Bachelor of Oral Health

The oral hygienist will be trained as a public health professional, health promoter, clinician and researcher to contribute to the promotion of oral health at an individual and population level.

In addition, this qualification will equip the hygienist as a multiskilled professional as 25% of the course credits can be selected in the faculties of Education, Health Sciences, Arts and Economics and Management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

1. Demonstrate communication, reading, academic writing, listening, problem-solving and basic computer literacy skills.
2. Make decisions based on a review of available evidence.

3.Understand and apply the principles of health promotion.

1. Understand that oral health is an integral component of the general, social and economic health of society.
2. Demonstrate a positive, consistent, informed behaviour towards the promotion and maintenance of oral health and prevention of illness at individual and population levels.
3. Demonstrate sound educational and communication skills in providing appropriate education to individuals and groups in a variety of settings.
4. Measure and record basic oral health levels in individuals and groups.
5. Design, implement, evaluate and manage oral health programmes within communities.
6. Integrate their knowledge and skills to function within a multi-disciplinary primary health care team.
7. Recognise and be able to manage certain oral diseases.
8. Demonstrate a practical understanding of epidemiology, biostatistics and research.
9. Do a research project, including a research protocol, research process and a report.
10. Provide basic oral health care and specialised care within the scope of the hygienist.
11. Perform clinical procedures according to the scope of a hygienist as defined by the HPCSA.
12. Be equipped to perform clinical procedures within a specialist practice e.g. orthodontics, periodontics, maxillo-facial surgery or prosthodontics.
13. Apply preventive procedures including dietary counselling to a range of patients including the medically compromised and disabled.
14. Be able to assist in general and specialist practices.
15. Make ethically informed decisions within their scope of practice.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate effective communication skills through reading, academic writing, listening, problem solving and basic computer literacy skills.
• Decisions are made based on a review of available evidence.
• The principles of health promotion are understood and applied.
• Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated to reflect the inter-relationship between oral health the general, social and economic health of society.
• Oral health and prevention of illness at individual and population levels are positively and consistently promoted and maintained through informed behaviour.
• Sound educational and communication skills are demonstrated in providing appropriate education to individuals and groups in a variety of settings.
• Basic oral health levels are measured and recorded in individuals and groups.
• Oral health programmes are designed, implemented, evaluated and managed within communities.
• Knowledge and skills to function within a multi-disciplinary primary health care team is demonstrated in an integrated way.
• Certain oral diseases are recognised and managed.
• Practical understanding of epidemiology, biostatistics and research are demonstrated practically.
• A research project is completed which includes a research protocol, research process and a report.
• Basic oral health care and specialised care are provided within the scope of the hygienist.
• Clinical procedures are performed in accordance with the scope of a hygienist as defined by the HPCSA.
• Ability is demonstrated to perform clinical procedures within a specialist practice e.g. orthodontics, periodontics, maxillo-facial surgery or prosthodontics.
• Preventive procedures including dietary counselling are applied to a range of patients including the medically compromised and disabled.
• The ability to assist in general and specialist practices are demonstrated.
• Ethically informed decisions are made within scope of practice.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

The assessment is integrated. It is expected of the candidate to examine and assess the oral health status of a wide spectrum of patients; to develop a comprehensive treatment plan; to implement the treatment plan and to be able to evaluate the outcome of the treatment.

A variety of assessment procedures will be used. These include the following

• Formal end of course assessment (summative).
• Continuing formal assessment (formative and summative).
• Continuing informal assessment (formative).

Assessment will be designed to monitor the learner's level of theoretical knowledge and critical thinking and the learner's practical skills and clinical reasoning.