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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Dental Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116568  Bachelor of Science Honours in Dental Sciences 
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(Min 480)  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   2034-06-30  

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 main purpose of the qualification is the attainment of more advanced scientific knowledge through basic research in order to equip the candidate for independent research on an advanced level in one or more of the basic dental sciences or in the preclinical and/or clinical fields in dentistry.

Rationale:
The qualification aims to stimulate interest in academic study and research and to ensure a constant supply of well-equipped professionals, critical thinkers and socially aware people for both the public and private sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Microbiological Aetiology of Dental Caries, 24 Credits.
  • Immunology in the Oral Cavity, 20 Credits.
  • Microbiology of Periodontal Diseases, 24 Credits.
  • Oral Ecology, 20 Credits.
  • Research project in Oral Microbiology, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply systematic and in-depth knowledge of a specific field of dentistry and awareness of a variety of contexts.
    2. Understand the principles of concepts underpinning the field of study and its boundaries and limitations.
    3. Know advanced investigative methods.
    4. Know recent and relevant research in the chosen field.
    5. Plan and conduct basic research.
    6. Select and apply knowledge in a professional context.
    7. Communicate appropriately to the profession and discipline.
    8. Make sound theoretical judgements and evaluations.
    9. Execute clinical procedures at a level above that of a student with a basic dental qualification in the chosen field within clinical dentistry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Use the assessment for the qualification to achieve the purpose of the qualification.
  • Use a range of modalities in assessment, such as formal written, oral examinations, case reports, literature reviews and hands-on evaluation.
  • Use assignments requiring the necessary forms of information technology and regularly assess formal examinations and research project.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessments and summative assessments will contribute towards the final mark. Verbal and written assessments in the respective modules involving the professional context of the module are utilised. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in 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.