Diploma in Dental Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma in Dental Technology 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.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with detailed knowledge of the main disciplines, including an understanding of and an ability to apply key terms, concepts, facts, principles and theories of dental technology.

The qualification will focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of oral health care in dental technology, thus improving the oral health of South African society.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will

• Have the skills to do the practical aspects of dental technology under supervision from the dental laboratory owner. >Be able to fabricate custom-made dental prostheses as part of the dental team.
• Function productively within the dental team and have broad basic competencies in dental technology.

This qualification will prepare learners with the required manual dexterity (practice-based) skills as well as expose them to the latest technologies in dental technology.

Rationale

The shortage of dentists in South Africa is being addressed and will thus create a need for more than the current intake of dental technology learners. Furthermore, it addresses the needs of the dental profession for qualified dental technicians with relevant qualifications that are recognised both nationally and internationally.

This qualification was derived after an extensive consultation process with the profession conducted by the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC). The result of the process was a Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) document* produced by the SADTC in collaboration with the professional body, The South African Dental Technology Association and other stakeholders involved with the education and training of dental technicians and technologists.

This qualification prepares learners for a career in the field of Dental Technology as there are 3 types of registrations with the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC): namely; Dental Technician, Dental Technologist and Clinical Dental Technologist. This qualification, therefore, allows for the registration as a Dental Technician which will provide for the needs within the profession for the training of dental technicians to meet the legislative requirements of the SADTC as well as the operational needs of the profession.

The typical range of learners include matriculants and unqualified persons previously employed by dental laboratories as laboratory assistants. Admission numbers will initially be limited due to the restrictions by the SADTC.

Constant engagement with the profession and current commercial dental laboratories are critical to ensure that a memorandum of understanding will be put in place to secure an increased availability of commercial dental laboratories to accommodate learners for industry exposure.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements.

The academic department applies the RPL process in line with the institution's Policy.

Through the RPL process, applicants may be obtaining

• Access to the qualification.
• Credits and module exemptions.
• Advanced standing as described in the institutional guidelines.

RPL for access

• RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to the qualification.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
• Advanced standing may be granted.

RPL for credits.

• Recognition of Prior Learning learners must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institution's RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate or an equivalent, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

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

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits

• Dental Technology 1, 25 Credits.
• Applied Dental Technology 1, 35 Credits.
• Dental Materials 1, 15 Credits.
• Oral Anatomy 1, 15 Credits.
• Tooth Morphology and Introduction to Fixed Prosthetics, 20 Credits.
• Communications, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits

• Dental Technology 2, 25 Credits.
• Applied Dental Technology 2, 35 Credits.
• Dental Materials 2, 15 Credits.
• Dental Law and Business Orientation, 15 Credits.
• Dental Laboratory Practice 1, 30 Credits.
• Dental Laboratory Practice 2, 35 Credits
• Dental Technology 3, 45 Credits.
• Applied Dental Technology 3, 40 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of designing, constructing and repairing dental prostheses and apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Dental Technology to the work environment and knowledge of Dentistry.
2. Identify and understand dental materials and metallurgy, and correct application and behaviour in relation to their chemical and physical properties.
3. Apply knowledge of the anatomical structure of the human head and neck and how tooth morphology and the mandible translate into biomechanical movement.
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the control of a dental laboratory and the maintenance and care of equipment.
5. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with other members of the oral health team.
6. Inculcate the principles of professional and ethical conduct in all aspects of dental technology in South Africa.
7. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the prevailing labour legislation with special reference to employee rights and obligations.
8. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of occupational health hazards in dental laboratories as well as the precautions to be introduced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply dental technology skills and procedures to analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair dental prostheses related to all four disciplines of Dental Technology.
• Accurately analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair orthodontic and other related appliances.
• Work effectively in a team and independently in a self-directed manner with edentulous and partially edentulous removable non-metallic dental prostheses.
• Impact the ability for self-directed learning and understanding that dental education is a life-long learning activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate, select, and apply the appropriate materials used in the fabrication of the various dental prostheses.
• Explain the basic chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the various dental materials correctly

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Examine and apply various anatomical terminologies and concepts relevant to Dental Technology.
• Identify and explain the structural and functional features of the cranium and oral cavity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Operate the equipment and instruments correctly during the process of fabrication of all dental prostheses.
• Apply administrative computer skills to fulfil the basic administrative functions such as quotations, stock control and invoicing of completed work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Execute the theoretical and practical knowledge of the basic principles of communication.
• Explain and apply the interrelatedness of communication systems, hierarchical structures, forms of address and means of communication in organizational communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Evaluate and apply the legislative, ethical aspects and regulatory requirements of dental technology in South Africa.
• Adhere to the South African Dental Technicians Council guidelines for the Dental Technology profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Analyse and apply the basic conditions of employment to empower themselves within their work environment.
• Discuss the implications and apply decisions and actions affecting the Dental Technology profession by using knowledge obtained from different acts inferred in Jurisprudence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Evaluate, select, and apply the Health and Safety procedures applicable to the Dental environment.
• Produce evidence of understanding the Occupational Health and Safety regulations according to the ethical and professional standards expected in the dental technology profession.