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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Dentistry in Oral Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117102  Master of Dentistry in Oral Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 
The purpose of the Master of Dentistry in Oral Pathology qualification is to empower learners to advise on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to head and neck pathology. The qualification also gives learners the ability to interpret scientific literature relevant to their field and through reflection, adapt new developments in the field of Oral Pathology into his/her clinical practice. The learners are also able to conceptualise, plan and implement and interpret research relevant to the practice of Oral Pathology.

Rationale:
This qualification provides learners with knowledge, skills, and applied competence in Oral Pathology sufficient to allow registration with the Health Professions Council of SA as a specialist in Oral Pathology. It aims to provide learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and for contributing to society at large through advanced patient care, innovation, scholarship, and leadership in the field of Oral Pathology. The qualification responds to the critical shortage of medical specialists in the country in rural areas. Oral Pathology Specialists will be greatly needed with the implementation of the NHI and ensuring equitable health care for all. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
There are requirements in place for admission into the qualification. Additional qualifications may prove to be advantageous to learners competing for limited space in qualification. Upon entry into or registration of the qualification, a learner may apply for recognition, credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules. As per Institution policy, the head of the academic department concerned evaluates the submitted academic portfolio for equivalence to the module required for completion of the qualification and will make an informed decision. Informal, non-formal or experiential learning credit towards the qualification. No such policy is in place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration as a dentist with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
    And
  • Suitable experience as Dentists. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 916 Credits:
  • Anatomy in Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
  • Anatomical Pathology, 100 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology, 20 Credits.
  • Physiology for M Dent, 20 Credits.
  • Mini-Dissertation (Oral Pathology), 220 Credits.
  • Oral Pathology, 512 Credits.
  • Applied Ethics and Medical Law, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Biostatistics, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Diagnose, through oral communication, physical examination, laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate special investigations, and formulate and prosecute management options for divergent problems encountered during the practice of diagnosis of pathology.
  • Advice on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to the oral cavity.
  • Interpret scientific literature relevant to his/her field and through reflection, adapt new developments in the field of Oral Pathology into his/her clinical practice.
  • Conceptualise, plan and implement and interpret research relevant to the practice of Oral Pathology.
  • Diagnose, through communication, verbal and written and in consultation with requesting clinicians the physical examination, laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate special investigations, and formulate and implement management options for divergent problems encountered during the practice diagnostic oral pathology. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Describe and explain the biochemical, haematological, microbiological, and immunological mechanisms of human diseases affecting the oral cavity and peri-oral tissues.
  • Perform and direct the performance of all histological diagnostic tests which are generally in use in the modern routine practice of Oral Pathology.
  • Explain the theoretical principles of all generally used routine laboratory tests in the practice of Oral Pathology.
  • Apply appropriate quality control programs to ensure a high standard of laboratory tests results.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achievable. The institution assesses whether the Exit Level Outcomes are achievable; there is a range of formative and summative assessments. These include seminars, research projects, practical work in the public oral health services, portfolios and written and oral tests and examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Not all countries recognise, train, or register dental specialists. In general terms, the specialist qualifications offered in those countries where specialists are registered are comparable to the institution's qualification. As far as registration of specialists between countries is concerned, is rare. 

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

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Master of Dentistry in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Community Dentistry, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 


    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.