SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Technology: Dental Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
72385  Bachelor of Technology: Dental Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
B Tech  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2023-12-31  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
1943  Bachelor of Technology: Dental Technology  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is, to educate and train competent, responsible and accountable dental technologists for the dental profession. They can manage dental laboratories and employ dental technicians and/or other employees normally associated with dental laboratories, be employed in research and development and other related areas of the profession.

The qualification further addresses the needs of the dental profession for qualified dental technologists with relevant qualifications that are recognised both nationally and internationally. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
* First Degree (3 year Diploma): Dental Technology (360 credits) or recognised equivalent accepted by both the Technikon and the S A Dental Technicians Council.

* Admission is subject to prior performance evaluation and a personal interview.

* Registration with the S A Dental Technicians Council as a dental technician in terms of Section 18 of Act 43 of 1997. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Upon the achievement of this qualification the student/learner will be able to demonstrate the following capabilities:

1. Apply advanced dental technology skills and procedures in order to analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair edentulous and partially edentulous removable non-metallic dental prostheses, as well as supervise and manage employees involved in any aspect pertaining to this outcome.
  • Analyse and evaluate the job prescription
  • Manufacture primary and final models
  • Manufacture specialised record blocks and special trays
  • Manufacture specialised edentulous and partially edentulous removable non-metallic prostheses
  • Repair specialised edentulous and partially edentulous removable non-metallic prostheses

    2. Apply advanced dental technology skills and procedures in order to analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair removable metallic dental prostheses, as well as supervise and manage employees involved in any aspect pertaining to this outcome.
  • Analyse and evaluate the job prescription
  • Produce models and special trays
  • Manufacture specialised removable metallic prostheses
  • Repair specialised removable metallic prostheses

    3. Apply advanced dental technology skills and procedures in order to analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair fixed dental prostheses, as well as supervise and manage employees involved in any aspect pertaining to this outcome.
  • Analyse and evaluate the job prescription
  • Produce models and specialised trays
  • Manufacture specialised fixed prostheses
  • Repair specialised fixed prostheses

    4. Apply advanced dental technology skills and procedures in order to analyse, design, manufacture, modify and repair orthodontic, dental orthopaedic and other related appliances, as well as supervise and manage employees involved in any aspect pertaining to this outcome
  • Analyse and evaluate the job prescription
  • Produce models
  • Manufacture specialised orthodontic appliances
  • Repair specialised orthodontic appliances

    5. Be able to evaluate dental materials, equipment and systems for acquisition
  • Evaluate and select appropriate dental materials
  • Evaluate, select and procure appropriate equipment based on the needs and the changes in technology
  • Provide instructions on the correct use of materials and operation of equipment
  • Prevent occupational health hazards that may result from using selected dental materials and or equipment
  • Assess the possible negative impact that new materials or procedures may have on the environment

    6. Introduce systems in establishing and managing a dental laboratory
  • Plan for an entire organisation
  • Display entrepreneurial skills
  • Display leadership and organisational skills
  • Establish and maintain systems in a dental laboratory

    7. Be able to demonstrate and apply basic research skills
  • Conduct a basic research project

    8. Communicate effectively with employees, other members of the oral health team and patients
  • Apply a range of communication techniques in the context of a dental laboratory
  • Be professional and adhere to code of conduct

    9. Have a clear understanding of the legislative and ethical aspects of dental technology in South Africa and be able to implement and control these when required
  • Apply knowledge of the legal aspects pertaining to the running of a dental laboratory

    10. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the prevailing labour legislation with special reference to employee and employer rights and obligations
  • Apply knowledge of the legislation controlling the operating of a dental laboratory

    11. Manage the risk of occupational health hazards in dental laboratories, implement and control processes to minimise employee and own exposure to harmful substances and/or processes
  • Apply knowledge of the occupational hazards and implement procedures in the dental laboratory environment

    CRITICAL outcomes:
    1. Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and/or community
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
    5. Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others
    7. Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities
    8. Explore educational and career opportunities
    9. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One
    1. Health and safety awareness is applied.
  • Current clinical dental terminology is understood.
  • Planning and design is done effectively and independently.

    2. Appropriate equipment is operated.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated.

    3. Appropriate equipment is operated.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated.

    4. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Articulation is done correctly.
  • Splints are manufactured correctly.
  • Obturators are manufactured correctly.
  • Attachments are inserted correctly.
  • Combination work is done correctly.
  • Prostheses on implants are constructed correctly.
  • Maxillo-facial prostheses are manufactured.
  • Loss control is executed.
  • Quality control is performed.

    5. Specialised prostheses are repaired correctly.
  • Repair materials are selected, manipulated and applied correctly.

    Two
    1. Health and safety awareness is applied.
  • Current clinical dental terminology is understood.
  • Planning and design is done effectively and independently.

    2. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Appropriate models are articulated correctly.
  • Appropriate models are surveyed correctly.
  • Blocking out and duplicating of refractory models is done correctly.

    3. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Combination appliances with precision attachments are constructed correctly.
  • Loss control is executed correctly.
  • Quality control is performed correctly.

    4. Specialised prostheses are repaired correctly.
  • Additions to specialised prostheses are made.
  • Solder, alloys and artificial tooth materials are selected, manipulated and applied correctly.

    Three
    1. Health and safety awareness is applied.
  • Current clinical dental terminology is understood.
  • Planning and design are effectively and independently performed.

    2. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Diagnostic models are produced effectively.
  • Working models are produced effectively.
  • Refractory models are produced effectively.
  • Articulation is done effectively.

    3. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Specialised soldering techniques are demonstrated effectively.
  • Attachments are milled and inserted effectively.
  • Combination work is performed effectively.
  • Prostheses for implants are constructed effectively.
  • Loss control is executed effectively.
  • Quality control is performed effectively.

    4. Specialised fixed prostheses are repaired effectively.
  • Additions to specialised fixed prostheses are made correctly.
  • Solder, alloy and artificial tooth material selected, manipulated and applied correctly.


    Four
    1. Health and safety awareness is applied.
  • Current clinical dental terminology is understood.
  • Planning and design is done effectively and independently.

    2. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Study models are produced effectively.
  • Working models are produced effectively.
  • Articulation is done effectively.

    3. Appropriate equipment is operated effectively.
  • Appropriate materials are selected and manipulated effectively.
  • Specialised soldering and welding techniques are demonstrated effectively.
  • Specialised functional appliances are produced effectively.
  • Combination appliances are produced effectively.

    4. Specialised orthodontic appliances are repaired.
  • Orthodontic repair materials selected, manipulated and applied correctly.

    Five
    1. Materials are evaluated for appropriateness, safety to user/wearer and the environment.

    2. Equipment is evaluated for appropriateness, suitability for use in South Africa, safety to the operator and the environment.

    3. Operational instructions are noted and adjusted according to local need/use.
  • Precautionary measures are compiled to assist the user with use/application and safety.

    4. The occupational health hazards have been assessed.
  • Precautionary measures are introduced to prevent unnecessary health hazards to the user.
  • Maintenance programmes are introduced to ensure that the continuous efficiency of equipment and systems is monitored

    5. The presence of potentially harmfully elements/compounds is noted.
  • Alternatives are assessed and considered.
  • Impacts on the environment are noted and recorded.
  • Controlling measures are put into place for monitoring purposes.

    Six
    1. Objectives for entire organisation are established.
  • Strategic planning for entire organisation is executed.

    2. Market research is conducted.
  • Economic viability is assessed.
  • Creative and innovative thinking is displayed and demonstrated.
  • Market needs are identified or created.
  • Business plan is presented.
  • Organisational network is developed.
  • Markets are developed.
  • Advertising is effective.

    3. Interactive skills are demonstrated.
  • Employer/employee relationships are established and promoted.
  • Motivation is maintained.
  • Problem solving abilities are demonstrated.
  • Decision-making is effective.
  • Meetings are conducted effectively.
  • Conflict is managed constructively.
  • Negotiation skills are demonstrated.
  • Customer relations are established and promoted.
  • Crisis management skills are demonstrated.

    4. Administration systems are established and maintained.
  • Financial systems are established and maintained.
  • Operating systems are established and maintained.
  • Marketing systems are established and maintained.
  • Procurement systems are established and maintained.
  • Quality control systems are established and maintained.
  • Loss control systems are established and maintained
  • Human resources are established and maintained
  • Appropriate computer systems, including software packages, are selected, established and maintained.
  • Laboratory work cards are designed.
  • Legal requirements are implemented and controlled.

    Seven
    1. The term research is defined and discussed.
  • The characteristics of research are discussed.
  • The difference between formal and informal research is understood and described.
  • The basic research process is understood and described.
  • The basic tools of research are discussed.
  • Researchable problems and sub-problems are identified and formulated.
  • Assumptions, delimitations and hypotheses are identified and formulated?
  • Informal data is presented and interpreted
  • A research proposal is presented

    Eight
    1. Confidence in speaking is demonstrated.
  • Fluency in current clinical terminology is demonstrated.
  • Integrated writing skills are demonstrated.
  • Reading skills are demonstrated.
  • Interpersonal skills are demonstrated.
  • Laboratory prescription cards are designed and used effectively.
  • Instruction cards are designed and used effectively.
  • Appropriate and effective body language is displayed.
  • Assertive behaviour is demonstrated.
  • Active listening is demonstrated.
  • Clear instructions and directions are given.
  • Flow of communication within the organisation is effective.
  • Current research is interpreted and applied.

    2. Conflict resolution skills are demonstrated.
  • Dynamics of negotiations are understood and demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of intercultural communication is applied.
  • Moral standards and code of conduct are adhered to.

    Nine
    1. The Dental Technicians Act is understood correctly.
  • Taxation Act is understood and applied correctly.
  • Medical Schemes Act is understood.
  • Reasoned needs for expert consultation are described.

    Ten
    1. Labour Relations Act is understood.
  • Manpower Training Act is applied correctly.
  • Employment Insurance Act is understood and applied correctly.
  • Workmen`s Compensation Act is understood and applied.
  • Need for expert consultation is recognised with reasons

    Eleven
    1. Occupational Health and Safety Act is understood.
  • Environment Conservation Act is understood and applied.
  • Reasoned needs for expert consultation are described.

    Integrated assessment:

    Assessment is done on the following basis:

    Formative Assessment:
  • Written evaluations per subject where applicable.
  • Laboratory work is assessed where applicable.
  • Practical work is assessed where applicable.
  • Practical evaluation where applicable.
  • Assignments will be assessed per subject per year
  • Oral assessments and presentations

    Summative Assessment:
  • At least one final assessment per subject per year where applicable.
  • At least one practical assessment per subject per year where applicable.
  • A portfolio of models and practical work is compiled and assessed where applicable.
  • Portfolio records are kept for 5 years as per SERTEC requirements.
  • Project assessment and presentations where and when applicable. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is the second in the progression of qualifications in the field of dental technology. It leads to further studies in this field and is one of the entry-level requirements for the M.Tech in dental technology. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    * The current SERTEC requirements apply

    * S A Dental Technicians Council
    The Education Officer of the S A Dental Technicians Council evaluates the final assessment documentation prior to the evaluation, inspects and assesses examples of the practical work for summative evaluation purposes.
    The same officer does this at all the other institutions that offer this qualification. This officer also gives input regarding quality control and relevance to the profession and his final assessment enables successful learners to obtain registration with this Council

    * All written summative evaluations must be moderated by at least two people.
    * All exit level summative evaluations must be moderated by at least three people.
    * All exit level practical summative assessments must be assessed by at least four internal examiners, four external examiners and one moderator.
    * External examiners and moderators are practising dental technicians. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    * The current SERTEC requirements regarding examiners apply.

    * S A Dental Technicians Council
    The Education Officer of the S A Dental Technicians Council evaluates the final assessment documentation prior to the evaluation, inspects and assesses examples of the practical work for summative evaluation purposes.
    The same officer does this at all the other institutions that offer this qualification. This officer also gives input regarding quality control and relevance to the profession and his final assessment enables successful learners to obtain registration with this Council. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces 16671: National Higher Diploma: Clinical Dental Technology, Level 7, 120 credits. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.