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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109169  Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's professional expertise in Endodontics and to develop specialised capacity in the methodology and techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the public and private sectors and the understanding of research relevant to Endodontics. A sustained research project is not required but the qualification includes the understanding and reporting of research. The qualification aims to update and improve the clinical competence of working dentists in the field of Endodontics.

Rationale:
Endodontics is not recognised as a field of specialty in South Africa. Therefore, working dentists are limited to where they can refer patients to in need of complicated treatment. General dentists with a special interest in Endodontics could increase their knowledge in the field and install advanced equipment to enable them to treat more complicated endodontic cases than other general dentists. The course will enable working dentists to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the chosen field of dentistry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This is a professional qualification linked to a Professional Body (HPCSA). The RPL process will be subject to the rules of RPL attached to the Professional Body. The minimum requirement for acceptance into the qualification is an appropriate Bachelor's Degree allowing the candidate independent practice as a dentist as recognised by the HPCSA.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement is:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Endodontics 611, 60 Credits.
  • Endodontics 612, 60 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the Endodontics field and reflect critically on the application thereof.
    2. Undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods through the critique of literature in the field of Endodontics.
    3. Explore and apply different learning strategies to acquire advanced multidisciplinary capabilities in the Endodontics field.
    4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing by applying professional communication principles and reflecting critically on the application thereof in the Endodontics field.
    5. Utilise appropriate technology effectively to solve complex problems in the Endodontics environment.
    6. Integrate cognate disciplines to develop an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of the international and national business environment.
    7. Practise acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by reflecting critically on the implementation thereof.
    8. Practise responsible citizenship through a holistic approach to the application of professional ethics and values in the Endodontics field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Participate in discussions in order to demonstrate an adequate higher level of knowledge and skills in the field of endodontics.
  • Assess in depth knowledge, interpretation and application in the field of endodontics and related subjects.
  • Assess in depth knowledge, interpretation and application in the field of endodontics.
  • Evaluate the scientific research report concerning the leaner's field of interest, in endodontics and related subjects.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In line with the Institution's Assessment and Moderation Policy Formative and Summative Assessment will be used to monitor learner progress via the Continuous Assessment strategy. Learners will be given tasks, assignments, tests, presentations, clinical work portfolios, etc. to assess their understanding and progress in the various modules. Feedback will be provided to students to support their learning:
  • Presentations for formative assessment of article interpretation, clinical treatment of patient cases and preclinical hands-on of advanced techniques and the use of advanced equipment.
  • Evaluation of four written assignments. One of these assignments documents the clinical treatment of 15 patients. (Summative assessment).
  • A three hour theoretical test assessing in depth knowledge, interpretation and application in the field of endodontics.
  • Evaluation of the scientific research report - Literature review concerning the leaner's field of interest, in endodontics and related subjects. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared against the international qualifications presented at the Bristol University and Kings College in United Kingdom as well as the University of Ortago in New Zealand. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Dentistry, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Dentistry, NQF Level 9. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.