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 Prosthodontics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9325  Master of Dentistry in Prosthodontics 
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 specialist training in the branch of Prosthodontics, who will be able to be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

The objective is to produce knowledgeable and skilled specialists who have developed and formulated their own philosophy through exposure to a wide spectrum of prosthodontic principles, concepts and practises. Learning will mainly be self-directed, and will be promoted through provision of resources, discussion and training. Seminar topics will be allocated to individual students who will prepare written and oral presentations.

Advanced clinical training will take place with due respect for the individuality of the learner and with an awareness of the various approaches to solving clinical problems. The implication is, however, that learner will embark upon their post-graduate studies with an acceptable clinical background and a responsible professional attitude.


The purpose of the qualification is also 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.

Rationale:
Graduates have competence in the practice of a specialist field and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research in the health sciences in South Africa.

Prosthodontics is an internationally recognized specialty in clinical dentistry. The scope of this specialty is extensive and concerns with the replacement of missing teeth and oral, face and maxillofacial tissues. The qualification is designed to develop the clinical, academic, research and communicative skills that will provide for diversified career options. The educational experience is progressive in nature offering increasing responsibilities as learners proceed through the programme.

The qualification provides qualifying learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to register as specialists in Prosthodontics with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the HPCSA and can register for Doctoral studies.

The qualification aims to provide qualifying learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and for contributing to society at large through advanced patient care, innovation, scholarship, and leadership in the field of Prosthodontics. 

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, Level, 480.Credits:
  • Applied Anatomy for Dentists, 15 Credits.
  • Physiology, 15 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 15 Credits.
  • Research Report I, 35 Credits.
  • Prosthodontics I, 50 Credits.
  • Clinical Prosthodontics I, 50 Credits.
  • Research Report II, 20 Credits.
  • Prosthodontics II, 50 Credits.
  • Clinical Prosthodontics II, 50 Credits.
  • Research Report III, 20 Credits.
  • Prosthodontics III, 60 Credits.
  • Clinical Prosthodontics III, 60 Credits.
  • Research Report IV, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Show 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 diversity 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 
    The qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications:

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Melbourne University
    Qualification: Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
    Duration: three years.
    Credits: 300

    Purpose/rational
    The degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity to advance their professional knowledge and skills in one of the specialist areas to an expert level, and to engage with new and emerging relevant fields of study. The course is designed to facilitate the advanced development of clinical, academic and research skills necessary for a graduate to further a career in specialty practice, academia or research.

    Entry requirements
    In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
  • An undergraduate degree in Dentistry or equivalent degree that qualifies the applicant to register and practice as a Dentist (in their country of origin or residence);
    And
  • Minimum two years of documented relevant clinical work experience (including nomination of three referees) and demonstrated proof of registration.
    And
    Personal statement detailing desire to undertake the program; and
    One or more of a test, interview, workshop, or presentation, for the stream to which entry is sought.

    Intended learning outcomes:
  • Advanced knowledge of the basic biological, medical, technical and clinical sciences in order to recognise the difference between normal and pathological conditions relevant to specialist clinical dental practice.
  • Specialist knowledge of the moral and ethical responsibilities involved in the provision of care to individual patients, populations and communities.

    Similarities:
    Both qualifications allow registration as a Prosthodontic specialist in respective Countries.

    Differences:
  • The Australian qualification is three years of full-time study instead of 4.
  • There are also 300 credits for the qualification of which 75 are for research; Endodontics and Special Needs Patients are separate DCD qualifications, and the subject matter is not covered in Prosthodontics.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: King's College, London
    Qualification: MClinDent
    Duration: Fours

    Teaching methods
    The usual training period will be a minimum of 4,500 hours across the degree.

    The programme content is typically apportioned approximately as:
  • 60% Clinical
  • 25% Academic
  • 15% Research
    This time allocation is flexible and will depend upon the capacity of the trainees to complete the curriculum to a competent level.

    Standard university term times do not apply to this course. You will receive a leave allowance for each academic year with full details provided on enrolment.

    Assessment
  • Written examinations
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Oral examinations

    Dissertation
    Your three taught academic modules will be assessed by written examination. Your five clinical modules will be assessed on clinical work, with oral and clinical examinations. Your research module will be assessed by a dissertation and oral examination.

    Similarities:
    The two qualifications allows registration as a Prosthodontist with the General Dental Council after sitting the Royal College of Surgery exams and at HPCSA for the South African qualification. The two qualifications also include intensive face-to-face practical blocks.

    Differences:
    The UK qualification is four years (3 days a week) for UK students; 3 years (5 days a week, overseas students and include online teaching components which is different from a South African context. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and 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.