Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry qualification is to prepare dentists as specialists in the field of Paediatric Dentistry. This qualification will equip the learners with knowledge, skills and dispositions that are on par with international standards, the outcome being improved paediatric patient care through diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of oral disease. The qualification will hone critical thinking skills to encourage self-development and ensure lifelong learning. The intention is to register this qualification as a specialist qualification with the HPCSA after CHE accreditation. Successful completion of this qualification will therefore enable the learner to register as a specialist in Paediatric Dentistry.

Upon completion of this qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to

• Critically diagnose, analyse and interpret paediatric dentistry cases in a reflective way
• Critically apply select, perform behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment in a reflective way.
• Demonstrate competence to evaluate the appropriateness of laser therapy in patient management.
• Evaluate trauma cases and demonstrate competence to manage paediatric dental trauma comprehensively.
• Demonstrate competence to identify, evaluate and manage paediatric oral pathology and oral medicine cases in a holistic, integrated and reflective way.

Rationale

Specialist qualifications in other disciplines in dentistry are already being offered by this institution. Paediatric Dentistry is, however, currently not offered as a specialisation in South Africa, yet it is established as a specialist field internationally in the UK, US, Australia and other countries like Kenya. With the high caries prevalence in South Africa, especially among children, emphasis needs to be placed on the prevention of caries as well as reducing the existing burden of disease. In 2018, nearly 6,000 teeth were extracted in children younger than 6 years under local anaesthesia alone. At the end of 2018, the waiting list for children requiring dental treatment under general anaesthesia was 219. More children are added to this is daily, as provision is made for treatment of emergency pain and sepsis, which clearly highlights the demand for this specialist qualification.

By focusing on children, a career-free future is possible for the generations that follow and will result in considerable cost savings. At present, resources are spent on expensive general anaesthesia and sedation services to cater for the relief of pain and sepsis in children less than six years old. With a greater focus on current social injustices within the Healthcare system, it is intended that this specialist degree will be able to provide some much-needed redistribution of vital services for the paediatric patient within the community-based setting. Not only will this have benefits for patient care and quality of life, but it will also improve the impact that Dentistry can (and should) have in the community at large.

By improving the oral health of the population, this qualification will provide benefits for society in the form of greater equity in social justice for patients in need of dental treatment, as well as for the economy by decreasing the cost to the state and reducing more invasive and advanced treatments with earlier intervention. The explicit desire and intent of the master's programme include a module which is solely built on the premise of fostering a spirit of service delivery in the form of Community Outreach, where dental services are in high demand.

The ethos of transformative education will be well integrated within the design of this programme, with the intent of creating agents of change within the graduates who can take their knowledge and skills to their communities to effect maximum contribution.

The situation of this qualification within the community is a clear signal of how the Paediatric Dentistry Department recognises the need for learners to embed themselves and be of use within the South African context of Dental Healthcare.

This institution is the only original institution in South Africa to offer an existing master's programme and hence is ideally situated to extend this into a recognised and accredited specialist programme (MDent). The institution's Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, endeavours to act in consultation and collaboration with dental faculties from other universities in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• 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 formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
• For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Dental Sciences, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dental Technology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry, NQF Level 8.

And

• At least two years' clinical experience in treating paediatric patients would be required.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 550 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level, 550 Credits.

• Introduction to Paediatric Dentistry, 60 Credits.
• Anatomy, 15 Credits.
• Physiology, 15 Credits.
• Paediatric Dentistry II, 70 Credits.
• Oral Biology, 15 Credits.
• Research Methods, 20 Credits.
• Interceptive Orthodontics I, 10 Credits.
• Oral Pathology, 15 Credits.
• Paediatric Dentistry III, 80 Credits.
• Interceptive Orthodontics II, 10 Credits.
• Dentistry Mini-Thesis, 70 Credits.
• Dentistry Mini-Thesis, 70 Credits.
• Comprehensive paediatric patient care, 70 Credits.
• Community engagement, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence to critically diagnose, analyse and reflectively interpret paediatric dentistry cases.
2. Demonstrate competence to critically apply select, perform behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment in a reflective way.
3. Critically diagnose paediatric dentistry cases.
4. Apply behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment.
5. Evaluate and critically diagnose paediatric dentistry cases in a reflective manner.
6. Demonstrate application of behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment.
7. Critically evaluate paediatric cases to be able to make a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan
8. Evaluate clinical situations and understand which behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment would apply.
9. Identify the relevant issues regarding aspects of guardianship and consent when diagnosing paediatric dentistry cases
10. Identify the ethical issues associated with the application of behavioural management techniques as well as the overall management of the child patient.
11. Understand the importance of good record keeping when diagnosing paediatric dentistry cases.
12. Demonstrated the ability to communicate with all relevant stakeholders.
13. Demonstrate competence to critically diagnose, analyse and interpret paediatric dentistry cases in a reflective way and adjust treatment where needed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Critically diagnose paediatric cases in a reflective way
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
• Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
• Interpret the history of pain and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
• Apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases reflectively.
• Apply the principles of restorative treatment reflectively.
• Select the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Critically diagnose and evaluate paediatric cases reflectively.
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
• Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
• Interpret and apply the history of pain to clinical diagnosis.
• Use of appropriate diagnostic tools to aid diagnosis and treatment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
• Critically apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases reflectively.
• Critically apply the principles of restorative treatment.
• Select and justify the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Critically reflectively diagnose paediatric cases.
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
• Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
• Interpret the history of pain and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

• Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
• Apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases in a reflective way
• Apply the principles of restorative treatment and select the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7

• Critically reflect diagnose paediatric cases.
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
• Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
• Interpret the history of pain and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8

• Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
• Apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases in a reflective way based on the clinical situation.
• Apply the principles of restorative treatment and select the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9

• Perform more complex pulp therapy techniques and reflect on the appropriateness of the procedure.
• Critically reflect on the appropriate use of medications and materials.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10

• Comprehensively manage and reflect on paediatric dental trauma.
• Apply rehabilitative and preventive measures (including education) in the management of dental trauma.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11

• Identify and manage paediatric oral pathology and oral medicine cases reflectively.
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
• Analyse the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
• Explain and execute appropriate patient referrals and follow-up.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 12

• Document relevant clinical, medical and social information which is important for holistic patient management.
• Document all treatment/ investigations carried out, materials used, medications prescribed and relevant behavioural information.
• Document motivation for treatment options and treatment failures.
• Communicate with medical professionals should also be documented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 13

• Communicate with paediatric patients and parents regarding treatment required (including education regarding oral health matters).
• Communicate pros and cons of treatment options to patient and parent.
• Communicate with other relevant authorities, e.g. for issues of consent, medical history and reporting of abuse.
• Work in interprofessional teams to facilitate holistic patient management.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The application of the assessment principles for good assessment practices is stipulated in the Faculty Assessment and Moderation Protocol (2019). Assessment practices vary from module to module, as well as in the clinical setting. To ensure the quality of the educational process, the above-mentioned principles should be achieved in both formative and summative assessment practices. Lecturers are required to ensure and be able to demonstrate that these assessment principles are reflected in their assessment practices.

The qualification has effective learner centred assessment practices, which include assessment for learning formative assessment and assessment of learning summative assessment, as well as assessment as learning Self- assessment/ Reflection.

Formative assessment

Learners engage in assessment activities based on a given area of discipline and are then given feedback on what they have done so that they become more effective in their learning.

Summative assessment

Results of learner assessments are used to certify achievement in a module or learning programme or to award the qualification.

Self-assessment practices support self-directed learning; learners take responsibility for their own learning and monitor their own personal progress. The assessment itself and the feedback provided to learners by lecturers on assessed work should be designed to assist learner learning.

The discipline component will comprise journal critiques and presentations, patient case discussions and seminar presentations on various topics identified in Paediatric Dentistry literature.

The clinical component will consist of a clinical mark. A mark will also be allocated for the percentage of clinical quota completed. Rubrics will be used in all forms of assessment.

The weighting of the assessments Discipline component and clinical component. The clinical component will make up 70% of the course with the Discipline component contributing 30%.