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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124897  Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive 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
Registered  EXCO 0535/25  2025-10-02  2028-10-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-10-02   2032-10-02  

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 purpose of the Master of Dental Surgery in Paediatric Dentistry qualification is to prepare dentists as specialists in the field of Paediatric Dentistry. This qualification will equip the learners with knowledge, skills and dispositions that are on par with international standards, the outcome being improved paediatric patient care through diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of oral disease. The qualification will hone critical thinking skills to encourage self-development and ensure lifelong learning. The intention is to register this qualification as a specialist qualification with the HPCSA after CHE accreditation. Successful completion of this qualification will therefore enable the learner to register as a specialist in Paediatric Dentistry.

Upon completion of this qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Critically diagnose, analyse and interpret paediatric dentistry cases in a reflective way
  • Critically apply select, perform behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment in a reflective way.
  • Demonstrate competence to evaluate the appropriateness of laser therapy in patient management.
  • Evaluate trauma cases and demonstrate competence to manage paediatric dental trauma comprehensively.
  • Demonstrate competence to identify, evaluate and manage paediatric oral pathology and oral medicine cases in a holistic, integrated and reflective way.

    Rationale:
    Specialist qualifications in other disciplines in dentistry are already being offered by this institution. Paediatric Dentistry is, however, currently not offered as a specialisation in South Africa, yet it is established as a specialist field internationally in the UK, US, Australia and other countries like Kenya. With the high caries prevalence in South Africa, especially among children, emphasis needs to be placed on the prevention of caries as well as reducing the existing burden of disease. In 2018, nearly 6,000 teeth were extracted in children younger than 6 years under local anaesthesia alone. At the end of 2018, the waiting list for children requiring dental treatment under general anaesthesia was 219. More children are added to this is daily, as provision is made for treatment of emergency pain and sepsis, which clearly highlights the demand for this specialist qualification.

    By focusing on children, a career-free future is possible for the generations that follow and will result in considerable cost savings. At present, resources are spent on expensive general anaesthesia and sedation services to cater for the relief of pain and sepsis in children less than six years old. With a greater focus on current social injustices within the Healthcare system, it is intended that this specialist degree will be able to provide some much-needed redistribution of vital services for the paediatric patient within the community-based setting. Not only will this have benefits for patient care and quality of life, but it will also improve the impact that Dentistry can (and should) have in the community at large.

    By improving the oral health of the population, this qualification will provide benefits for society in the form of greater equity in social justice for patients in need of dental treatment, as well as for the economy by decreasing the cost to the state and reducing more invasive and advanced treatments with earlier intervention. The explicit desire and intent of the master's programme include a module which is solely built on the premise of fostering a spirit of service delivery in the form of Community Outreach, where dental services are in high demand.

    The ethos of transformative education will be well integrated within the design of this programme, with the intent of creating agents of change within the graduates who can take their knowledge and skills to their communities to effect maximum contribution.
    The situation of this qualification within the community is a clear signal of how the Paediatric Dentistry Department recognises the need for learners to embed themselves and be of use within the South African context of Dental Healthcare.

    This institution is the only original institution in South Africa to offer an existing master's programme and hence is ideally situated to extend this into a recognised and accredited specialist programme (MDent). The institution's Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, endeavours to act in consultation and collaboration with dental faculties from other universities in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
  • For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Dental Sciences, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dental Technology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • At least two years' clinical experience in treating paediatric patients would be required. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 550 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level, 550 Credits.
  • Introduction to Paediatric Dentistry, 60 Credits.
  • Anatomy, 15 Credits.
  • Physiology, 15 Credits.
  • Paediatric Dentistry II, 70 Credits.
  • Oral Biology, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methods, 20 Credits.
  • Interceptive Orthodontics I, 10 Credits.
  • Oral Pathology, 15 Credits.
  • Paediatric Dentistry III, 80 Credits.
  • Interceptive Orthodontics II, 10 Credits.
  • Dentistry Mini-Thesis, 70 Credits.
  • Dentistry Mini-Thesis, 70 Credits.
  • Comprehensive paediatric patient care, 70 Credits.
  • Community engagement, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate competence to critically diagnose, analyse and reflectively interpret paediatric dentistry cases.
    2. Demonstrate competence to critically apply select, perform behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment in a reflective way.
    3. Critically diagnose paediatric dentistry cases.
    4. Apply behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment.
    5. Evaluate and critically diagnose paediatric dentistry cases in a reflective manner.
    6. Demonstrate application of behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment.
    7. Critically evaluate paediatric cases to be able to make a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan
    8. Evaluate clinical situations and understand which behavioural management techniques, principles of prevention of oral diseases, and principles of restorative treatment would apply.
    9. Identify the relevant issues regarding aspects of guardianship and consent when diagnosing paediatric dentistry cases
    10. Identify the ethical issues associated with the application of behavioural management techniques as well as the overall management of the child patient.
    11. Understand the importance of good record keeping when diagnosing paediatric dentistry cases.
    12. Demonstrated the ability to communicate with all relevant stakeholders.
    13. Demonstrate competence to critically diagnose, analyse and interpret paediatric dentistry cases in a reflective way and adjust treatment where needed. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Critically diagnose paediatric cases in a reflective way
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
  • Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
  • Interpret the history of pain and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
  • Apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases reflectively.
  • Apply the principles of restorative treatment reflectively.
  • Select the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Critically diagnose and evaluate paediatric cases reflectively.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
  • Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
  • Interpret and apply the history of pain to clinical diagnosis.
  • Use of appropriate diagnostic tools to aid diagnosis and treatment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
  • Critically apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases reflectively.
  • Critically apply the principles of restorative treatment.
  • Select and justify the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Critically reflectively diagnose paediatric cases.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
  • Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
  • Interpret the history of pain and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
  • Apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases in a reflective way
  • Apply the principles of restorative treatment and select the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
  • Critically reflect diagnose paediatric cases.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
  • Evaluate the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
  • Interpret the history of pain and the appropriate use of diagnostic tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
  • Reflect on and apply behavioural management techniques relevant to each clinical situation.
  • Apply the principles of prevention of oral diseases in a reflective way based on the clinical situation.
  • Apply the principles of restorative treatment and select the appropriate techniques and materials according to the clinical situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9:
  • Perform more complex pulp therapy techniques and reflect on the appropriateness of the procedure.
  • Critically reflect on the appropriate use of medications and materials.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10:
  • Comprehensively manage and reflect on paediatric dental trauma.
  • Apply rehabilitative and preventive measures (including education) in the management of dental trauma.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11:
  • Identify and manage paediatric oral pathology and oral medicine cases reflectively.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal symptoms and clinical presentation.
  • Analyse the importance of patient factors and their role in diagnosis.
  • Explain and execute appropriate patient referrals and follow-up.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 12:
  • Document relevant clinical, medical and social information which is important for holistic patient management.
  • Document all treatment/ investigations carried out, materials used, medications prescribed and relevant behavioural information.
  • Document motivation for treatment options and treatment failures.
  • Communicate with medical professionals should also be documented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 13:
  • Communicate with paediatric patients and parents regarding treatment required (including education regarding oral health matters).
  • Communicate pros and cons of treatment options to patient and parent.
  • Communicate with other relevant authorities, e.g. for issues of consent, medical history and reporting of abuse.
  • Work in interprofessional teams to facilitate holistic patient management.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The application of the assessment principles for good assessment practices is stipulated in the Faculty Assessment and Moderation Protocol (2019). Assessment practices vary from module to module, as well as in the clinical setting. To ensure the quality of the educational process, the above-mentioned principles should be achieved in both formative and summative assessment practices. Lecturers are required to ensure and be able to demonstrate that these assessment principles are reflected in their assessment practices.

    The qualification has effective learner centred assessment practices, which include assessment for learning formative assessment and assessment of learning summative assessment, as well as assessment as learning Self- assessment/ Reflection.

    Formative assessment:
    Learners engage in assessment activities based on a given area of discipline and are then given feedback on what they have done so that they become more effective in their learning.

    Summative assessment:
    Results of learner assessments are used to certify achievement in a module or learning programme or to award the qualification.
    Self-assessment practices support self-directed learning; learners take responsibility for their own learning and monitor their own personal progress. The assessment itself and the feedback provided to learners by lecturers on assessed work should be designed to assist learner learning.
    The discipline component will comprise journal critiques and presentations, patient case discussions and seminar presentations on various topics identified in Paediatric Dentistry literature.

    The clinical component will consist of a clinical mark. A mark will also be allocated for the percentage of clinical quota completed. Rubrics will be used in all forms of assessment.
    The weighting of the assessments Discipline component and clinical component. The clinical component will make up 70% of the course with the Discipline component contributing 30%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of Melbourne
    Qualification title: Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DCD)
    Duration: Three years

    Entry requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree in dentistry (or equivalent).
    And
  • At least two years of full-time continuous relevant clinical work experience after graduation from dental school, excluding an intern year
    And
  • Current registration as a dentist in the country of origin or residence.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DCD) at the University of Melbourne is an exceptional opportunity for general dentists to become specialists in their chosen dental field. This comprehensive three-year, full-time program will offer learners an in-depth, advanced training across seven specialities to choose from: Endodontics, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Special Needs Dentistry.

    Course structure Modules:
  • Dentistry Special Needs.
  • Paediatric Dentistry, comparable with Paediatric Dentistry.
  • Periodontics.
  • Orthodontics, comparable with Interceptive Orthodontics
  • Oral Medicine.
  • Research Proposal, comparable with Research Methods.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Melbourne (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over three years.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Paediatric Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry Periodontics, Orthodontics, Interceptive Orthodontics, Oral Medicine, Research Proposal, and Research Methods.
  • The SA qualification's purpose is to prepare dentists as specialists in the field of Paediatric Dentistry.
  • Similarly, the UM qualification is an exceptional opportunity for general dentists to become specialists in their chosen dental field.

    Differences:
  • The UM qualification is offered at the doctoral level, whereas the SA qualification is offered at a master's degree level.

    Country: Nairobi
    Institution name: Nairobi University
    Qualification title: Master of Dental Surgery in paediatric dentistry
    Duration: Three years

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree
  • The applicants shall be registrable by the Kenya Medical Practitioners' and Dentists' Board.
  • The candidates should have at least two years of working experience in clinical dentistry, one of which should have been post-internship.

    The Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) Degree in Paediatric Dentistry is essential for training specialised manpower for the country to improve the Paediatric Dental Specialist: patient ratio, which currently stands at 1:1.5 million paediatric patients. The Department can provide postgraduate training for the East and Central Africa Region, as this is the first postgraduate program in Dental Science in the region.

    The qualification is guided by the need to develop a Kenyan-based programme that produces specialists who can provide leadership and stewardship in the provision of the best care in Paediatric Dentistry disease management.

    Ontago and Midwestern University in Chicago. The current master's programme on which the proposed specialisation is based is moderated by an external examiner from Michigan University in the United States, which has an accredited specialist programme in Paediatric Dentistry.

    Qualification objectives:
  • To equip the learners with knowledge, skills and competencies in patient management.
  • To equip the learner with knowledge, skills and critical thinking to enable them to conduct ethical research.
  • To instil in the learner integrity and professionalism in the management of patients and interaction with professional peers.

    Qualification structure Modules:
  • Research proposal for the thesis

    Similarities:
  • The Nairobi University (NU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over three years and accept learners who have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree.
  • The NU qualification is essential for training specialised manpower for the country so as to improve the Paediatric Dental Specialist.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification within the community is a clear signal of how the Paediatric Dentistry Department recognises the need for learners to embed themselves and be of use within the South African context of Dental Healthcare. The NU qualification will equip the learners with knowledge, skills, and competencies in patient management.
  • The SA qualification will similarly hone critical thinking skills to encourage self-development and ensure lifelong learning.
  • Upon successful completion of the SA qualification, the learner registers as a specialist in Paediatric Dentistry, similar to the NU qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Dental Surgery in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Dentistry in Community Dentistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Dentistry, NQF Level 9.

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

    Diagonal Articulation
  • National Certificate: Vocational: Primary Health, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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.