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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Dentistry in Prosthodontics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117105  Master of Dentistry in Prosthodontics 
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 
Purpose:
The qualification provides qualifying learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to register as specialists in Prosthodontics with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the HPCSA. The qualification aims to provide qualifying 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 Prosthodontics.

It will also equip the learners with expertise in research, which will include the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of the specialisation and the ability to guide junior colleagues in an educational setting.

The learner must deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise analytical writing, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Learners must demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a professional orientation, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding, and skills relevant to a particular profession.

Rationale:
The qualification responds to the critical shortage of medical specialists in the country in rural areas. Prosthodontics specialists will be needed with the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ensuring equitable health care for all. It also aims to provide learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and for contributing to society at large through patient care, innovation, scholarship, and leadership in the field of Prosthodontics.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) accredits the qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Upon entry into or registration of the qualification, a learner may apply for recognition/credit/reciprocity for previously completed modules. As per the institution's policy, the head of the academic department concerned evaluates the submitted academic portfolio for equivalence to the module required for the completion of the qualification and will pronounce on the outcome.

Informal, non-formal or experiential learning is not applicable for the Master of Dentistry qualification. No such policy is in place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration as dentists with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
    And
  • Minimum of two years' experience as Dentists. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 760 Credits:
  • Physiology for Master of Dentistry, 20 Credits.
  • Anatomy for Master of Dentistry, 20 Credits.
  • Biostatistics, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Ethics and Medical Law, 8 Credits.
  • Prosthodontic Techniques (Pre-clinical Practice and Theory).
  • Prosthodontic Clinical Practice & Theory.
  • Seminars in Prosthodontics.
  • Research component in Prosthodontics - Protocol Approval and project implementation.
  • Seminars in Prosthodontics.
  • Seminars in Periodontology & Oral Medicine.
  • Prosthodontic Case Discussions & Presentations.
  • Multidisciplinary Case Discussion Conferences.
  • Prosthodontics (Clinical Practice and Theory).
  • Oral Biology, 20 Credits.
  • Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
  • Oral Microbiology & Immunology, 20 Credits.
  • Prosthodontics I, 228 Credits.
  • Research component in Prosthodontics - project implementation.
  • Prosthodontic Clinical Practice & Theory.
  • Seminars in Prosthodontics.
  • Prosthodontic Case Discussion & Presentations.
  • Multidisciplinary Case Discussion Conferences.
  • Prosthodontics II, 228 Credits.
  • Prosthodontic Clinical Practice & Theory.
  • Seminars in Prosthodontics.
  • Prosthodontic Case Discussions & Presentations.
  • Multidisciplinary Case Discussion Conferences.
  • Mini Dissertation (Prosthodontics) including a Manuscript, 180 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 in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry.
  • Advice on and implement prophylactic measures to prevent disease relevant to Prosthodontics.
  • Interpret scientific literature relevant to the discipline of Prosthodontics and through reflection to adapt new developments in the discipline into clinical practice.
  • Conceptualise, plan and implement, and interpret research relevant to the practice of Prosthodontics.
  • Have competence in relevant clinical skills at the specialist level.
  • Be ethical, compassionate and skilled to conduct all aspects of specialist dental practice concerning the care of individuals and of populations.
  • Must acquire and demonstrate self-direction and independence in their learning in order to become life-long learners, and have the ability and capacity to recognise personal development needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and contexts to evaluate own progress.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practice of prosthodontics from the basic to an advanced level to be able to train others in the discipline. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills necessary to function and practice as a specialist Prosthodontist in the field of Prosthodontics in the public or private sector and show competency through demonstrations.
  • Engage and critique current research and practices, and advanced scholarship and research in integrated disciplinary knowledge relevant to Prosthodontics.
  • Use data and information to communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences in integrated disciplinary knowledge relevant to the practice of Prosthodontics for sound judgements.
  • Use problem-solving techniques which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
  • Evaluate outcomes of prosthodontic interventions and outcomes for evidence-based knowledge.
  • Show research mastery through conducting and the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data and perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw appropriate conclusions.
  • Develop and possess appropriate, effective skills to interact with patients, colleagues and other team members to render appropriate Prosthodontic management assessed through evaluation of relevant literature.
  • Teach through clinical practice at the specialist level the application of knowledge from basic to an advanced level with other professionals.
  • Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development as a life - long learner and responsible citizen.
  • Make a significant and relevant contribution to knowledge and practice in their professional context and more generally to scholarship within the field.
  • Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achievable. There is a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the study to assess whether the Exit-Level Outcomes are achievable. These include seminars, research projects, practical work in the public oral health services, portfolios, and written and oral tests and examinations. There is an assessment of knowledge. The qualification has a learning and assessment qualification, which consists of regular formative assessment throughout the training period. The facilitation of the qualification is a work-integrated learning approach, as well as scheduled academic activities such as journal presentation, topical discussions, and seminars as well as clinic-pathologic discussions often held with other departments. The research component forms an integral part of the qualification in that there is a study of the problem in more detail. Learners must produce a mini-dissertation and a publishable ready article for assessment by internal and external examiners as per the institution's assessment policy. All assessment is in alignment with the institution's rules and the assessment policy of learner learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There is no international comparability for this qualification. Currently, learners are required to submit their qualification to foreign regulatory authorities for assessment of equivalence for qualification recognition.

    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 those of this institution.

    Each country usually has a process through its regulating bodies to assess each foreign qualification and learner and will offer recognition depending on the outcome. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Dentistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Community Dentistry, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Dentistry, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of 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.