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: 

Bachelor of Oral Hygiene 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116566  Bachelor of Oral Hygiene 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 qualification will provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviour, attitudes and values to be able to promote oral health and general well-being of the individual, family and community systems in which they function. The care provided will be cognisant of the South African context of diverse individual patient/client and broader public health needs. The focus will be on promotive and preventive care at a primary health level that is in line with national and international best oral health practices. The oral hygienist will also provide interceptive and therapeutic care, mainly in a primary and secondary care setting.
The oral hygienist will participate in and promote a multi-disciplinary and inter-professional approach to improve health and oral health.

Rationale:
In keeping with the current national strategy of human resources for health, oral hygienists will play a pivotal role in promoting healthy lifestyles in dentistry and thereby lessen the burden of disease. It is thus required that intervention be directed simultaneously in the areas of promotion, prevention and therapeutic care of individuals and communities. The oral hygienist is thus uniquely placed to provide the required care at mainly primary and secondary levels across the public and private practice in both rural and urban settings. Ultimately, improved oral health will lead to the fulfilment of the human need for wellness.

The qualification in Oral Hygiene presents a substantial overlap with that of Dental Therapy in the area of prevention and promotion outcomes. This is a necessary overlap, as holistic patient care requires that the Oral Health Practitioner be competent to promote oral health and prevent oral disease at a primary health care level. However, as the emphasis of oral hygiene is prevention and promotion, this qualification is underpinned by a stronger theoretical framework in the social sciences than that of dental therapy. Dental Therapy includes curative, surgical and more advanced therapeutic measures. Therefore dental therapy is underpinned by a stronger theoretical application in the clinical sciences.
The focus of these professions is thus inherently different. This difference is further reflected in the scopes or practice where the scope of practice of oral hygienists shows the stronger social sciences application, i.e. education, promotion and the public health aspect. The overlap in these professions is less than 40%, which is evident when considering the theory that informs the scope of practice for each of the two professions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Recognition of Prior Learning may contribute to the achievement of this qualification. Portfolios of evidence, endorsed by previous mentors, education institutions or employers may be presented and may include learning outcomes achieved through formal learning or work experience. RPL may be awarded following the decision of the relevant provider and in agreement with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance. (ETQA).

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 368 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 128 Credits:
  • Integrated Clinical Dentistry 1, 12 Credits.
  • Oral Health 1, 28 Credits.
  • Radiography 1, 12 Credits.
  • English for Health Sciences, 12 Credits.
  • Behavioural Science, 16 Credits.
  • Dental Public Health1, 8 Credits.
  • Physiology, 8 Credits.
  • Chemistry IB, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction of Microbiology, 4 Credits.
  • Applied Anatomy, 8 Credits.
  • Oral Biology, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Special Patient Care I, 28 Credits.
  • Specialized Clinical Dentistry, 28 Credits.
  • Periodontology & Oral Medicine, 20 Credits.
  • Radiography II, 8 Credits.
  • Academic Skills II, 16 Credits.
  • Dental Public Health II, 4 Credits.
  • Ethical Practice Management I, 4 Credits.
  • Applied Oral Pathology, 4 Credits.
  • Applied Pharmacology, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Oral Medicine, 12 Credits.
  • Specialised Clinical Dentistry: Clinical Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Special Patient Care II, 32 Credits.
  • Radiography III, 12 Credits.
  • Dental Public Health III, 8 Credits.
  • Ethical Practice Management II, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Function legally, ethically in the oral healthcare environment within the proper scope of practice.
    2. Apply management skills and universal precautions to maintain standards of health and safety in the oral healthcare environment. Promote oral health ad prevent oral diseases following the proper scope of practice.
    3. Apply the processes of assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation in all aspects of oral hygiene practice.
    4. Explain and demonstrate the educational, preventive, therapeutic and cosmetic interventions expected in terms of the relevant scope of practice.
    5. Actively participate in research development that would contribute to the body of evidence of the discipline of oral hygiene.
    6. On successful completion of this qualification, the learner will be eligible for registration with the Professional Board for Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply communication and consultation skills with relevant stakeholders within the community, health environment and other sectors to bring about change and improvement in the oral health and well-being of the community.
  • Explain and utilise health promotion and communication skills when interacting with individuals and communities.
  • Carry out risk assessments of individuals /groups which includes assessment of their knowledge, practices and attitudes, environmental and other risks impacting on oral health to inform appropriate health promotion strategies.
  • Deliver various dental treatment modalities within the scope of practice of an oral hygienist.
  • A comprehensive clinical examination is followed by an oral hygiene diagnosis and the generation of a patient-specific oral health care plan, which is based on current scientific information.
  • Identify pain and anxiety and apply appropriate behaviour management strategies are applied.
  • Identify and explain symptoms of dysfunction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and various courses of connection.
  • The range of treatments includes other applications of local anaesthesia.
  • Identify and refer patients requiring alternative methods of sedation to the relevant practitioner.
  • Identify and explain common complications associated with sedation of dental patients and signs and symptoms thereof.
  • Provide preventive care to maintain the current oral health status and prevent the onset of oral disease.
  • The range of preventive care includes but is not limited to regular oral health assessments, mechanical and chemical plaque control, fissure sealant application, fluoride therapy, management of dental hypersensitivity.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the oral clinical facility through adequate hygiene practices, management of professional equipment and instruments.
  • Clinical staff should consistently use personal protective equipment and supply to patients when appropriate.
  • Oversee sterilisation of instruments to ensure the efficacy of the process and integrity of instruments.
  • Describe, perform and interpret digital and analogue radiography within the scope of practice of an oral hygienist.
  • Assess, analyse, describe and promote oral health and wellness as it pertains to the health of individuals, families and communities.
  • Common oral diseases and conditions are described, and individual and population risk factors are identified.
  • Range of risk factors includes diet, tobacco product use, poor personal oral hygiene.
  • Identify, describe, apply and critically evaluate oral health promotion strategies in a variety of settings to address oral diseases and conditions and promote health-related quality of life.
  • Use epidemiological statistics to determine the oral health status of the target community.
  • Explain, evaluate and apply ethical and legal responsibilities about oral health care practice during all interactions with patients, colleagues and the community.
  • Render all treatment in terms of the Bill of Rights and Patient Charter and maintain patient confidentiality throughout.
  • All interactions with colleagues, patients and communities promote human dignity and indicate due sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, religious and gender diversity.
  • Explain and apply the legal requirements governing the operation of private practice by the relevant legislation.
  • Ethical and legal responsibilities about oral health care practice are explained, evaluated and applied during all interactions with patients, colleagues and the community.
  • Personal work plans and for practice protocols for all personnel within the practice are explained.
  • Maintain booking registers and patient records in a manner that ensures patient confidentiality and efficiency of the practice.
  • Take impressions for orthodontic study casts, cast pouring.
  • Explain with examples the preventive, therapeutic and assisting roles of the oral hygienist in general dental practice, dental therapist and dental specialist practices.
  • Educate and inform patients about various treatment options in different speciality areas.
  • Carry out prescriptions for advanced clinical procedures from dentists or dental therapists following the terms of the scope of practice of the oral hygienist.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessment strategies are used throughout the qualification to meet all outcomes.
    Formative Assessment may include:
  • Tests.
  • Written and practical assignments.
  • Practical assessments in, for example, clinical/patient examination, health promotion.
  • Literature reviews.
  • Case Studies.
  • Class presentations.
  • Seminars.
  • Peer evaluations.
  • Simulations in structured learning environments.
  • Learning portfolios.
  • Problem-based cases.

    Summative Assessment may include:
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.
  • Practical examinations.
  • Supervisor reports on clinical cases. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compared to similar qualifications internationally, produces a comprehensive and balanced qualified learner, equipped to address oral health by taking into consideration the social context of oral disease. This qualified learner will function within the internationally recognised domains of the clinician, health promoter, educator, change agents and practice manager.

    The qualification reflects the global shift in dental hygiene education, namely a shift to baccalaureate-level education qualifications and an expansion in the scope of practice. This is accompanied by greater professional autonomy seen in working practices such as independent practice and independent private practice for oral hygienist. In keeping with oral hygiene services offered internationally, in both developing and developed countries, this qualification is possibly a world leader in terms of scope of practice at this three-year level. It provides the possibility of postgraduate education in the field of oral health. In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa seems to be the place of choice to train individuals who provide oral health services.

    The qualification can be compared to similar qualifications in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. It has the potential to be among the leading qualifications globally by allowing the qualified learner to practice both independently but still within the dental team; as well as privately in collaboration with dental and other health practitioners.

    Qualified learners will be eligible for registration with relevant professional regulatory bodies in the SADC countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Netherlands subject to presenting the curriculum to the applicable bodies and writing the required entrance examinations. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Dental Therapy, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma Community Dentistry, 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.
     
    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.