Master of Dentistry in Community Dentistry

Purpose

The qualification will provide learners with specific knowledge, skills and competence in the field of Community Dentistry. Thus, the learner will be able to engage in community engagement on various levels and provide appropriate, adequate specialist care.

Rationale

Specialist oral healthcare is required to provide Community Oral and Dental Health inclusive of public diagnosis, treatment and management. The scope of expertise of the specialist in Community Dentistry includes the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and anomalies that affect the general population as well as target groups. The management of these conditions in these populations is by strong scientific evidence and best practice.

The qualification will provide learners with specific knowledge, skills and competence in the field of Community Dentistry that will enable them to register as specialists in Community Dentistry with the Medical and Dental professional board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Thus, the qualification will provide South Africa with an adequate supply of specialists in Community Dentistry and future teaching staff for the dental schools of South Africa. Also, there will be a provision of specialist services to address the National needs in Oral Health Care.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL is not applied to gain access to the qualification. Minimum requirements are in place for admission into Master of Dental Science and Master of Dentistry. Additional qualifications may prove to be advantageous to learners.

Application of institutional RPL policies following the registration for Masters

Upon entry into/registration the Master's, a learner may apply for recognition/credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules that are a requirement to complete the particular Master's as per University policy. The head of the academic department concerned evaluates the submitted academic portfolio for equivalence to the module required for the completion of the qualification and will pronounce on the outcome.

Informal, non-formal or experiential learning does not warrant credit towards the Master of Dentistry or Master of Dental Science qualifications. No such policy in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Dental Science, NQF, Level 8.

And

• Must be registered as a dentist in the category of independent practice with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

And

• Must have a minimum of two years' experience as dentists.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

• Public Health Reviews, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Public Health, 16 Credits.
• Health Promotion, 16, Credits.
• Health Policy, 32 Credits.
• Health Systems Management, 32 Credits.
• Principles of Epidemiology, 32 Credits.
• Applied Statistics, 32 Credits.
• Health Promotion and Behaviour Change, 32 Credits.
• Community Dentistry, 332 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation (Community Dentistry), 180 Credits.

• Manage oral health programs for population health.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making in the practice of dental public health.
• Evaluate and monitor dental care delivery systems.
• Evaluate the policies of care that impact oral health.
• Design surveillance systems to measure oral health status and its determinants.
• Communicate and collaborate with groups and individuals on public health issues inclusive of oral health issues
• Communicate and work with groups and individuals on public health issues inclusive of oral health issues Advocate for public health policy, legislation, and regulations to protect and promote the public's oral health, and overall health.
• Critically appraise evidence to address oral health issues for individuals and populations.
• Conduct research to solve verbal and public health problems.
• Integrate the social determinants of health into dental public health practice.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner

• Use problem-solving techniques to arrive at a diagnosis for populations and target groups.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the communities, patients and other health care workers as a team.
• Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of dental public health specialist.
• Use the instruments, methodologies and processes needed for this practice competently and responsibly.
• Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
• Practice Evidence-Based Medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field and apply it in clinical practice.
• Guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.
• Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture, and way of life.
• Refer patients to practitioners who are more appropriately qualified to treat certain conditions.
• Demonstrate an awareness through actions or in writing of the moral, legal, and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and the provision of care to populations.
• Consider both the impact of health care on the environment on health.
• Improve community care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources.
• Take responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develop the capacity of self-audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

Integrated assessment

There is a use of a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the two years of study to assess whether the Exit Level Outcomes are achievable. Formative assessments are in the form of written assignments on each topic, class tests, oral presentations, written examination papers, and thorough clinical assessments. Summative assessments take place in the way of written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner.

These include seminars of various width and depth, case presentations, a research project and report, work-integrated learning (placements) at the University's Oral Health Centre and approved/accredited external sites. The submission and evaluation of portfolios and logbooks, and written and oral tests and examinations.