Master of Dentistry in Periodontics and Oral Medicine

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates with expertise in research, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation and the ability to guide junior candidates if the graduate is in an educational setting.

Hence, graduates have competence in the practice of a specialist field and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

Rationale

The rationale for the Master in Dentistry, specializing in Periodontics and Oral Medicine, is rooted in the critical demand for specialized healthcare services in South Africa. This qualification addresses the growing need for expert practitioners who are adept not only in clinical practices but also in research within the health sciences. As the country continues to advance its healthcare objectives, there is a marked requirement for specialists who can elevate the standards of oral health services, engage in transformative research, and contribute to the academic realm by mentoring future professionals.

The program is designed to equip graduates with robust expertise in both periodontics and oral medicine, enabling them to contribute significantly to the health sector by improving clinical outcomes, advancing oral health research, and fostering the next generation of specialists. This aligns with national health priorities and builds capacity for high-level professional practice and innovation in South Africa's healthcare system.

The qualification will produce graduates with specialist training in the branch of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, who will be able to be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and may proceed to Doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There are no other options for entry into the qualification as it leads to specialist clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for this qualification is

• Registered as a dentist by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and has held the qualification below for a minimum of two years

And

• Bachelor of Dental Science, NQF Level 8.

or

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

This qualification comprises of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9 480 Credits

• Applied Anatomy for Dentists, 15 Credits.
• Physiology, 15 Credits.
• Applied Pathology for Dentists, 15 Credits.
• Research Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Oral Medicine 1, 15 Credits.
• Periodontology 1, 15 Credits.
• Implantology 1, 15 Credits.
• Research Report 1, 15 Credits.
• Oral Microbiology, 20 Credits.
• Dental Pharmacology, 15 Credits.
• Oral Medicine 2, 20 Credits.
• Periodontology 2, 20 Credits.
• Implantology 2, 20 Credits.
• Research Report 2, 25 Credits.
• Periodontology 3, 20 Credits.
• Oral Medicine 3, 20 Credits.
• Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
• Implantology 3, 20 Credits.
• Research Report 3, 40 Credits.
• Periodontology 4, 20 Credits.
• Oral Medicine 4, 20 Credits.
• Implantology 4, 20 Credits.
• Research Report 4, 60 Credits.

1. Display competence in clinical skills at the specialist level.
2. Evaluate, teach and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
3. Apply ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist dental practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Assess the principles and practice of dentistry from the basic to an advanced level and is able to train others in the speciality.
5. Demonstrate self direction and independence in his or her learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his own progress.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient, other health care workers and the community, e.g. in order to obtain a history, to communicate a treatment regime and explain the dental condition.
• Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied.
• Use of instruments and equipment necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Show research mastery through the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions.
• Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
• Practice Evidence-Based Dentistry by critically evaluating published literature in the field (e.g. on the topics of new techniques, therapies and drugs) and applies it in practice.
• Guide junior learners who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• 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 than he or she is 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 as the impact of 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 to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of this > branch of specialist dentistry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Teach, through clinical practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals.
• Communicate this knowledge by teaching underqualified learners and supervising registrars and more junior colleagues in the speciality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.
• Acknowledge 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 develops the capacity of self audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis through formative (evaluation of performance in clinical practice) and summative assessments. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used for the integrated assessment of research mastery.

In order to promote, monitor and measure student learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.