Master of Dentistry in Periodontology and Oral Medicine

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with specific knowledge, skills and competence in the field of Oral Medicine and Periodontics.

Specialist oral healthcare is required in terms of Periodontal health and for Oral Medical diagnosis, treatment and management. The scope of expertise of the specialist in Oral Medicine and Periodontics includes the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and anomalies that affect the oral and periodontal tissues, as well as the oral and peri-oral manifestations of systemic diseases according to evidence-based practice.

Rationale

Learners will gain specific knowledge, skills and competence in the field of Oral Medicine and Periodontics that will enable them to register as specialists in Oral Medicine and Periodontics with the Medical and Dental professional board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The qualification will also provide South Africa with an adequate supply of specialists in Oral Medicine and Periodontics as well as provide future teaching staff for the dental schools of South Africa.

It aims to provide South Africa with an adequate supply of specialists in Oral Medicine and Periodontics.

This qualification further provides future teaching staff for the dental schools of South Africa. It also provides a source for specialist services to address the National needs in Oral Health Care. The qualification aims to produce able and proficient researchers and clinicians that can engage in community engagement on various levels. It also seeks to provide appropriate, adequate specialist care within the scope of Oral Medicine and Periodontics.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.

And

• Registration as a dentist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

And

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a dentist.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is not applied to gain access into the Master of Dentistry qualification. Application of institutional RPL policies following registration for masters:

• Upon entry into/registration the masters' qualification, a learner may apply for recognition/credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules that are a requirement to complete the particular masters' qualification 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.
• There will take no credits for informal, non-formal or experiential learning towards the Master of Dentistry or Master of Dental Surgery qualifications. No such policy in place.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 776 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 776 Credits.

• MAND190, 20 Credits.
• MPLC190, 20 Credits.
• MDAA190, 20 Credits.
• MMXA190, 20 Credits.
• MDAB190, 20 Credits.
• MDAC190, 472 Credits.
• MDAA090, 180 Credits.
• MDRM191, 8 Credits.
• BIOZ191, 8 Credits.
• MEML191, 8 Credits.

1. Provide skilled specialist care with the highest professional attitude, judgment and ability, based on contemporary evidence-based practices.
2. Execute Administrative and Environmental Management of a Practice or Clinic.
3. Manage patient's pre-operative / intra-operative / emergency care according to evidence-based protocols.
4. Conduct and interpret a comprehensive examination accompanied by a detailed medical and dental history.
5. Establish diagnoses for patients presenting with periodontal diseases, oral mucosal lesions and implant-related conditions.
6. Establish and make use of appropriate diagnostic aids to facilitate diagnosis and follow-up using evidence-based protocols.
7. Develop and execute a comprehensive treatment plan guided by the prognosis for the management of the patient's conditions.
8. Perform procedures appropriate for the management of the condition/disease.
9. Design and execute recall visits for oral mucosal lesions and periodontal/implant maintenance therapy.
10. Identify and act decisively on factors that modify the disease process or treatment outcomes in collaboration with relevant disciplines.
11. Facilitate patient care through effective communication with the patient and with collaborative colleagues.
12. Demonstrate a lifelong commitment to reflective learning as well as the creation, dissemination, application and translation of new knowledge.
13. Research the literature/resources and critically analyse, evaluate and interpret new information and intervention regarding the practice of evidence-based dentistry.
14. Display professional and leadership qualities, and have an understanding of applicable jurisprudence, in all aspects of practice.
15. Display and maintain moral and ethical values with regards to the provision of care to individual patients, to populations and communities, in keeping with HPCSA regulations.
16. Know-how and be able to determine the prevalence and incidence of oral diseases and periodontal diseases within the scope of the speciality.
17. Analyse the need for and application of preventive measures on an individual and group basis for periodontal and oral conditions within the scope of the speciality.
18. Evaluate, diagnose and treat abnormality or pathologic change of the tissues of the oral cavity and para-oral structures requiring.
19. Evaluate, diagnose and treat the various forms of periodontal diseases by non-surgical, surgical, regenerative and implant techniques.
20. Evaluate and identify patients who are at high risk of developing periodontal and other oral diseases and institute appropriate preventative intervention where applicable.
21. Evaluate the various treatment modalities in both Oral Medicine and Periodontics both past and present and analyse their efficacy.

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 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 apply it in clinical 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 as on health.
• 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

The qualification will assess whether the Exit Level Outcomes are achievable through a range of formative and summative assessment throughout the four years of study. Formative assessments are in the form of written assignments on each topic and class tests. The assessment of learners is also through oral presentations and clinical assessments.

Summative assessments take place in the form of written examinations, oral examination and case evaluation in the presence of an external examiner. The facilitation of the qualification is through 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.