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 Oral Hygiene

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
74450	Bachelor of Oral Hygiene
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Promotive Health and Developmental Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Level 6	NQF Level 07	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 0789/10	2010-11-11	2013-11-11
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2014-11-11		2019-11-11

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:

This Qualification will provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviour, attitudes and values to be able to promote the oral health general well-being of the individual, family and community systems in which they function. The care provided will be cognisant of the South African context of diverse individual patient/client and broader public health needs. The focus will be on promotive and preventive care at a primary health level that is in line with national and international best oral health practice. The oral hygienist will also provide interceptive and therapeutic care in a primary, secondary or tertiary setting.

The oral hygienist will participate in and promote a multi-disciplinary and inter-professional approach to improve health and oral health.

The qualifying learner will be able to:

Function legally ethically in the oral healthcare environment within the relevant scope of practice.

Apply management skills and universal precautions to maintain standards of health and safety in the oral healthcare environment.

Promote oral health and prevent oral diseases in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.

Apply the processes of assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation in all aspects of oral hygiene practice.

Explain and demonstrate the educational, preventive, therapeutic and cosmetic interventions expected in terms of the relevant scope of practice.

Actively partake in research development that would contribute to the body of evidence of the discipline of oral hygiene.

On successful completion of this Qualification, the learner will be eligible for registration with the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner.

Rationale:

In keeping with the current national strategy of human resources for health, oral hygienists will play a pivotal role in promotive dentistry to promote healthy lifestyles and thereby lessen the burden of disease. It is thus required that intervention be directed simultaneously in the areas of promotion, prevention and therapeutic care of individuals and communities The oral hygienist is thus uniquely placed to provide the required care at primary, secondary and tertiary levels across public and private practice in both rural and urban settings. Ultimately, improved oral health will lead to the fulfilment of the human need for wellness.

The Degree in Oral Hygiene presents a strong overlap with that of Dental Therapy in the area of prevention and promotion outcomes. This is a necessary overlap, as holistic patient care requires that the Oral Health Practitioner be competent to promote oral health and prevent oral disease at a primary health care level. However, as the emphasis of oral hygiene is prevention and promotion, this qualification is underpinned by a stronger theoretical framework in the social sciences than that of the dental therapy. Dental Therapy includes curative, surgical and more advanced therapeutic measures. Therefore dental therapy is underpinned by a stronger theoretical application in the clinical sciences. The focus of these professions is thus inherently different. This difference is further reflected in the scopes of practice where the scope of practice of the oral hygienist shows the stronger social sciences application i.e. education, promotion and the public health aspect. The overlap in these professions is less than 40%, which is evident when considering the theory that informs the scope of practice for each of the two professions.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Communication at NQF Level 4.

Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

Biology or Life Sciences at NQF Level 4.

It is strongly recommended that the learner is proficient in end-user computing skills at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The Recognition of Prior Learning may contribute to the achievement of this qualification. Portfolios of evidence, endorsed by previous mentors, education institutions or employers may be presented and may include learning outcomes achieved through formal learning or work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning may be awarded in accordance with the decision of the relevant provider and in agreement with the relevant ETQA.

Access to the Qualification:

Admission is open to all learners in possession of a Senior Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, subject to the additional requirements laid down by the providing institution and/or relevant ETQA.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

All the Exit Level Outcomes must be achieved for the learner to be awarded the Qualification.

The Exit Level Outcomes are underpinned by strong theoretical foundation and evidence which draws on biomedical, dental, dental hygiene, social and behavioural sciences and the body of dental hygiene and dental knowledge.

Almost all the Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) contains learning material at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7. There are no Credits at NQF Level 5 for ELOs 7 and 9.

Total credits per Level:

Level 5 - 45 credits

Level 6 - 140 credits

Level 7 - 175 credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply the principles of ethics, relevant legislation and professional behaviour within the oral healthcare milieu.

2. Apply practice management principles in a clinical oral healthcare environment:

Range of administrative duties include but are not limited to:
> Preparation and maintenance of clinical oral health facility and equipment, Patient record keeping, Patient bookings, Stock control, Correspondence, Bookkeeping, Occupational health and safety legislative requirements.

3. Apply universal precautions to avoid cross infection and maintain health and safety standards.

4. Promote oral health to prevent oral disease in a community in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.

Range includes, but is not limited to:
> Assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of programmes and activities in public (community) and private settings, whether urban or rural.

5. Describe and apply appropriate health education strategies at both individual and community/group level.

6. Explain and apply preventive interventions within the scope of practice of the oral hygienist.

7. Explain and apply therapeutic and cosmetic interventions within the scope of practice of the oral hygienist as an independent practitioner.

8. Explain and apply the therapeutic and other duties of the oral hygienist within the dental specialties.

Range of specialties includes but is not limited:
> General dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillo-facial surgery, oral medicine, periodontics and paedodontics.

9. Conduct a basic research project in the area of oral health.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated during the assessment and planning phases of patient care, educational and promotional interventions and critical and creative thinking skills are used in developing treatment options and selecting appropriate educational and promotional strategies.

Working effectively with others as member(s) of a team, group, organisation or community is demonstrated in the interactions between the oral hygienist and other members of the oral/healthcare, education and community structures in which they function and cultural and aesthetic sensitivity is evidenced through acceptance and satisfaction of clinical care and public health interventions across social contexts.

Organising and managing self is demonstrated in the successful management of patients/clients, health promotion interventions, research activities and clinical facility.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information is indicated in the successful generation and execution of patient treatment plans, research proposals, health promotion proposals and intervention plans.

Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, is demonstrated through the successful engagement of patients, the dental team, the broader public and other relevant stakeholders in all spheres of the dental/oral hygiene practice.

Utilising science and technology effectively and critically is clearly indicated in the successful treatment of patients and successful education and health promotion interventions which will show changes in health and lifestyle practices, reduction in prevalence of oral diseases and structural changes to promote oral health.

Demonstrating an understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated the range of activities of the successful oral hygienist and how this professional located her/himself within the broader healthcare system.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

1.1 Ethical and legal responsibilities pertaining to oral healthcare practice are explained, evaluated and applied during all interactions with patients, colleagues and/or the community.
1.2 All treatment is rendered in terms of the Bill of Rights and the Patient Charter and patient confidentiality is maintained throughout.
1.3 Professional and personal growth is achieved through the assumption of various roles within the clinical or community setting and is evidenced during interactions between practitioner and patient and/or practitioner and colleagues.
1.4 All interactions with colleagues, patients and communities promote human dignity and indicate due sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, religious and gender diversity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

2.1 The legal requirements governing the operation of a private practice are explained and applied in accordance with the relevant current legislation.
2.2 Personal work plans and/or practice protocols for all personnel within the practice are explained and adhered to.
2.3 All equipment is checked after cleaning for efficient working and faulty equipment is timeously reported and/or sent for repair.
2.4 Booking registers and patient records are maintained in a manner that ensures patient confidentiality and efficiency of practice.
2.5 Stock is classified and controlled to ensure currency of all products and efficiency of availability.
2.6 Accounts, receipts, petty cash and banking are managed in a manner that ensures safety, efficiency and, where applicable, maintenance of patient confidentially.
2.7 Hazardous and scheduled materials are kept in controlled storage, appropriate inventory counts are regularly taken and recorded and relevant reports are made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

3.1 Cleanliness of the clinical oral health facility is maintained through adequate hygiene practices, management of professional equipment and instruments.
3.2 Personal protective equipment is consistently used by clinical staff and supplied to patients when appropriate.
3.3 All bio-hazardous medical products are consistently securely stored and waste is appropriately deposited in the special waste container/s for removal by the dedicated hazardous-waste collection agency.
3.4 Sterilisation of instruments is overseen to ensure efficacy of the process and integrity of instruments.
3.5 Methods are evaluated and utilised to ensure the health and safety of the patient/client and the oral health practitioner in the delivery of care.
3.6 Medical emergencies are dealt with by applying appropriate First Aid measures and acquiring professional assistance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

4.1 Oral health and wellness as it pertains to the health of individuals, families and communities is assessed, analysed, described and promoted.
4.2 Common oral diseases and conditions are described and individual and population risk factors are identified.

Range of risk factors includes, but is not limited to:
> Diet, tobacco product use, poor personal and oral hygiene.
4.3 Oral health promotion strategies in a variety of settings are identified, described, applied and critically evaluated to address oral diseases and conditions and promote health related quality of life.
4.4 Multidisciplinary strategies are developed, implemented, evaluated and critiqued to address risks common to health and oral health.
4.5 Epidemiological statistics are used to determine the oral health status of the target community.
4.6 Communication and consultation skills are applied with relevant stakeholders within the community, health, education and other sectors to bring about change and improvement in the oral health and wellbeing of the community.
4.7 Access to oral health services is facilitated by influencing individuals and/or organisations to demand the provision of oral health care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

5.1 Education and communication skills are explained and utilised when interacting with individuals and communities.
5.2 A risk assessment of individuals/groups which includes assessment of their knowledge, practices and attitudes, environmental and other risks impacting on oral health is carried out to inform appropriate health education strategies.
5.3 Teaching and learning principles are applied according to target groups' special needs to facilitate the development of specific attitudes, knowledge, skills and behaviours in individuals and/or communities.
5.4 Constructive individual and group education is provided, which outlines risk factors that threaten oral health and specifies preventive measures to ensure oral health.
5.5 Oral self-care practices are explained for individuals and/or groups with natural teeth and all types of dental prosthesis.
5.6 Health education and promotion material is critiqued; appropriate health messages are developed using various health education aids.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

6.1 Regular oral screening is carried out to detect problems early and patients are referred where necessary to the appropriate health care practitioner(s).
6.2 Appropriate health counselling skills are applied within the scope of the oral hygiene profession.

Range: Counselling skills include but are not limited to:
> Programmes for individuals and groups in smoking/tobacco cessation, nutritional counselling, pain and anxiety control and pre test-counselling prior to appropriate referral within the multi- disciplinary sphere.
6.3 Preventive care is provided to maintain the current oral health status and prevent the onset of oral disease.

Range of preventive care includes but is not limited to:
> Regular oral health assessments, mechanical and chemical plaque control, fissure sealant application, fluoride therapy, management of dentinal hypersensitivity, making of a study cast to produce a mouth-guard, advising on antibacterial agents, cleaning of removable intra-oral appliances/prostheses, evaluation of removable intra-oral appliances/prosthesis and any associated oral conditions for referral as indicated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

7.1 A comprehensive clinical examination is followed by a dental hygiene diagnosis and the generation of a patient-specific oral healthcare plan, which is based on current scientific information.
7.2 Pain and anxiety are identified and appropriate behavioural management strategies are applied.
7.3 Symptoms of dysfunction of the Tempero-Mandibular joint (TMJ) are identified and various courses of correction are explained.
7.4. Patients requiring alternative methods of sedation are identified and referred to the relevant practitioner.
7.5 Common complications associated with sedation of dental patients are identified and signs and symptoms thereof are explained.
7.6 Digital and analogue radiography is described, performed and interpreted within the scope of practice of the oral hygienist.
7.7 Various dental therapeutic treatments are delivered in accordance with the scope of practice of the oral hygienist.

Range of therapeutic treatments includes but is not limited to:
> Scaling of teeth and implants, root debridement, minimally invasive restorations, sealant restorations, management of dentine sensitivity and cervical abrasion lesions, re-contouring of overhanging restorations and polish of restorations, application of topical and local anaesthesia.
Range of cosmetic treatments includes but is not limited to: vital tooth bleaching.
7.8 Conditions or presenting features identified that are outside the scope of practice of the oral hygienist are immediately referred to the appropriate practitioner and the need for referral is suitably explained to the patient.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

8.1 The preventive, therapeutic and assisting roles of the oral hygienist in general dentist, dental therapist and dental specialist practices are explained with examples.
8.2 Patients are educated and informed about various treatment options in the different speciality areas.
8.3 Prescriptions for advanced clinical procedures from dentists or dental therapists are carried out in accordance with the terms of the scope of practice of the oral hygienist.

Ranges of care action requiring prescription:
> Orthodontic: Taking impressions for orthodontic study casts; cast pouring and trimming; preparing teeth for placement of orthodontic brackets and bands, cementing and/or removing orthodontic brackets and bands; placing and removing elastics and ligature wires, placing and activating arch wires; placing activated orthodontic appliances; drawing cephalometric tracings; relieving trauma caused by intra-and extra-oral appliances; re-cementing .orthodontic retainers.
> Periodontal and oral surgery: Taking cytological smears; splinting mobile teeth; applying and removing periodontal packs; removing surgical sutures.
> Prosthetic: Temporary cementing of crowns, inlays and bridges; temporary placement of soft linings in dentures as tissue conditioners; taking impressions, casting and trimming of study and primary work models.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

9.1 Research skills and methodology are developed to enable research to be done in the field of oral hygiene.
9.2 Critical reading and academic writing skills are demonstrated consistently in all written assignments.
9.3 Relevant scientific information in all aspects of the study programme is accessed and used.
9.4 A research proposal for a limited oral health research project is developed, presented and motivated.
9.5 A limited research project in the area of oral health is performed.
9.5 Research findings are presented in verbal and written form.
9.6 A clinical case of a patient treated by an oral hygiene learner is presented in written and/or oral format and includes a brief literature review.

Integrated Assessment:

Formative and Summative assessment strategies should be used throughout the qualification programme to ensure that all Outcomes are met.

Formative assessment may include:

Tests.

Written and practical assignments.

Practical assessments in, for example, clinical/patient examination, health promotion.

Literature reviews.

Case studies.

Class presentations.

Seminars.

Peer evaluations.

Simulations in structured learning environments.

Learning portfolios.

Summative assessment may include:

Written examinations.

Oral examinations.

Practical examinations.

Supervisor reports where appropriate.

Objective Simulated Clinical Evaluation Scenarios (OSCEs).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This Qualification, compared to similar qualifications internationally, produces a comprehensive and balanced graduate, equipped to address oral health by taking into account the social context of oral disease. This graduate will function within the internationally recognised domains of clinician, health promoter and educator, change agent and practice manager.

This Qualification reflects the global shift in dental hygiene education, namely a shift to baccalaureate-level education programmes and an expansion in the scope of practice. This is accompanied by greater professional autonomy seen in working practices such as independent practice and independent private practice for the oral hygienist. In keeping with oral hygiene services offered internationally - in both developing and developed countries, this qualification is possibly a world leader in terms of scope of practice at this three year level. It provides the possibility for postgraduate education in the field of oral health. In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa seems to be the place of choice to train individuals who provide oral health services.

The qualification can be compared to like-qualifications in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. It has the potential to be among the leading qualifications globally by allowing the graduating learner to practice both independently but still within the dental team; as well as privately in collaboration with dental and other health practitioners.

Graduates are be eligible for registration with relevant professional regulatory bodies in the SADC countries, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands subject to presenting the curriculum to the applicable bodies and/or writing the required entrance examinations.

Conclusion:

This qualification is geared to address oral health at a primary health care level which is in line with the South African approach to health care delivery. It is therefore essential for producing competent qualified personnel who can provide an essential service that is appropriate for both developed and developing countries.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This Qualification articulates horizontally with:

ID 74451: Bachelor of Dental Therapy, NQF Level 7.

This Qualification articulates vertically with:

Honours degree in the domain of Oral Hygiene.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Providers offering learning towards this qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA, currently the HEQC, in conjunction with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). In particular, accreditation is dependent on providers demonstrating that their curricula and/or learning programme/s meet the requirements specified by the HPCSA.

Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the appropriate ETQA according to moderation principles and procedures.

Currently, only one educational institution offers a Degree in Oral Health and the number of practitioners in South Africa at present is very small. However, there could be professionals in the area where learning for this Qualification is taking place, who are in possession of a relevant Diploma, and who also have extensive work experience. With the agreement of the ETQA and/or the Professional Council, such practitioners would be able to contribute significantly to the education and training of oral hygienists. It may therefore be necessary for the interim that the minimum Qualification of the internal moderator is at a level below that of the degree Qualification to allow learner exposure to such role models. This would apply until sufficient numbers of new practitioners are deemed proficient to take on the role of moderation.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors must be registered in terms of the requirements of the relevant ETQA.

Assessors and moderators must be used in a manner that fits into the quality management system of the provider and in accordance with the institutional tuition and assessment policies. This must also apply to the appointment of outside assessors and/or moderators.

Assessors and/or moderators must be in possession of a professional qualification in one of the following: Diploma or Degree in Oral Health/Oral Hygiene, a Degree in Dental Therapy or Dentistry or other Degree relevant to the profession. Internal moderation at a minimum of a NQF Level 5 (Diploma in Oral Health/Oral Hygiene) and external moderation at a minimum NQF Level one higher than that of the qualification.

A minimum of five years of appropriate experience in the field being assessed.

NOTES

Registration with the HPCSA as a Learner is a statutory requirement when learners engage in providing services to individuals, groups and/or communities, and must be in place for the duration of the period of learning.

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.

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