SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109385  Master of Dental Surgery in Oral Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

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 
The purpose of this qualification is to obtain registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a specialist clinician in the field of Oral Pathology.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field of Oral Pathology in order to provide and promote oral health care of the highest standard and the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise that is comparable with internationally set standards in the field.

Graduates will have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge, highly specialised technical skills and well-developed research skills in the field of Oral Pathology. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field.

Society will gain specialist clinicians in the field of Oral Pathology leading to higher efficacy of patient care, contributing also to the prevention of disease and promotive health in the community. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) Degree, Level 8 or equivalent of at least two year's standing.
  • Compliance with all other regulations as specified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for registration as a registrar.
  • Candidates are appointed based on the availability of HPSCA designated and accredited posts and on merit. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline, to be applied critically in patient assessment in a community setting.
    2. Obtain professional and technical skills required to competently diagnose oral and maxillo-facial diseases.
    3. Maintain continued competence and show a continuous interest in new developments in the specialist field as a lifelong learner.
    4. Act professionally and ethically.
    5. Undertake and complete a relevant research study. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate appropriate theoretical knowledge.
  • Take appropriate clinical history.
  • Perform appropriate clinical examination.
  • Take appropriate tissue samples/specimens.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Perform/prescribe appropriate specialised investigations and interpret results.
  • Compile an appropriate pathology report and advise on therapeutic aspects, if indicated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Latest techniques and technology are assimilated into appropriate practice.
  • Complies with requirements of Professional Board for Medicine and Dentistry for registration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Takes responsibility within own limits of competence.
  • Acts within accepted norms of the profession.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • An acceptable protocol is compiled.
  • Results are reported according to scientific norms.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Work-place assessments.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.

    Other:
    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:

    Portfolio Assessment:
  • Seminars based on current research are presented.
  • A basic research project is conducted.

    Formative Assessment:
    The candidate works and studies under the constant and close supervision of consultants, who assess/monitor and comment on the candidate's performance, such comment being directed at the student and the supervisor.

    Summative Assessment:
    The portfolio work that has been compiled is assessed by the assessor(s) and moderator(s).

    One or more written examinations are set at predetermined intervals and especially at or close to the conclusion of the prescribed study period. One or more oral and/or practical examinations may similarly be set. These written, oral and practical examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner which ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the theoretical knowledge, acquired experience and clinico-pathological skills of the candidate. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Dentistry (MChD) Level 9 with other dental specialities.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Dental Science, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.