Bachelor of Dental Therapy

OVERVIEW
The programme aims to train dental professionals as part of the oral health team in order to play preventive, promotive, supportive, curative and rehabilitative roles in the public and private sectors. Students qualifying with the Bachelor of Dental Therapy degree can work in the public sector as well as in private practice, and can perform all functions within the scope of primary and secondary levels of prevention in dentistry. They do extractions, fillings, scaling and polishing, dental x-rays, local anaesthesia, health education and promotion, and are able to examine and diagnose common oral diseases.

CAO CODE

KN-W-BDT

NQF Level

Duration

3 Years

Closing Date

30 September

REQUIREMENTS
NSC Deg with Engl and LO 4 and Life Sci and Maths 3 (Choices 1 to 3 only)

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Cariology, Periodontology and PreventionIn this module, students learn about the two most common diseases in Dentistry which are dental caries (decayed teeth) and periodontal (gum) disease and their prevention and management. Preclinical training occurs in the Skills Laboratory at the Westville campus. Clinical Training is done at the Oral and Dental Training Centre. The clinical aspects focus on patient examination (medical history taking, intra/extra oral examination) diagnosis, treatment planning, mechanical and chemical removal of plaque and principles of instrumentation, evaluation and maintenance, infection control.

Career Opportunities

General Dental Therapist
Public Health Dental Therapist
Orthodontic Dental Therapist
Pediatric Dental Therapist

School of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Dental Therapy