Bachelor of Health Sciences 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

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

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners will be admitted into the qualification with credit given to prior learning which will be assessed as per university's policy. Candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for the qualification is

• National Senior Certificate granting access to bachelor studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelors' studies.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling, 492 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Principles and Practices of Dental Technology I, 32 Credits.
• Dental Materials Science I, 12 Credits.
• Physics, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Community Health Care I, 12 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 5, 92.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Introduction to Oral Anatomy, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Tooth Morphology, 16 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Orthodontics II, 24 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Crown and Bridge II, 16 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Dental Technology II Prosthetics II, 20 Credits.
• Dental Materials Science II, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Knowledge of Anatomy and Morphology, 8 Credits.
• Dental Law and Ethics, 16 Credits.
• Community Health Care II, 12 Credits.
• Community Health Care III, 12 Credits.

Total Compulsory Credits at NQF Level 6, 156.

Electives Modules (choose one)

• Community Engagement, 8 Credits.
• Equality and Diversity, 8 Credits.
• World of Work, 8 Credits.
• Values in the Workplace, 8 Credits.
• Law of Life, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Technopreneurship, 8 Credits.

Total Elective Credits at NQF Level 6, 8.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Advanced Removable Prosthodontics I, 24 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Crown and Bridge III, 16 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Orthodontics III, 12 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of D Prosthetics III, 12 Credits.
• Dental Materials Science III, 16 Credits.
• Health Business Studies I, 12 Credits.
• Research Methods and Techniques I, 16 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7, 108.

Modules at NQF Level 8

• Advanced Removable Prosthodontics II, 20 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Prosthetics IV, 16 Credits.
• Principles and Practices of Crown and Bridge IV, 24 Credits.
• Dental Materials Science IV, 12 Credits.
• Dental Laboratory Practice, 16 Credits.
• Community Health Care IV, 12 Credits.
• Health Business Studies II, 12 Credits.
• Research Methods and Techniques II, 16 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 8, 128.

Total Credits for the Qualification, 492.

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.

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 an innovative way appropriate to specialised 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 is 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 conceptualised 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 so as to gain an overall understanding of the working environment.