Master of Dentistry in Oral Pathology

The purpose of the Master of Dentistry in Oral Pathology qualification is to empower learners to advise on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to head and neck pathology. The qualification also gives learners the ability to interpret scientific literature relevant to their field and through reflection, adapt new developments in the field of Oral Pathology into his/her clinical practice. The learners are also able to conceptualise, plan and implement and interpret research relevant to the practice of Oral Pathology.

Rationale

This qualification provides learners with knowledge, skills, and applied competence in Oral Pathology sufficient to allow registration with the Health Professions Council of SA as a specialist in Oral Pathology. It aims to provide learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and for contributing to society at large through advanced patient care, innovation, scholarship, and leadership in the field of Oral Pathology. The qualification responds to the critical shortage of medical specialists in the country in rural areas. Oral Pathology Specialists will be greatly needed with the implementation of the NHI and ensuring equitable health care for all.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There are requirements in place for admission into the qualification. Additional qualifications may prove to be advantageous to learners competing for limited space in qualification. Upon entry into or registration of the qualification, a learner may apply for recognition, credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules. As per Institution policy, the head of the academic department concerned evaluates the submitted academic portfolio for equivalence to the module required for completion of the qualification and will make an informed decision. Informal, non-formal or experiential learning credit towards 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

• Registration as a dentist with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

And

• Suitable experience as Dentists.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 916 Credits

• Anatomy in Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
• Anatomical Pathology, 100 Credits.
• Molecular Biology, 20 Credits.
• Physiology for M Dent, 20 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation (Oral Pathology), 220 Credits.
• Oral Pathology, 512 Credits.
• Applied Ethics and Medical Law, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Biostatistics, 8 Credits.

• Diagnose, through oral communication, physical examination, laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate special investigations, and formulate and prosecute management options for divergent problems encountered during the practice of diagnosis of pathology.
• Advice on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to the oral cavity.
• Interpret scientific literature relevant to his/her field and through reflection, adapt new developments in the field of Oral Pathology into his/her clinical practice.
• Conceptualise, plan and implement and interpret research relevant to the practice of Oral Pathology.
• Diagnose, through communication, verbal and written and in consultation with requesting clinicians the physical examination, laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate special investigations, and formulate and implement management options for divergent problems encountered during the practice diagnostic oral pathology.

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

• Describe and explain the biochemical, haematological, microbiological, and immunological mechanisms of human diseases affecting the oral cavity and peri-oral tissues.
• Perform and direct the performance of all histological diagnostic tests which are generally in use in the modern routine practice of Oral Pathology.
• Explain the theoretical principles of all generally used routine laboratory tests in the practice of Oral Pathology.
• Apply appropriate quality control programs to ensure a high standard of laboratory tests results.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achievable. The institution assesses whether the Exit Level Outcomes are achievable; there is a range of formative and summative assessments. These include seminars, research projects, practical work in the public oral health services, portfolios and written and oral tests and examinations.