Master of Health Sciences in Dental Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare persons to contribute, through research, to understand the application and evaluation of existing knowledge in a specialised area of dental technology. They will demonstrate a high level of the overall application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation in that area, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical concepts and application of knowledge.

Rationale

Dental Technology is a dynamic field and depends on current technological research and the advancement of technology. This qualification runs parallel to academic research and provides the groundwork for providing learners with appropriate research capabilities to develop and advance Dental Technology. This qualification is not limited to but is pivotal in supporting academic dental research by developing the technology needed to conduct new academic research. The duration of this qualification is a minimum study period of one year and a maximum period of five years.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

• Relevant Bachelor Honours Degree, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 8, 480 Credits.

Research and dissertation.

1. Identify and solve problems in which resources display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking, have been made.
2. Collecting, organising, analysing and critically evaluating information.
3. Working effectively with others.
4. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
5. Communicating effectively using visual, scientific and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understand the research field and implications sufficiently.
• Ensure that the proposal is feasible.
• Ensure research proposal is relevant and applicable.
• Ensure the proposed research involves the application of existing theory and practical in complex and innovative ways.
• Ensure the proposal is mostly independently formulated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Locate appropriate and a wide selection of resources.
• Analyse information and make and justify their relevance.
• Synthesise information into a coherent unit.
• Gather Information mostly independently of the supervisor.
• Write an appropriate research proposal.
• Gather information on the research area.
• Choose and justify appropriate theory and methods for research.
• Design, perform and manage research.
• Analyse and evaluate information.
• Facilitate the transfer of technological knowledge within academic institutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Choose and describe appropriate theory and methods.
• Explain and justify the choices of methods and theories.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Translate the design into practical application.
• Ensure the design works in practice.
• Make observations consistently and record them accurately
• Evaluate the design and performance and put forward suggestions for improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Categorise information appropriately.
• Translate information into appropriate forms.
• Evaluate information evaluated, resulting in informed, and innovative recommendations concerning the research being put forward.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Write the dissertation coherently and lay it out according to national and institutional guidelines for the level.
• Ensure a paper, which the learner/ learner has substantially contributed to, is accepted by an accredited or authoritative journal.
• Facilitate peer learning through oral and poster presentations and seminars.
• Facilitate learning by junior learners.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are conducted through formative and summative. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations.