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: 

Bachelor of Dental Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9287  Bachelor of Dental Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Dental Science is to produce dental professionals who are equipped to meet the oral health needs of the South African community independently and will have nationally and internationally recognized skills. These skills encompass basic health sciences, preventative and curative oral and dental treatment. These dentists will holistically treat patients and have both hospital-based and community-based training. The qualifying learner will be a critical thinker, practice their profession based on scientific evidence, and be an advocate for improved oral health awareness and services in their communities. The competencies they achieve will allow them to pursue further studies in the specialist disciplines of dentistry or the field of oral health sciences research and education. They will also be advocates for equity and justice in access to dental care and the distribution of services.

The qualified learner in this degree will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of theory, basic sciences, and basic medical sciences, dental materials science and technology to the practice of oral health sciences
  • Assess patients based on history, examination, and special investigations to diagnose their condition.
  • Formulate a comprehensive treatment plan to manage the patient's condition.
  • Execute the dental practice procedures the patient requires safely and cost-effectively.
  • Devise and manage a maintenance plan following treatment of the patient.
  • Recognize the need for referral for specialist assessment and treatment, when necessary
  • Conduct research that contributes towards evidence-based and reflective practice.
  • Conduct themselves in a professional, ethical and socially aware manner, and be either leaders or participants in multi-disciplinary health care teams for the benefit of their patients and the community.

    Rationale:
    The rationale for the qualification is to develop a dentist with knowledge of basic sciences and the ability to apply them to maintain good oral health or to treat conditions of the oral cavity and surrounding tissues with expert clinical skills.

    By promoting oral health care as part of primary health care they will assist in reducing the enormous, unmet burden of oral disease in South Africa. By practicing their curative and restorative skills, they will be able to restore and/or replace hard and soft tissues damaged by disease, trauma, neoplasia or congenital defects.

    The qualification is approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and learners must be registered with the council for the duration of their studies. Once qualified, they register as Community Service Dentists with the HPCSA and must complete 12 months of Community Service in a recognised clinic, hospital or institution. On completion of this service, they will register as dental practitioners in an independent practice. 
    		•

    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, which is 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 may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits towards the qualification.

    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 should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption from 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:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)], NQF level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 828 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 52 Credits:
  • Bioethics and Health Law I, 3 credits
  • Fundamental Dental Skills, 25 credits
  • Community Dentistry I, 12 credits
  • Dental materials for Dental Students I, 12 credits
  • First Aid, 0 credits
  • Computer literacy, 0 credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 173 Credits:
  • Anatomy for Dental Students, 48 credits
  • Physiology and Medical Biochemistry I, 48 credits
  • Oral Microbiology, 12 credits
  • Paediatric, Endodontic and Restorative Dentistry I, 30 credits
  • Prosthodontics I, 35 credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 277 Credits:
  • Pathology (Anatomical and Haematological), 24 credits
  • Oral Biology for Dental Students, 24 credits
  • Medical Microbiology, 24 credits
  • Oral Pathology, 13 credits
  • Pharmacology, 6 credits
  • Maxillo-Facial and Oral Radiology I, 6 credits
  • Emergency Medicine, 24 credits
  • Community Dentistry II, 9 credits
  • Prosthodontics II, 34 credits
  • Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery I, 17 credits
  • Paediatric, Endodontic and Restorative Dentistry II, 25 credits
  • Orthodontics I, 12 credits
  • Periodontology, 35 credits
  • Integrated Dentistry I, 10 credits
  • Dental Materials for Dental Students II, 10 credits
  • Dental Practice Management I, 4 credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 326 Credits:
  • General Medicine and Paediatrics for Dental Students, 12 credits
  • General Surgery, 12 credits
  • Integrated Dentistry II, 28 credits
  • Prosthodontics III, 23 credits
  • Paediatric, Endodontic and Restorative Dentistry III, 26 credits
  • Periodontology and Oral Medicine, 32 credits
  • Maxillo-Facial and Oral Radiology II, 8 credits
  • Orthodontics II, 12 credits
  • Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery II, 25 credits
  • Community Dentistry III, 21 credits
  • Bioethics and Health Law II, 3 credits
  • Dental Practice Management II, 4 credits
  • Anaesthetics, 24 credits
  • Community Dentistry IV, 20 credits.
  • Integrated Dentistry III, 76 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Show evidence of a sufficient knowledge and understanding of the scientific bases of matters relevant to the practice of dentistry and understands the professional's responsibility for continuous, self-directed and relevant learning.
    2. Perform appropriate procedures relevant to the practice of dentistry, and understands the professional's responsibility for continuous, self-directed and relevant upgrading of skills.
    3. Show evidence of, the possession of attitudes and values appropriate to a member of the health professions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the structure and function of the human body, and specifically of the mouth, the jaws, and related parts in relation to the whole.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the more common systemic and generalised diseases, disorders, and anomalies of the oral, dental, and maxillofacial region.
  • Interpret laboratory, radiographic, and other special investigations relevant to all disciplines of dentistry.
  • Formulate a comprehensive treatment plan, about the general health status of the patient, and knowledge of the appropriate indications and protocol for referral.
  • Apply the principles of the promotion of health and of the prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral, dental, and maxillofacial region.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the environmental and community-based factors determining the prevalence of oral and dental diseases, and the changing oral health demands and requirements of all sections of the population.
  • Be aware of the ethical, legal, political, and financial issues that affect dentistry and the delivery of dental services.
  • Demonstrate understanding of research methodology and the critical interpretation of research-based publications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Show competence in the taking, recording, and analysis of a medical and dental history.
  • Demonstrate competence in the physical examination of a patient, and specifically of the oral, dental, and maxillofacial region, and the systematic recording of findings.
  • Apply the skilful performance of, and an understanding of the theoretical basis of, operative procedures required in the practice of general dentistry.
  • Show competence in the operation/manipulation/administration of a wide range of instruments, equipment, drugs, and materials used in dentistry.
  • Apply appropriate methods of management of oral and dental diseases.
  • Recognise and manage emergencies.
  • Apply the skills of dentistry either to the individual patient, the family, or the community, either as a practitioner or as part of a team, to the service of a community, thereby contributing to providing for the growing oral health demands of the whole population.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Exhibit qualities of initiative, confidence, reliability, trustworthiness, truthfulness and consideration.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
  • Show respect for all patients without prejudice.
  • Show an awareness of the rights of all patients regarding confidentiality and informed consent to treatment.
  • Show respect for other health care workers and the essential roles that they play.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and moral responsibilities inherent in the right to care for patients
  • Participate in the collaborative treatment of patients with other practitioners.
  • Show responsible use of resources with an awareness of a professional's responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of personal limitations, the need for peer interaction, and the need constantly to improve professional knowledge and skills.
  • Show sensitivity to the need to participate in reducing inequalities in oral health care delivery.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    Integrated assessment occurs primarily in the clinical years of study of the degree when learners work with patients and are assessed clinically on an ongoing basis, as well as by practical and written tests and exams.

    Learners are expected to demonstrate, under supervision, the cognitive and clinical reasoning skills, clinical psychomotor skills, and sensitivity to the "world of the patient" required of a dentist. These include the ability to solve problems, generate hypotheses, formulate provisional diagnoses, make decisions about patient management, examine their practices in the light of current evidence (Evidence-Based Dentistry), reflect on decisions, and modify them.
    appropriate and apply this knowledge with sensitivity in various social and clinical contexts.

    To promote, monitor, and measure student learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Melbourne
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

    The outcomes of the University of Melbourne DDS degree are comparable with those of the BDS at the University of the Witwatersrand.

    Similarities:
    The DDS leads to registration of qualified learners as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Practice Board in Australia and New Zealand and creates a pathway to enter the Master of Philosophy, PhD, or Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (qualification as a dental specialist in clinical disciplines). Students complete oral health science subjects and preclinical training on simulators before embarking on patient treatment under supervision in the clinical space. Students also receive community-based training in underserved areas, rotating through various sites. The final year of study encompasses comprehensive patient care in and across disciplines, leading to holistic and integrated patient care.

    Differences:
    The BDS degree is 5 years of full-time study, and entry is from the National Senior Certificate, while the Australian qualification is a graduate-entry programme of 4 years of full-time study. Candidates must have completed a 3-year bachelor's degree with 2nd year level courses in Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. The course is not separated by disciplines but is integrated and cross-disciplinary. The final year of study also has a private practice rotation, and the qualified learners do not undertake community service.

    The Australian degree has 400 credits compared to 828 credits in the Wits BDS curriculum.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Otago
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Dental Surgery

    The outcomes of the University of Otago Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree are comparable with those of the BDS at the South African (SA) qualification.

    Similarities:
    The Bachelor of Dental Surgery leads to registration of qualified learners as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Council of New Zealand and creates a pathway to enter Postgraduate studies leading to specialist clinical dental practice. The qualification provides a strong foundation in biomedical sciences as well as community dentistry and research. Experiential learning using simulation and a wide exposure to clinical dental disciplines are characteristics of the programme.

    Differences:
    The Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree at Otago has two options: a graduate programme of 4 years and a 5-year undergraduate programme. However, students in the undergraduate programme enter the second year of the dental programme after completing a common health science first year. In the Bachelor of Dental Surgery at Otago, learning is not discipline-based but is integrated around three themes that focus on Biomedical sciences, the patient and the community. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Dentistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Dentistry, NQF Level 9

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no registered qualification for diagonal articulation. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    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. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.