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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: 

Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97174  Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 purpose of this Qualification is to equip learners to become competent, responsible and accountable oral health care auxiliaries. They will be able to assist in various activities associated with a full community clinical dental practice.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Assist oral health practitioners in all clinical dental disciplines and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, members of the oral health team and the community.
  • Perform administrative duties.
  • Provide fundamental oral health education to patients, the public and community of all age groups.

    The successful learner will be able to register as a Dental Assistant with the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    Rationale:
    Dental Assisting in South Africa was first recognised as a new vocation by the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the Health Professions Council of South Africa in 2006. The Scope of Practice for this vocation indicates that this is primarily that of an assisting nature for Dentists, Dental Therapists and Oral Hygienists. This vocation is also recognised as a critical health skill by the Department of Health and has been named a required skill for mid-level workers in the Human Resources for Health Plan of April 2007, which document also charged the Health Professions with identifying such categories of workers and ensuring appropriate training for them. Dental Assisting is a relatively young profession in South Africa. Up until 2007, dental assistants could be employed without having to undergo any formal education and training and were not required to register with the HPCSA.

    The qualification provides qualified dental assistants with the knowledge, skills and values to contribute to effective chair side assisting, infection control, practice management and the education of patients, the public and the community regarding fundamental oral health. The dental assistant will perform his/her functions primarily under supervision of a professional oral health practitioner. The nature of the work performed by this dental auxiliary within the oral health team makes the dental assistant a vital member of the oral health team in both private and public environments, where oral health care is provided.

    The qualification will allow for vertical mobility after additional study within the oral health care field, which has been developed to accommodate the changing needs and demands of the South African population. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Portfolios of Evidence, endorsed by previous mentors/employers may be presented and may include learning outcomes achieved through formal, informal/non formal learning and work experience. RPL may be awarded in accordance with the decision of the relevant provider.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4.
    With:
    Communication at NQF Level 4, Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4, Biology or Life Sciences at NQF Level 4, and end-user computing skills at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively with patients, members of the oral health team and the community.
    2. Explain and apply the legal and ethical requirements and implications associated with dental assisting.
    3. Assist oral health practitioners in all clinical dental procedures.
  • Range of dental procedures include but are not limited to:
    > Clinical examination;
    > Anaesthetics;
    > Restoration;
    > Surgery;
    > Prosthetics;
    > Managing medical emergencies;
    > Radiography;
    > Infection control.
    4. Perform administrative duties.
  • Range of administrative duties include but are not limited to:
    > Preparation and maintenance of clinical oral health facility and equipment;
    > Patient record keeping;
    > Patient bookings;
    > Stock control;
    > Correspondence;
    > Bookkeeping;
    > Occupational health and safety legislative requirements.
    5. Provide fundamental oral health education to patients, the public and community of all age groups. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 All communication with patients is delivered in the context of an oral health care facility and is relevant to the subject of oral health.
    1.2 Due recognition is given to the differences caused by multiculturalism, with consistent regard for human dignity and patient confidentiality.
    1.3 Interaction and teamwork within the practice context reflect understanding and acceptance of diversity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 The relevant Scope of Practice of the Health Professions Council of South Africa for dental assisting is explained.
    2.2 Patient rights are acknowledged and adhered to at all times according to the Bill of Rights and Patient Charter.
    2.3 Patient confidentiality is maintained at all times within the clinical oral health facility and in communication with the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
    2.4 The role of the dental assistant in patient advocacy is explained in terms of the relevant current legislation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 The oral health care facility is prepared for clinical dental procedures to be carried out on the incoming patient.
    3.2 The oral health practitioner is assisted in the examination of the patient's oral cavity through the effective handling of appropriate instruments, suctioning and other apparatus.
    3.3 The required local anaesthetics and other sedation are prepared and handled as required by the oral health practitioner.
    3.4 Assistance in all other dental procedures is efficient and appropriate and the patient's needs are anticipated and attended to with confidence and reassurance.
    3.5 Signs and symptoms of an impending medical emergency are recognised and managed in accordance with the required First Aid procedures.
    3.6 Radiographic images are processed efficiently and appropriately mounted or forwarded electronically for immediate use by the oral health practitioner.
    3.7 Infection control measures are applied in terms of personal hygiene, practitioner protection, appropriate sterilisation of instruments and equipment and suitable disposal of used surgical sharps.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Cleanliness of the clinical oral health facility is maintained through personal management of professional equipment, instruments and facility.
    4.2 All equipment is regularly checked for efficient working and faulty equipment is timeously sent for repair.
    4.3 Booking registers and patient records are maintained in a manner that ensures patient confidentiality and efficiency of practice.
    4.4 Stock is classified and controlled to ensure currency of all medication and efficiency of availability.
    4.5 Accounts, receipts, petty cash and banking are managed in a manner that ensures safety and efficiency and maintains patient confidentially.
    4.6 Hazardous and noxious materials are kept in controlled storage and appropriate inventory checks and records are regularly updated.
    4.7 Disposal of medical waste is catered for and the appropriate disposal requirements are diligently overseen.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    5.1 Educational material used is appropriate for the culture and age group of the target audience.
    5.2 Patients are informed of immediate care required and long term measures to be followed following dental interventions.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment must be appropriately incorporated into the Qualification to ensure that the purpose of the Qualification is achieved. Formative and Summative Assessment methods and combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies should be used.

    Formative Assessment will be continuous and developmental. It will include but is not limited to tests, assignments, case studies, practical work and competency evaluation of practical skills.

    Summative Assessment will include both theoretical and practical aspects to evaluate the learners' ability to integrate a larger body of knowledge and to achieve the stated outcomes of the Qualification.

    The assessment process used must be suitable for the Recognition of Prior Learning. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Dental Assisting is a relatively young profession in South Africa. Up until 2007, dental assistants could be employed without having to undergo any formal education and training and were not required to register with the HPCSA. In analysing the required field of work for such dental assistants, the emphasis was placed on the needs for this country. However, in comparing the final product with equivalent categories of workers around the world, it is clear that these workers are not generally recognised in a formal way. In those countries where formal recognition is given, the work for which they are responsible hardly varies from that indicated in this Qualification.

    For the purpose of this report, dental assistant training was examined across the globe, in countries such as the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Namibia. It is evident that, as far as dental assisting is concerned, relatively few countries give it formal recognition, but many employ such categories of workers. Where formal recognition is given, it seems that most countries have followed the model laid down by the USA, which has the longest record in the world of formal recognition for dental assistants.

    The American Dental Association (ADA) represents various dental societies in the United States. The ADA has more than 156,000 dentist members 53 constituent (state-territorial) and 545 component (local) dental societies.

    The Commission on Dental Accreditation, which operates under the auspices of the ADA, is recognised by the US Department of Education as the national accrediting body for dental, advanced dental and allied dental education programmes in the United States, and indicates the following for dental assistant training:

    The duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Although state regulations vary, responsibilities may include:
  • Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
  • Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays).
  • Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse.
  • Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilising instruments and equipment.
  • Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
  • Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
  • Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counselling.
  • Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth).
  • Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.
  • Communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies).
  • Helping to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery.

    Dental assistants receive their formal education through academic programmes at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools. Graduates of these programmes usually receive certificates. Although the majority of academic dental assisting programmes take nine to eleven months to complete, some schools offer accelerated training, part-time education programmes or training via distance education.

    The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association is responsible for accrediting dental assisting programmes.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification, although geared towards the particular needs of the South African dental scene, is on a par with, or slightly above, those formally recognised around the world, as this Qualification is a full academic qualification and allows formal access to other Qualifications in the dental bouquet. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides for the following vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Higher Certificate in a related field, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Dental Technology, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.