Diploma in Dental Technology

Purpose

The qualification prepares learners for a career in the field of Dental Technology and training them to be Dental Technicians. Learners will have knowledge of Dental prostheses such as caps, crowns, bridges, dentures, splints and orthodontic appliances. They will be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of designing, constructing and repairing dental prostheses, including an understanding of and an ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Dental Technology to the work environment and knowledge of Dentistry. The learner will be an educated and trained, competent, responsible and accountable dental technician for the dental profession who will be employed primarily in any dental laboratories worldwide. In doing so, not only is the patients' health needs looked after, but their self-esteem is restored and maintained as well as the ability to be active participants in the economy.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to educate and train competent, responsible and accountable dental technicians for the dental profession who will be employed primarily in dental laboratories under the supervision of dental technologists as well as in related areas. Dental technicians conserve and maintain remaining oral structures and restore oral function such as mastication and speech. There is a high level of technical dexterity needed in this discipline, however during the formal training of the dental technician there is a huge emphasis placed on both the theoretical and practical side of the training, as well as the integration of knowledge and skills. The qualification further addresses the needs of the dental profession for qualified dental technicians with relevant qualifications that are recognised both nationally and internationally. This is especially important as dental technicians are to become globally competitive since South Africa is part of the global world.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, L5, 120 Credits

• Dental Material Science, 12 Credits.
• Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Applied Dental Technology I, 24 Credits.
• Oral Anatomy and Tooth Morphology I, 6 Credits.
• Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
• Life Skills, 2 Credits.
• Quality systems I, 6 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Dental Technology I, 24 Credits.
• Dental Laboratory Management I, 12 Credits.
• Dental Technology Theory I, 12 Credits.
• Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits

• Dental Laboratory Management II, 12 Credits.
• Dental Technology Theory II, 15 Credits.
• Dental Material Science II, 15 Credits.
• Applied Dental Technology I, 24 Credits.
• Jurisprudence, 15 Credits.
• WIL in Dental Technology II, 24 Credits.
• Quality management II, 15 Credits.
• Dental Material Science 1, 24 Credits.
• Quality management II, 12 Credits.
• Dental Material Science III, 15 Credits.
• Dental Technology Theory III, 15 Credits.
• Dental Laboratory Management III, 18 Credits.
• Business Practice I, 12 Credits.
• WIL in Dental Technology III, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of designing, constructing and repairing dental prostheses, including an understanding of and an ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Dental Technology to work environment and knowledge of Dentistry.
2. Demonstrate an ability to efficiently and diligently evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques by using knowledge of Applied Dental Technology, Dental Technology Theory, Dental Materials Sciences, Oral Anatomy and Tooth morphology within the Dental Technology environment.
3. Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse, identify, and solve unusual patient problems, gathering evidence using Applied Dental Technology, Dental Technology Theory, Dental Materials Sciences, Oral Anatomy and Tooth morphology and communicating it to the oral Health team and accountably apply solutions based on evidence gathered by following procedures appropriate to the Dental Technology field.
4. Demonstrate, understand and interpret the ethical and legislative implications and apply decisions and actions affecting the Dental Technology profession by using knowledge obtained from different acts inferred in Jurisprudence.
5. Demonstrate an ability to analytically evaluate and Interpret different sources of information in Applied Dental Technology using knowledge of Dental Technology Theory, Dental Materials Sciences, Oral Anatomy and Tooth morphology and ethically select information appropriate to the task, by applying well-developed processes.
6. Demonstrate an ability to reliably and coherently present and communicate appropriate academic and professional technologies using presentation and communication skills at dental technology conventions.
7. Demonstrate an ability to make decisions and act appropriately in familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and of how actions, ideas or developments in one system impact on other systems by using knowledge gained in Jurisprudence, Laboratory management and Business Practice.
8. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate Dental Technicians' performance as stipulated by South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC) and accurately identify and address his or her task-specific learning needs by continuously attending appropriate training and workshops which provide for compulsory Continuous Professional Development credits (CPD), and to provide support to the learning needs of the oral health team and others within the Dental Technology field.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes

• Health and safety awareness is applied appropriately.
• Current clinical dental terminology is understood.
• Planning is done effectively under supervision.

> Appropriate equipment is operated properly.

> Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.

> Appropriate models are articulated correctly.

> Appropriate models are surveyed correctly.

• Metal frameworks are designed and waxed up correctly.
• Backings and occlusal restorations are constructed correctly.
• Sprueing, investing, casting, soldiering, welding, finishing and polishing are done correctly.
• Metal frameworks are electroplated correctly.
• Artificial teeth are arranged onto the metal framework effectively.
• Prostheses are repaired correctly.

> Additions to prostheses are made correctly.

> Artificial tooth repair materials are manipulated and applied correctly.

> Health and safety awareness is applied appropriately.

> Current clinical dental terminology is understood.

> Planning is done effectively under supervision.

• Diagnostic models are produced correctly.
• Working models are produced correctly.
• Articulation is done correctly.
• Metal single crowns/inlays are produced correctly.
• Intra-coronal restorations are produced correctly.
• Full metal multiple crowns/finishing are produced correctly.
• Full metal restorations are finished and polished correctly.
• Single unit substructures are produced correctly.
• Multiple unit substructures are produced correctly.
• Metal substructures are prepared correctly.
• Tooth shading is determined correctly.
• Soldering is done correctly.
• Aesthetic materials is applied, finished and polished correctly.
• Fixed prostheses are repaired effectively.

> Metals, solders and artificial tooth materials are manipulated and applied correctly.

• Health and safety awareness is applied appropriately.

> Current clinical dental terminology is understood.

> Planning is done effectively under supervision.

• Diagnostic models are produced correctly.
• Working models are produced correctly.
• Articulation is done correctly.
• Passive materials are selected and manipulated correctly.
• Active appliances are produced correctly.
• Basic functional appliances are produced correctly.
• Habit preventers are produced correctly.
• Space maintainers are produced correctly.
• Occlusal guards are produced correctly.
• Soldering is done correctly.
• Welding is done correctly.
• Orthodontic and dental orthopaedic appliances are repaired correctly.

> Orthodontic repair materials are manipulated and applied correctly.

• Fundamental and applied physics and chemistry are understood.

> Appropriate dental materials are selected for the prescription.

• Gypsum is manipulated and applied correctly.

> Impression materials, separating media, denture base materials, impression tray materials, waxes, repair materials, cutting, abrasion and polishing materials, dental solders and dental ceramics and other tooth colour restorative materials are manipulated and applied correctly.

• Clinical terminology is understood.

> Knowledge of histology, tissues, human skull, oral cavity, muscles of the head and neck, oral the mucosa, anatomical changes with loss of teeth tongue, lip and cheek systems, tempera mandibular joint salivary glands, periodontium, jaws, tooth nomenclature and nerves and blood supply is demonstrated.

• Ability to identify the different teeth in the permanent and deciduous dentition correctly.
• Ability to draw to scale all the different teeth in the permanent dentition correctly.
• Ability to carve in wax and to scale the different teeth in the permanent dentition correctly.
• Knowledge of ideal and natural occlusion demonstrated.
• Administration systems are understood and maintained.

> Financial, Operating, Marketing, Procurement, Loss control and Computer systems are understood and maintained.

• Time is effectively planned and managed.
• Knowledge of the characteristics of informal research is demonstrated.

> The difference between formal and informal research is explained.

> Information regarding specific topics can be gathered from a variety of sources.

> Knowledge from different sources is synthesised.

• Confidence in speaking is demonstrated.

> Fluency in current dental terminology is demonstrated.

> Integrated writing, reading, and interpersonal skills are demonstrated.

• Laboratory prescription and instruction cards are used effectively.
• Appropriate and effective body language is displayed.
• Conflict resolution skills are demonstrated.

> Dynamics of negotiations are understood and demonstrated.

> Knowledge of intercultural communication is applied.

> Moral standards and code of conduct are adhered to.

• Dental Technicians Amendment Act (Act 43 of 1997) and regulations are understood and applied.

> Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1983) is understood and applied.

> Basic conditions of Employment Act (Act 3 of 1983) is understood and applied.

> Labour Relations Act (Act 28 of 1956) is understood and applied.

> Manpower Training Act (Act 56 of 1981) is understood and applied.

> Employment Insurance Act (Act 130 of 1993) is understood and applied.

• Bill of rights is understood.

> Unemployment Insurance Funds Act is understood and applied.

> Equity Act is understood and interpreted correctly.

> Labour Relations Act understood correctly.

> Personal Taxation understood.

> Contracts Law understood.

> Manpower Training Act (Act 56 of 1981) is applied and understood correctly.

• Occupational Health and Safety Act is understood and applied correctly.

> Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 is understood and applied correctly.

> A valid first aid certificate is issued by one of the recognised providers.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual Formative Assessment is done so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative Assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

An approved institution, in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall determine at what stage and for what period a learner dental technician must undergo Practical Laboratory Exposure. (Currently thirty days per year) Practical Laboratory Exposure means training that exposes a learner to the laboratory in order that such a learner gains insight into the operations of and is exposed to the various tasks normally performed in such a laboratory and includes the active involvement of such work. A learner may not do Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in a workplace without the institution's approval. An approval will not be issued unless the institution is satisfied that proper practical training will be conducted at such a registered laboratory. An approved institution, in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall ensure that the proficiency acquired through practical laboratory exposure and other practical work, together with academic training, is sufficient for a student dental technician to be employed as a dental technician.