case Studies; Class presentations; Seminars; Peer evaluations; Simulations in structured learning environments; Learning portfolios as well as Problem based cases. Tools for summative assessment may include, Written examinations; Oral examinations; Practical examinations; Supervisor reports on clinical cases as well as Objective Simulated Clinical Evaluation Scenarios (OSCEs).