Master of Dentistry in Prosthodontics

Purpose

The qualification provides qualifying learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to register as specialists in Prosthodontics with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the HPCSA. The qualification aims to provide qualifying 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 Prosthodontics.

It will also equip the learners with expertise in research, which will include the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of the specialisation and the ability to guide junior colleagues in an educational setting.

The learner must 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. Learners must demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding, and skills relevant to a particular profession.

Rationale

The qualification responds to the critical shortage of medical specialists in the country in rural areas. Prosthodontics specialists will be needed with the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ensuring equitable health care for all. It also aims to provide learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and for contributing to society at large through patient care, innovation, scholarship, and leadership in the field of Prosthodontics.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) accredits the qualification.

Upon entry into or registration of the qualification, a learner may apply for recognition/credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules. As per the institution's 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 qualification. No such policy is in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.

And

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

And

• Minimum of two years' experience as Dentists.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 760 Credits:

• Physiology for Master of Dentistry, 20 Credits.
• Anatomy for Master of Dentistry, 20 Credits.
• Biostatistics, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Applied Ethics and Medical Law, 8 Credits.
• Prosthodontic Techniques (Pre-clinical Practice and Theory).
• Prosthodontic Clinical Practice & Theory.
• Seminars in Prosthodontics.
• Research component in Prosthodontics - Protocol Approval and project implementation.
• Seminars in Prosthodontics.
• Seminars in Periodontology & Oral Medicine.
• Prosthodontic Case Discussions & Presentations.
• Multidisciplinary Case Discussion Conferences.
• Prosthodontics (Clinical Practice and Theory).
• Oral Biology, 20 Credits.
• Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
• Oral Microbiology & Immunology, 20 Credits.
• Prosthodontics I, 228 Credits.
• Research component in Prosthodontics - project implementation.
• Prosthodontic Clinical Practice & Theory.
• Seminars in Prosthodontics.
• Prosthodontic Case Discussion & Presentations.
• Multidisciplinary Case Discussion Conferences.
• Prosthodontics II, 228 Credits.
• Prosthodontic Clinical Practice & Theory.
• Seminars in Prosthodontics.
• Prosthodontic Case Discussions & Presentations.
• Multidisciplinary Case Discussion Conferences.
• Mini Dissertation (Prosthodontics) including a Manuscript, 180 Credits.

• Diagnose, through oral communication, physical examination, laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate special investigations, and formulate and prosecute management options for divergent problems in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry.
• Advice on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to Prosthodontics.
• Interpret scientific literature relevant to the discipline of Prosthodontics and through reflection to adapt new developments in the discipline into clinical practice.
• Conceptualise, plan and implement, and interpret research relevant to the practice of Prosthodontics.
• Have competence in relevant clinical skills at the specialist level.
• Be ethical, compassionate and skilled to conduct all aspects of specialist dental practice concerning the care of individuals and of populations.
• Must acquire and demonstrate self-direction and independence in their learning in order to become life-long learners, and have the ability and capacity to recognise personal development needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and contexts to evaluate own progress.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practice of prosthodontics from the basic to an advanced level to be able to train others in the discipline.

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

• Demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills necessary to function and practice as a specialist Prosthodontist in the field of Prosthodontics in the public or private sector and show competency through demonstrations.
• Engage and critique current research and practices, and advanced scholarship and research in integrated disciplinary knowledge relevant to Prosthodontics.
• Use data and information to communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences in integrated disciplinary knowledge relevant to the practice of Prosthodontics for sound judgements.
• Use problem-solving techniques which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
• Evaluate outcomes of prosthodontic interventions and outcomes for evidence-based knowledge.
• Show research mastery through conducting and the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data and perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Develop and possess appropriate, effective skills to interact with patients, colleagues and other team members to render appropriate Prosthodontic management assessed through evaluation of relevant literature.
• Teach through clinical practice at the specialist level the application of knowledge from basic to an advanced level with other professionals.
• Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development as a life - long learner and responsible citizen.
• Make a significant and relevant contribution to knowledge and practice in their professional context and more generally to scholarship within the field.
• Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achievable. There is a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the study to assess whether the Exit-Level Outcomes are achievable. These include seminars, research projects, practical work in the public oral health services, portfolios, and written and oral tests and examinations. There is an assessment of knowledge. The qualification has a learning and assessment qualification, which consists of regular formative assessment throughout the training period. 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. The research component forms an integral part of the qualification in that there is a study of the problem in more detail. Learners must produce a mini-dissertation and a publishable ready article for assessment by internal and external examiners as per the institution's assessment policy. All assessment is in alignment with the institution's rules and the assessment policy of learner learning.