Master of Dentistry in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery

Purpose

The qualification will

• Provide future teaching staff for the dental schools of South Africa.
• Equip and train a learner general practitioner to deliver a more advanced clinical service to the community.
• Stimulate general dental practitioners to undertake more advanced Postgraduate study and to advance their scientific knowledge.

With this qualification of five years of training, the practitioner becomes a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon who focuses on developing knowledge and skills to manage the conditions. Maxillofacial Surgeons also collaborate with other specialities in managing complex facial deformities. Maxillofacial Surgeons are also involved in the teaching and training of Dentists, Dental Therapists and Oral Hygienists.

Rationale

Many people have dentofacial trauma, tumours and pathology, orofacial sepsis as well as develop anomalies of the head and neck region and jaws. The complexity of these cases vary. General dentists may manage single instances through the use of minor oral surgical techniques. Still, most cases are complex and need specialised management hence the need for the development of this speciality qualification.

Upon qualifying, learners will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as specialist Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Only dentists who have served for a minimum period of two years as Dental Practitioners are allowed to specialise. Learners qualify as specialists Maxillofacial Surgeons and have the opportunity to practice their profession in either the government sector or the private sector. There are very few Maxillofacial Surgeons in the country relative to the population, so the more we train, the more the community will have access to treatment. The number of people requesting treatment in government clinics and hospitals is extremely high, and it is presently not possible to meet the needs of the community. Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeons in the private sector also contribute to the economy of our country by creating jobs and the paying of taxes.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Minimum requirements are in place for admission into the qualification. Upon entry into or registration of the qualification, a learner may apply for recognition/credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules. 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 Degree and will pronounce on the outcome.

Informal, non-formal or experiential learning is not applicable for the qualification. No such policy is in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.

And

• Registered for independent practice as a Dentists with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

And

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

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 924 Credits

• Pathology for Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Biostatistics, 8 Credits.
• Physiology for M Dent, 20 Credits.
• Anatomy for M Dent, 20 Credits.
• Applied Ethics and Medical Law, 8 Credits.
• General Principles of Surgery (intermediate), 60 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation (Maxillofacial), 228 Credits.
• Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 532 Credits.
• Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.

• Diagnose, treat and manage patients with maxillofacial trauma, deep facial infections, and head and neck pathology.
• Plan, diagnose and treat patients requiring orthognathic surgery in consultation with the orthodontist.
• Plan, diagnose and treat patients requiring pre-prosthetic surgical procedures in consultation with the Prosthodontist.
• Project, diagnose and treat patients requiring cleft surgery in consultation with the Plastic surgeon.
• Plan, diagnose and treat patients requiring removal of impacted teeth.
• Keep abreast with the latest developments in the field of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery.

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 a patient.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient and other health care workers as a team.
• Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery.
• Use the instruments and equipment required 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.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge sufficient to a dental expert practice in Maxillofacial Oral Surgery.
• Consider the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
• Guide junior learners 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.
• Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources.
• Communicate knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising interns and more junior colleagues in the speciality.
• Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist doctor and as a responsible citizen.
• 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

Formative assessments

The duration of the modules in the form of written assignments on each topic, class tests, daily ward rounds and morning tutorials, seminar presentations, radiology meetings; preparation of the patient for a surgical operation in theatre; undergraduate teaching and training, oral presentations, OSCEs and thorough clinical assessments.

Summative assessments take place in the form of written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner, written and oral examinations. The facilitation of the qualification is a work-integrated learning approach, as well as scheduled academic activities such as journal presentation, topical discussions, and seminars as well as clinic-pathologic discussions often held with other departments.