Master of Dentistry in Orthodontics

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Dentistry in Orthodontics is to enable the learner to

• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively,
• Design and critically appraise analytical writing,
• Make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences,
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems,
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation,
• Advance their knowledge, understanding, and skills relevant to a particular profession,
• Provide future teaching staff for the dental schools of South Africa.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to provide learners with specific knowledge, skills and competence in the field of Orthodontics. Thus, learners will be able to register as specialists in Orthodontics with the Medical and Dental professional board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and to provide South Africa with an adequate supply of specialists in Orthodontics.

Many people in the community present with skew/crooked teeth as well as misaligned jaws. These developmental and sometimes acquired problems create aesthetic and functional problems. The complexity of these cases vary. General dentists may manage simple cases through the use of removable appliances. However, most cases are complex and need specialised management hence the need for the development of this speciality programme.

With this qualification, dentists with four years' training become Orthodontists who focus on developing knowledge and skills to correct malocclusion and dentofacial abnormalities. Orthodontists also collaborate with other specialities in managing complex facial deformities. Orthodontists are also involved in the teaching and training of Dentists and Oral Hygienists. Upon qualifying learners register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as specialist Orthodontists.

Only Dentists who have served for a minimum period of two years as Dental Practitioners are allowed to compete for a position to specialise. Learners with a good under-graduate track record or with relevant Postgraduate qualifications stand a good chance of being selected. Upon selection, learners register with the university and obtain training through the School of Oral Health Sciences. The module of Orthodontics resides in the Department of Orthodontics, where there is the management of clinical training and supervision.

Learners qualify as specialists in Orthodontics and have the opportunity to practice their profession in either the government sector or the private sector. There are few orthodontists 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. Private practising orthodontists buy equipment and consumables, employ people and pay tax, all of which positively contribute to the economy.

Minimum requirements are in place for admission into the Master of Dentistry qualification. Additional qualifications may prove to be advantageous to learners competing for limited space in Master of Dentistry qualifications.

Upon entry into or registration of the Master's 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 qualification and will pronounce on the outcome.

Informal, non-formal or experiential learning is not applicable for the Master of Dentistry qualifications. No such policy is in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent, NQF Level 8.

And

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

And

• Suitable experience as a dentist.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 732 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Physiology for Master of Dentistry (Orthodontics), 20 Credits.
• Anatomy for Master of Dentistry (Orthodontics), 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Biostatistics, 8 Credits.
• Applied Oral Biology, 20 Credits.
• Applied Periodontics in Orthodontics, 8 Credits.
• Applied Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
• Applied Psychology in Orthodontics, 8 Credits.
• Applied Prosthodontics in Orthodontics, 8 Credits.
• Applied Maxillofacial Surgery in Orthodontics, 8 credits.
• Applied Ethics and Medical Law, 8 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation (Orthodontics), 180 Credits.
• Orthodontics (Clinical Practice and Theory), 416 Credits.

• Diagnose, through oral communication, physical examination, laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate special investigations, and formulate and prosecute management options for divergent problems in Orthodontics.
• Advice on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to Dentistry.
• Interpret scientific literature relevant to the field of learning and through reflection adapt new developments in the field of Orthodontics into his/her clinical practice as well as being an authority on the diagnosis and treatment of dent facial abnormalities in the South African community.
• Conceptualise, plan and implement, and interpret research relevant to the practice of Orthodontics.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an 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 Orthodontics.
• Use the instruments and equipment necessary 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 applies it in practice.
• Guide the 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.
• Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well the environment on health.
• Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and uses his or her professional capabilities well as to individual patient welfare by the practice of Orthodontics.
• Teach, through clinical practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to the advanced level to other professionals.
• 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) in order 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 assessment throughout the four 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. The assessment of learners is through oral presentations and clinical assessments. Summative assessments take place in the form of written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner. The facilitation of the qualification is through 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.