SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Dental Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111257	Advanced Diploma in Dental Technology
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-23	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Dental Technology is to enhance and enrich the knowledge and skills that are required in all disciplines of dental technology as well as being a basis for clinical dental technology and research, to release the potential of people, in order to provide opportunities for qualifying learners to move up the value chain in the profession and contribute more to dentistry. It is particularly suitable as an intermediary qualification towards obtaining the Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology that will allow qualifying learners to supervise or own a dental laboratory instead of being limited to the role of an employee as a requirement of the South African Dental Technicians Council.

The qualification should produce knowledgeable, intellectually skilled learners who are able to contribute to depth of knowledge and skills, in order to efficiently engage with advanced patient cases as well as current best technologies, within the work place. The research component will lay the foundation for Postgraduate work. It should provide the means for current individuals who do not have the required qualification to become a Dental Technologist.

The qualification is structured in such a way that it exposes learners to a set of core competences to give a broad and deep understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the context of advanced general Dental Technology.

Rationale:
The curriculum for this qualification is developed in line with the competencies identified by South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC). According to their requirements, the qualification is designed to provide the qualifying learner with a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the field of general Dental Technology, by adding advanced combination work, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Implantology.

This advanced knowledge would equip the learner to engage with advanced patient cases as well as current best technologies within the workplace. The research component of the curriculum will lay the foundation for the Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology, whereas the business skills component would prepare learners to manage Dental Laboratories effectively. This qualification is suitable as an intermediary qualification towards obtaining the Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology, which will allow graduates to supervise or own a dental laboratory instead of being limited to the role of an employee as stipulated in the Scope of Profession of Dental Technologists (Government Gazette, 2014).

The qualification would be offered to permanently employed Dental Technologists.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to this qualification may be possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Dental Technology. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the exit level outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the principles of currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Diploma in Dental Technology, Level 6, 360 Credits.
Or

Diploma in Dental Technology, Level 6, 360 Credits.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules,120 Credits:

Business Practice, 12 Credits.

Research, 12 Credits.

Communication for Occupational Purposes, 6 Credits.

Crown and Bridge, 18 Credits.

Prosthetics, 18 Credits.

Orthodontics, 12 Credits.

Metal Partial Dentures, 18 Credits.

Maxillofacial Prosthetics, 6 Credits.

Jurisprudence, 6 Credits.

Oral Physiology and Pathology, 6 Credits.

Dental Materials Science, 6 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate advanced detailed knowledge of designing, constructing and repairing dental prostheses and appliances, including an understanding of, and an ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Dental Technology to the work environment and relevance in Dentistry.
2. Demonstrate an ability to efficiently and diligently evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques by using advanced knowledge of Dental Technology theory and practice, Dental Materials Sciences, Oral Physiology and Pathology within the Dental Technology environment.
3. Demonstrate an advanced ability to critically identify, analyse, solve and critically reflect on complex patient problems, gathering evidence using Dental Technology theory and practice, Dental Materials Sciences, Oral Physiology and Pathology and communicating it to the oral Health team and accountably apply solutions based on evidence gathered by following procedures appropriate to the Dental Technology field.
4. Demonstrate, understand and interpret the ethical and legislative implications and apply decisions and actions affecting the Dental Technology profession from a laboratory owner's and employer's perspective, by using knowledge obtained from different acts inferred in Jurisprudence.
5. Analytically evaluate and Interpret different sources of information in Dental Technology theory and practice, Dental Materials Sciences, Oral Physiology and Pathology and ethically select information appropriate to the task, by applying or originating well-developed processes.
6. Reliably and coherently present and communicate Appropriate academic and professional technologies using presentation and communication skills at dental technology conventions.
7. Make decisions and act appropriately in familiar and new contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and of how actions, ideas or developments in one system impact on other systems by using knowledge gained in Jurisprudence, Business Practice and Research.
8. Evaluate Dental Technician's performance as stipulated by South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC) and accurately identify and address his or her task-specific learning needs by continuously attending appropriate training and workshops which provide for compulsory Continuous Professional Development Credits(CPD), and to provide support to the learning needs of the oral health team and others within the Dental Technology field.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Integrated and detailed knowledge of designing, constructing and repairing dental prostheses and appliances are applied according to the standards of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to meet the needs and requirements of the patient.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Techniques, processes, systems technologies are applied and transferred in an original, creative and an innovative way appropriate to specialised and complex context within the dental technology field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Specialist knowledge and theory are applied in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the dental technology field.

Competence in all applications is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Professional conduct, behaviour and attitudes in all academic and laboratory settings are applied.

Actions are executed independently while ensuring safety of self and others.

Awareness of the consequences of his or her decisions and actions is demonstrated.

Occupational Health and Safety procedures are optimally adhered to in the dental technology field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Types of knowledge relevant to the field of Dental Technology are evaluated.

Appropriate processes of gathering information are developed and applied.

The sources of information are validated independently.

Own ideas and opinions are developed and communicated in well-formed arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Appropriate visual and language skills are used in all oral and/or written communication

Complex problem solving is communicated reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, as well as recognised landscape design techniques and processes.

Team communication and interpersonal skills are displayed in working and communication in a multidisciplinary team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Responsibility is taken for own work decisions taken and the use of resources.

Tasks and specific needs are identified and addressed appropriately.

Full responsibility is taken for own work, decision making and the use of resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Own learning needs are identified, evaluated and addressed.

Processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts are managed.

Integrated Assessment:
Learner assessment is multifaceted in that it is undertaken as a mixed form of formative assessment tasks and a summative assessment following each academic semester or at the end of the module. Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is done so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative Assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Conceptual and contextual knowledge are assessed using assessment tasks such as informal and formal tests and examinations for the purpose of summative assessment. Formative assessment is conducted through assessment tasks such as assignments (self-study) and presentations.
Knowledge, skills and applied competencies are assessed using assessment tasks such as practical reports, written practical tests and practical skills tests for the purpose of both Summative and Formative Assessment.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Hochschule Osnabruck University of Applied Sciences in Germany offers a Dental Technology BSc. The Dental Technology imparts learners with knowledge and skills concerning the production, properties, and application of dental materials. The qualification's balanced mixture of technical and dental subjects also gives learners a focused insight into the relationships between dental technology and dentistry. Together, the qualification qualifies graduates to work as an engineer in the dental industry. Dental engineers can develop new materials and innovative technologies, found their own companies, or work as expert consultants.

Griffith University in Australia offers a Bachelor of Dental Technology. This qualification is ideal for learners who like to work behind the scenes creating and manufacturing dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances but not fitting the final denture or device to the patient. It suits learners who like working with their hands, can pay attention to detail and prefer not to work directly with the patient. Dental Technologists (or Dental Technicians as they referred to) are highly skilled members of the dental team. They combine art and science skills to construct custom-made dental devices. These devices replace, restore and correct defects that may affect our facial appearance and the ability to use our teeth properly. As an undergraduate learner, they will learn and work alongside Dentistry learners in the dental clinics and laboratories located in the same building.

The University of Otago in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech). Dental Technology is the technical side of dentistry where a dental technician, on the prescription of a dentist, makes any prosthesis or appliance for the head and neck. This qualification consists of:

Artificial teeth such as complete dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges and implant supported dentures in various materials such as acrylics, alloys, and ceramics;

Removable orthodontic appliances consist of springs and retainers in acrylic bases for the movement of teeth. Mouth guards to protect against sports injuries;

Afetr surgical treatment, maxillofacial devices such as artificial eyes, ears, and facial prostheses that are needed.

Dental technicians do not have direct contact with patients. Instead, they work in a dental laboratory where various prosthetic appliances are custom made. Dental technicians are like artists. With a thorough understanding of dental materials science, use their artistic skills to fabricate the form, colour and function of individual teeth or maxillofacial prostheses for a patient. The fact that the product can affect the health and appearance of a person demands of the technician a high level of responsibility and accuracy. For this reason, the profession of dental technology is registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2004. Graduates with the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) Degree are automatically entitled to register with the New Zealand Dental Technicians Board.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Community Dentistry, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma: Dentistry: Dental Public Health, NQF Level 8.

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.

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