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: 

Diploma: Oral Hygiene 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9597  Diploma: Oral Hygiene 
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
Advanced Certificate  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  240  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide for a dedicated oral hygienist with the necessary knowledge, skills and disposition to manage the oral health of the individual patient and the community within the prescribed scope and practice of the profession of oral hygiene and by means of the following two processes:-

To determine the health and more particularly the oral health status of a patient, and
  • To diagnose the diseases and conditions of the oral cavity and related structures as well as the relevant systemic diseases;
  • To design a safe treatment plan that includes the determination of risk, and where necessary, the referral for treatment and care needed;
  • To professionally and ethically perform preventive, interceptive and therapeutic measures in an efficient and effective manner with a view to promote and maintain oral health as part of overall health of the individual.

    To determine the health and more particularly the oral health status of a community, and
  • To plan, organise, implement and evaluate health promotion and specific protection programmes with a view to promote and maintain oral health as part of overall health of the community. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners applying for this diploma should already have attained a knowledge of school biology and English language suitable for study at this University. This may have been achieved either by formally accredited learning or in part by experiential or work-based learning.

    FORMALLY ACCREDITED LEARNING
    The typical applicant has a qualification equivalent to a matriculation with full exemption, or equivalent University-approved qualification, with biology and English at a particular level of competence - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

    RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
    Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

    1. The oral health of the individual patient
  • Examination of the patient - the oral hygienist should be able to perform an examination that collects biological, psychological, and social information needed to evaluate the medical and oral condition for patients of all ages. This includes the ability to recognise and manage behavioral factors which affect oral health.
  • Diagnosis - the oral hygienist should be able to determine a differential, provisional or definite diagnosis by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical, radiographic and other diagnostic tests.
  • Treatment plan - the oral hygienist should be able to develop, present and discuss individual treatment plans for patients within the scope of the oral hygienist. These plans should focus on primary prevention yet address every aspect of the patient's condition, interest and capabilities.
  • Prevention of disease and maintenance of health - the oral hygienist should be able to provide care for patients of all ages that emphasises primary prevention of oral disease and supports the maintenance of existing systemic and oral health.
  • Self-care instructions - the oral hygienist should be able to provide planned educational services using appropriate interpersonal communication skills and educational strategies to promote optimal health.
  • Control of anxiety - the oral hygienist should be able to employ techniques to manage psychological distress.
  • Caries management - the oral hygienist should be able to manage the preventive and therapeutic aspects of caries in the primary, mixed and permanent dentitions and refer patients for limitation of the disease and rehabilitation.
  • Periodontal therapy - the oral hygienist should be able to manage the preventive and therapeutic aspects of periodontal disease in the primary, mixed and permanent dentitions and refer patients for limitation of the disease and rehabilitation.
  • Emergency situations - the oral hygienist should be able to prevent and manage the majority of dental and medical emergency situations encountered in the practice of oral hygiene.
  • Orthodontic therapy - the oral hygienist should be able to recognise and refer limited developmental or acquired occlusal abnormalities of the primary, mixed and permanent dentition.
  • Stomatology - the oral hygienist should be able to recognise and refer oral mucosal diseases and disorders.
  • Temporomandibular disorders - the oral hygienist should be able to recognise and refer temporomandibular disorders.
  • Neglect and abuse - the oral hygienist should be able to recognise signs of physical or emotional neglect and/or abuse.


    2 The oral health of the community
  • Community involvement - the oral hygienist should be able to assume a leadership role in improving the oral health of individuals, families and groups in the community.
  • Health promotion and specific protection - the oral hygienist should be able to initiate and assume responsibility (the management) for health promotion and oral disease prevention (specific protection) for diverse populations to promote optimal health and general well-being.
  • Inservice training - the oral hygienist should be able to initiate and assume responsibility for the development and implementation of training programmes for educators and non-oral health personnel in health promotion and specific protection.


    3) Management and administration
  • Practice management - the oral hygienist should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the administration of a practice using sound business principles.
  • Ethics - the oral hygienist should be able to discern and manage the ethical issues of oral hygiene practice in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Information management and critical thinking - the oral hygienist should be able to acquire and synthesize information in a critical, scientific, and effective manner.
  • Professional identity - the oral hygienist should be concerned with improving the knowledge, skills and values of the profession.
  • Project management - the oral hygienist should be able to manage a project of given specifications, in which resources are organised in a novel way, so as to achieve quantitative and qualitative objectives within constraints of cost and time.
  • Public oral health - the oral hygienist should be able to understand the interpretation of official policies regarding oral health and the acts and regulations on which the policies are based.
  • Prevention of occupational hazards - the oral hygienist should be able to recognise and institute procedures to prevent occupational hazards related to the profession of oral hygiene.
  • Academia and research - the oral hygienist should be able to understand the basic principles of the research process and the development of a curriculum for oral health education purposes.


    4) Ancillary functions
  • Dental assisting - the oral hygienist should be able to assist and support the dental practitioner in the maintenance of an efficient and safe operatory, and in the examination, diagnosis and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Dental photography - the oral hygienist should be able to understand the working of a photographic system in order to produce photographic images of the oral cavity.
  • Dental radiography and radiology - the oral hygienist should be able to do intra and extra oral diagnostic imaging (radiography) and to recognise oral pathology related to general dentistry.
  • Study models - the oral hygienist should be able to prepare diagnostic study models from the impression to the final stage.
  • Specialised ancillary functions - the oral hygienist should be able to assist and support the dental specialist in prescribed clinical functions related to the disciplines of orthodontics and periodontics.


    CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES
    a) "identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made." See exit level outcomes 1.
    b) "working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community." See exit level outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
    c) "organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively." See exit level outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    d) "collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information." See exit level outcomes 1 and 3.
    e) "communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion." See exit level outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
    f) "using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others." See exit level outcomes 1 and 4.
    g) "demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation." See exit level outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
    h) "contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    i. "reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;" see exit level outcomes 4.
    ii. "participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;" see exit level outcomes 1 and 2; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.
    iii. "being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;" see exit level outcomes 1 and 3.
    iv. "exploring education and career opportunities." See exit level outcome 2.
    v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities." See exit level outcomes 3. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. The final assessment is integrated and it is expected of the candidate to examine and assess the oral health status of a spectrum of patients, develop a comprehensive preventive and therapeutic treatment plan, implement the treatment plan and be able to evaluate the outcome of the treatment. To qualify, it is expected of the candidate to enhance and promote the total health of patients through oral health management. Managing oral health care applies to patients with oral pathoses, patients with special needs, and patients with oral manifestations of systemic disease and involves providing on-going oral health care management. In the course of managing patient care, a competent oral hygienist should recognise the limitations of his/her expertise and refer patients appropriately for treatment and coordinate the patient care plan. Process outcomes to measure competence of the candidate that relates to the improvement of the patients' health:-
  • a motivated and compliant patient capable of exercising self-protective practices;
  • a patient who has been rendered relatively free of oral disease;
  • a patient with correctly quantified oral disease;
  • a patient with a correctly diagnosed oral disease risk profile; and
  • a patient with successfully reversed early oral disease.


    2. The final assessment is integrated and it is expected of the candidate to determine the oral health status of a community in a scientific way, to compile a community profile, and to use the information in developing strategies to improve or maintain their oral health status. To qualify, it is expected of the candidate to enhance and promote the total health of the community through intersectoral cooperation with other sectors of health care delivery, and by implementing and evaluating the outcome of developed strategies. In the course of managing the development and implementation of strategies, a competent oral hygienist should be able to develop and implement training programmes to support such strategies. Process outcomes to measure competence of the candidate that relates to the improvement of the communities' health:-
  • a community with correctly quantified oral disease;
  • an informed community with knowledge on oral hygiene and oral disease;
  • a community protected by factors that limit the risk for oral disease; and
  • a community with an attitude of taking responsibility for their own oral health.


    3. In the final assessment it is expected of the candidate to create and maintain an environment conducive to effective and sustainable service delivery in order to ensure the oral health of the individual patient and that of the community. To qualify, it is expected of the candidate to introduce and support business principles and administration procedures in the dental office that will ensure a caring and responsible environment for ethical practice. The oral hygienist must be able to plan and organise limited resources for successful implementation of health promotion and specific protection strategies within the framework prescribed by the national policy of the country. Process outcomes to measure competence of the candidate that relates to knowledge and understanding of the relevant issues in:-
  • practice management;
  • ethics;
  • information management;
  • professional identity;
  • project management;
  • public oral health;
  • occupational hazards; and
  • academia and research.


    4. In the final assessment it is expected of the candidate to provide assistance and support in the diagnostic and clinical activities performed by a dental practitioner. To qualify, it is expected of the candidate to demonstrate applicable practical knowledge and skill in assisting the dental practitioner and to perform diagnostic and specialised functions as prescribed by the dentist and dental specialist. Process outcomes to measure competence of the candidate that relates to knowledge and skills of the relevant issues in:-
  • dental assisting;
  • dental photography;
  • dental radiography and radiology;
  • study models; and
  • specialised ancillary functions in the orthodontic and periodontic disciplines.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessment occurs in both years of study and especially in the clinical and the community when learners work with patients and others on an ongoing basis as well as by practical, written and oral tests and examinations 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Except at entry level, this section specifies with which other qualifications of the University the qualification was designed to articulate, i.e. formal articulation; therefore the qualification can articulate informally with equivalent qualifications offered by the University, or with other qualifications offered nationally and internationally.

    Further, an applicant registered at the University or another higher education institution for a similar qualification and who has successfully and satisfactorily completed the first half or less of the qualification, may be able to complete the qualification at the University, and may be granted credit for similar courses already completed.

    ENTRY TO THE QUALIFICATION
    The typical applicant has a qualification equivalent to a matriculation with full exemption, or equivalent qualification, with Biology and English at a particular level of competence.

    ARTICULATION DURING THE QUALIFICATION
  • Direct admission to first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences is possible for applicants, with appropriate credits, who achieve the required admission rating.
  • Exit to the Bachelor of Dental Science and the UDipDentTherapy or another Health Science degree of the University is possible.

    ON COMPLETION OF THE QUALIFICATION
    Qualifying learners can proceed to Bachelor of Dental Science or diploma/degree in dental therapy of the University. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed on an annual basis. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that, where appropriate, our graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. Further, whether an academic entity has a professional orientation or not, the University ensures that its activities are moderated by internal and external review quinquennially. The moderating body for qualifications of the University is the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education, currently represented by the Interim Higher Education Quality Committee. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Internal University quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification of this nature. Once the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education is constituted and ready to pronounce on issues of quality, the University will respond to the HEQC guidance on the registration of assessors. In the interim, the academic staff of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, are regarded as registered assessors since SAQA has registered the institution as a public higher education provider. 

    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.