Master of Science in Dental Science

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to offer training in theories, concepts and research methods appropriate emerging fields in Dentistry. This will contribute to the further development and strengthening of engaged scholarship on issues of great relevance to societies and in Africa in particular. Furthermore, the qualification will serve is to build capacity for effective societal responses to social change.

Upon completion of the qualification, the learners will be able to

• Critically engage with the key emerging scholarly debates, key theories in the field of Dentistry.
• Have an understanding of research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and the ability to select those appropriate for their own work.
• Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
• Present a well-structured and developed piece of research which is of publishable standards.
• Critically demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
• Demonstrate the ability to coherently and logically structure and organise his/her study.
• Critically demonstrate the ability to analytically and conceptually apply research tools to the topic under investigation.
• Demonstrate the ability for critical review and analysis of literature in the field under investigation.

Rationale

The qualification addresses the need for training of learners who endeavour to pursue a career in clinical practise and or academic teaching within the field of Dentistry and sub fields of specialisation. The research output of these learners is beneficial to the institution and the academic community in terms of the research generated. The additional clinical skills provide the public with a more suitably qualified clinician within the field of expertise. This additional honing of clinical skills equips the learner with a greater earning potential within both the private and public sectors.

This qualification will contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and intellectual abilities to ensure the future health and advancement of the chosen field in dental science and to contribute to the country's needs in skilled dental scientists of the highest calibre.

Qualifying learners are prepared and encouraged to advance to the highest level of academic work for doctoral study and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics. Also, the learner may be registered for an additional qualification by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Since this is a professional qualification and recognised by the Professional Board, RPL can only be implemented in terms of the rules and regulations of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• An appropriate Honour's Degree, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Dental Science, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Dentistry Thesis, 180 Credits.

1. Have specialist knowledge or practices, and an advance understanding and scholarship of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area in Dentistry.
2. Be an expert in the techniques, procedures, instrumentation and its applications in the chosen emerging area of Dentistry.
3. Take account of, and act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and will be able to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues as prescribed within the area of Dentistry.
4. Understand research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
5. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
6. Present a well-structured and developed piece of research which is of publishable standards.
7. Coherently and logically structure and organise own study.
8. Analytically and conceptually apply research tools to the topic under investigation.
9. Critically review and analyse literature in the field under investigation.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Prepare a proposal to research a topic related to a specific emerging area in Dentistry with its sub-areas of specialisation for evaluation.
• Identify, analyse, and formulate a particular problem creatively, ethically, autonomously and responsibly in the proposal.
• Demonstrate skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication, which all contribute substantially to knowledge during the supervisory process.
• Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
• Submit a thesis for external assessment and should represent a significant contribution to new knowledge and presented in a scholarly manner.
• Do independent research of high quality, and indicate considerable experience in using a variety of research techniques.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is both formative and summative. The learner's clinical skills and competencies will be assessed on an on-going basis and corrective action introduced where progress is unsatisfactory. The satisfactory completion of a logbook links skills training and theoretical knowledge to application in clinical practice. A formal formative assessment will be undertaken at three-monthly intervals to gauge the learner's progress. Completion of the thesis requires application of knowledge to the learner's own clinical training situation. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners. The final exit examination will consist of a case-based oral assessment and the formal examination of the long essay.