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: 

Master of Dentistry in Periodontics and Oral Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9323  Master of Dentistry in Periodontics and Oral Medicine 
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
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  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  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   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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates with expertise in research, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation and the ability to guide junior candidates if the graduate is in an educational setting.

Hence, graduates have competence in the practice of a specialist field and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

Rationale:
The rationale for the Master in Dentistry, specializing in Periodontics and Oral Medicine, is rooted in the critical demand for specialized healthcare services in South Africa. This qualification addresses the growing need for expert practitioners who are adept not only in clinical practices but also in research within the health sciences. As the country continues to advance its healthcare objectives, there is a marked requirement for specialists who can elevate the standards of oral health services, engage in transformative research, and contribute to the academic realm by mentoring future professionals.

The program is designed to equip graduates with robust expertise in both periodontics and oral medicine, enabling them to contribute significantly to the health sector by improving clinical outcomes, advancing oral health research, and fostering the next generation of specialists. This aligns with national health priorities and builds capacity for high-level professional practice and innovation in South Africa's healthcare system.

The qualification will produce graduates with specialist training in the branch of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, who will be able to be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and may proceed to Doctoral studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
There are no other options for entry into the qualification as it leads to specialist clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for this qualification is:
  • Registered as a dentist by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and has held the qualification below for a minimum of two years
    And
  • Bachelor of Dental Science, NQF Level 8.
    or
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9 480 Credits:
  • Applied Anatomy for Dentists, 15 Credits.
  • Physiology, 15 Credits.
  • Applied Pathology for Dentists, 15 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 15 Credits.
  • Oral Medicine 1, 15 Credits.
  • Periodontology 1, 15 Credits.
  • Implantology 1, 15 Credits.
  • Research Report 1, 15 Credits.
  • Oral Microbiology, 20 Credits.
  • Dental Pharmacology, 15 Credits.
  • Oral Medicine 2, 20 Credits.
  • Periodontology 2, 20 Credits.
  • Implantology 2, 20 Credits.
  • Research Report 2, 25 Credits.
  • Periodontology 3, 20 Credits.
  • Oral Medicine 3, 20 Credits.
  • Oral Pathology, 20 Credits.
  • Implantology 3, 20 Credits.
  • Research Report 3, 40 Credits.
  • Periodontology 4, 20 Credits.
  • Oral Medicine 4, 20 Credits.
  • Implantology 4, 20 Credits.
  • Research Report 4, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Display competence in clinical skills at the specialist level.
    2. Evaluate, teach and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
    3. Apply ethical, compassionate and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist dental practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and of populations.
    4. Assess the principles and practice of dentistry from the basic to an advanced level and is able to train others in the speciality.
    5. Demonstrate self direction and independence in his or her learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his own progress. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
  • Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient, other health care workers and the community, e.g. in order to obtain a history, to communicate a treatment regime and explain the dental condition.
  • Show sustained competence in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied.
  • Use of instruments and equipment necessary for the practice of specialist skills in the branch studied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Show research mastery through the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions.
  • Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
  • Practice Evidence-Based Dentistry by critically evaluating published literature in the field (e.g. on the topics of new techniques, therapies and drugs) and applies it in practice.
  • Guide junior learners who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture and way of life.
  • Refer patients to practitioners who are more appropriately qualified than he or she is to treat certain conditions.
  • Demonstrate an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral, legal and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and the provision of care to populations.
  • Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
  • Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of this > branch of specialist dentistry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Teach, through clinical practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals.
  • Communicate this knowledge by teaching underqualified learners and supervising registrars and more junior colleagues in the speciality.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.
  • Acknowledge responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
  • Identify personal limitations and develops the capacity of self audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis through formative (evaluation of performance in clinical practice) and summative assessments. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used for the integrated assessment of research mastery.

    In order 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 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: UCL Eastman Dental Institute
    Qualification: MSc in Periodontology.
    Duration three years fulltime.

    Purpose/rationale
    This part-time, three-year blended-learning master's programme offers busy general dental practitioners the chance to learn the latest, most optimal techniques in periodontology. It combines flexible, blended online learning with compressed residential components in London.
    This innovative, flexible and inclusive MSc programme is ideal for dentists looking to expand their knowledge of the non-surgical and surgical management of patients with periodontal needs. You will study peri-implant disease management, non-surgical therapy and the fundamentals of diagnosis and treatment planning in implant dentistry.

    Entry requirements:
    All applicants must hold an approved dental degree qualification and a minimum of two years clinical experience post qualification and currently be working as a dentist.

    Teaching and learning
    The programme is delivered through a mix of:
  • Online lectures and clinical demonstrations
  • Live synchronous online lectures and group discussions and feedback on formative assessments.
  • Clinical case presentations, problem-based learning, and unseen clinical cases
    formative assessments.
  • Discussion forums (general and clinical).
  • Research appraisal and literature seminars.

    Similarities (both qualifications):
  • Focus on advanced training in periodontology, including both clinical and research competencies.
  • Graduates are prepared for specialist registration and can pursue careers in both practice and academia.
  • Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and research methodologies.

    Differences:
  • The MSc program may have a broader scope with a larger component of general dentistry education alongside periodontology.
  • Duration and specific curriculum structure may vary, potentially affecting the depth of specialization in certain areas compared to the South African MDent.

    Country: United States
    Institution: Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    Qualification: Master of Medical Sciences in Periodontology
    Duration three years.

    The duration of this program is 33 months. This three-year program involves a combined MMSc and certificate in periodontology. The training for both components is continuous.

    Similarities (both qualifications):
  • Provides extensive clinical, theoretical, and research training in periodontics.
  • Prepares graduates for academic, research, and clinical careers, with eligibility for board certification in periodontology.
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and comprehensive patient care.

    Differences:
    Includes a more extensive integration with other medical sciences, reflecting the broader educational approach typical of U.S. programs and may involve different regulatory requirements for practice and research in the healthcare system. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the possibility of vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    Master of Dentistry in a cognate field, NQF Level 9
    Master of Science in Dentistry, NQF Level 9

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

    Diagonal Articulation
    Diagonal articulation in this case refers diagonal articulation across NQF levels and sub-frameworks such as the OQSF. In this case, diagonal articulation is not possible as there is currently no NQF level 10 on the OQSF, although this may change in future. 
    		•

    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.