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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Dentistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117136  Master of Science in Dentistry 
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  Undefined  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 main purpose of the qualification is the attainment of more advanced scientific knowledge through research to equip the learner for independent research on an advanced level in one or more of the advanced dental sciences in the preclinical and clinical fields in dentistry.

Rationale:
The rationale of qualification is to stimulate interest in academic study and research in advanced dental sciences and to ensure a constant supply of well equipped professional, critical thinkers and socially aware people for both the public and private sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is a:
  • Bachelor of Sciences Honours in Dental Sciences, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 196 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 9, 196 Credits:
  • Dissertation (Dentistry), 180 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Biostatistics, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop systematic and deep knowledge of a specific field of dentistry and awareness of a variety of contexts in which it may apply.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts underpinning the field of study and its boundaries and limitations.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of investigative methods.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of recent and relevant research in the chosen field.
    5. Plan and conduct research.
    6. Effectively select and apply knowledge in a professional context.
    7. Communicate effectively in a form appropriate to the profession and discipline.
    8. Make sound theoretical judgements and evaluations.
    9. Identify a research topic of his choice.
    10. Write a protocol for a research project.
    11. Do a literature search and review on the chosen topic.
    12. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to find the necessary funding for a research project.
    13. Demonstrate knowledge and competency to do and manage the field/laboratory/clinical work for the chosen research project.
    14. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to do the statistical analysis of the research data.
    15. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to interpret the results of the research.
    16. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to write a dissertation based on the results of the research.
    17. Demonstrate knowledge of the laws and ethical rules and regulations controlling research South Africa.
    18. Demonstrate knowledge on how to engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
  • Write a protocol.
  • Do a literature search.
  • Conduct statistical analysis of the research data.
  • Interpret the results of the research.
  • Ensure the writing of a dissertation based on research done.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Material contained in the dissertation is of a standard that will be acceptable for publication in an accredited international scientific journal. 
    		•

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • 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.