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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Dentistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117185  Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Dentistry 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  Level TBA:Pre-2009 was L8+  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Dentistry is designed to provide practising dentists with skills and experience in the field of forensic odontology. This qualification allows dentists to perform forensic examinations as required by law enforcement agencies, medical examiners. The qualification offers an emphasis on practical aspects of forensic dentistry and an in-depth understanding of the correct professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence, which may come before the legal authorities.

Rationale:
The qualification provides an opportunity for working dentists to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the chosen field of dentistry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This is a professional qualification linked to a Professional Body (HPCSA). The RPL process will be subject to the rules of RPL attached to the Professional Body.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Forensic Dentistry 611, 60 Credits.
  • Forensic Dentistry 612, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Correctly apply advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the Forensic Dentistry field and reflect critically on the application thereof.
    2. Undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods through the critique of literature in the field of Forensic Dentistry.
    3. Explore and apply different learning strategies to acquire advanced multidisciplinary capabilities in the Forensic Dentistry field.
    4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing by applying professional communication principles and reflecting critically on the application thereof in the Forensic Dentistry field.
    5. Utilise appropriate technology effectively to solve complex problems in the Forensic Dentistry environment.
    6. Integrate cognate disciplines to develop an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of the international and national business environment.
    7. Practise acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by reflecting critically on the implementation thereof.
    8. Practise responsible citizenship through a holistic approach to the application of professional ethics and values in the Forensic Dentistry field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an adequate higher level of knowledge and skills in the field of Forensic Dentistry.
  • Assess in depth knowledge, interpretation and application in the field of Forensic Dentistry and related subjects.
  • Evaluate the scientific research report.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In line with the university's Assessment and Moderation Policy Formative and Summative Assessment will be used to monitor learner progress via the Continuous Assessment strategy. Learners will be given tasks, assignments, tests, presentations, clinical work portfolios, etc. to assess their understanding and progress in the various modules. Feedback will be provided to learners to support their learning.
  • Presentations for formative assessment of article interpretation, clinical treatment of patient cases and preclinical hands-on of advanced techniques and the use of advanced equipment.
  • Evaluation of four written assignments. One of these assignments documents is the clinical treatment of 15 patients.
  • A three hour theoretical test assessing in depth knowledge, interpretation and application in the field of Forensic Dentistry.
  • Evaluation of the scientific research report - Literature review concerning the candidate's field of interest, in Forensic Dentistry and related subjects. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared against the following qualifications presented at the following foreign institutions. The qualification compares well against similar qualifications such as the Graduate diploma in Forensic Odontology offered at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University of Adelaide, Melbourne, University of Western Australia (Perth). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics, NQF Level 8.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.