Master of Science in Periodontology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Science in Periodontology is to offer training in theories, concepts and research methods appropriate to the emerging field of Periodontology. This will contribute to the further development and strengthening of engaged scholarship on issues of great relevance to societies and in Africa in particular. Thus another purpose that the qualification will serve is to build capacity for effective societal responses to social change. The clinical component is designed to meet the needs of dentists from foreign countries who are also academics and have difficulty in obtaining postgraduate training in their own country.

At the end of this qualification, the learner should be able to

• Critically engage with the key scholarly debates, key theories in the field of Periodontology.
• Have an understanding of research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and the ability to select those appropriate for their own work.
• The ability to identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
• The ability to 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.
• Use the techniques offered as part of the clinical training in a professional context.

Rationale

This qualification addresses the need for training of persons who endeavour to pursue a career in clinical practise and/or academic teaching within the field of Periodontology. The clinical training on the course is discipline based and imparts the clinician with the added knowledge to limit clinical practise to this area of expertise. It also addressed the need for focused training in the clinical and academic arena for foreign learners whose countries of origin only offer undergraduate training within this field of interest.

The typical learners are those who have the passion for teaching within this discipline, a passion for the clinical work covered within this discipline and who are then able to pursue academic careers.

The learning is focused and individualised and take the form of seminars, journal discussions and case based teaching, which is provided by the clinical exposure. All academic and clinical work is supervised by the subject specialist.

The mini thesis schools the learner in the basics of research methods and provides the tools to contribute to literature within the field. The research output of these learners is beneficial to the University 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.

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 HPCSA.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling at 270 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 270 Credits

• Oral Pathology, 15 Credits.
• Oral Biology, 15 Credits.
• Periodontology 1B, 70 Credits.
• Research Methods, 20 Credits.
• Periodontology 2B, 80 Credits.
• Dentistry Mini-Thesis, 70 Credits.

1. Gained specialist knowledge or practices, and an advance understanding and scholarship of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area of Periodontology.
2. Show understanding of the techniques, procedures, instrumentation and its applications in the chosen area of Periodontology.
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 Periodontology.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of 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 his/her study.
8. Critically demonstrate the ability to analytically and conceptually apply research tools to the topic under investigation.
9. Demonstrate the ability for critical review and analysis of literature in the field under investigation.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify a specific/focused research problem
• Conduct and complete comprehensive, systematic research;
• Critically evaluate the originally and validity of source material on the basis of historical validation techniques of internal and external criticism;
• Select relevant information to solve the research problem in historical context;
• Submit a well written logical and systematic thesis/ Mini thesis including exposition and findings.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is both formative (on-going) 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 candidate`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.