Yearbooks

Programme: BChD

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
10136001 Faculty of Health Sciences
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 5 years Total credits: 1038 NQF level:  08
Contact:
Prof WD Snyman
[email protected]
+27 (0)123192552

Programme information

NB: Selection of candidates takes place prior to admission.

The General Regulations are applicable to bachelor’s degrees.

Each student in Dentistry must apply to the Registrar of the Health Professions Council of South Africa for registration as a student in Dentistry, within two months after the commencement of the first year of study. Students, who have been granted exemption from the first or second year of study, must also comply with the registration requirements.

NOTE: For students who registered for the BChD degree programme prior to 2014, the relevant regulations as they appear in the 2013 Yearbook will be applicable.

Admission requirements

  • The following persons will be considered for admission: a candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required Grade 12 certificate with university endorsement; a candidate who is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; a candidate who is a graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria; and a candidate who is currently in university.

  • Admission to Health Sciences programmes is subject to a selection process.
  • Grade 11 final examination results, the National Benchmark Test (NBT) results as well as a Value-added Form will be used for the provisional selection of prospective students.
  • For selection purposes the sum of the results in six subjects, including English, Mathematics and Physical Science, is calculated.
  • Life Orientation is excluded in the calculation of the Admission Point Score (APS).
  • Candidates, please note that your conditional admission will be revoked if your APS drops by more than two points in your final school examination results.
  • PLEASE NOTE that compliance with the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to any programme in this Faculty.
  • Selection queries may be directed to [email protected].

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

Physical Science

APS

NSC/IEB

AS Level

NSC/IEB

AS Level

NSC/IEB

AS Level

5

C

5

C

5

C

35

* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.

 

Additional requirements

  1. Candidates are not allowed to complete their first year of study at another university.
  2. In terms of the selection procedure, candidates must pass English, Mathematics and Physical Science with at least a 5 rating code (60%- 69%), and achieve an APS of at least 35, in order to be considered for selection and/or admission.
  3. At the conclusion of the selection process, candidates are informed in writing regarding the outcome.
  4. Admission of foreign students to the BChD degree programme is limited to one annually. Only applications of candidates from SADC countries are accepted.
  5. School-leaving candidates with no previous tertiary exposure, who have not been admitted to the first year of study for the BChD degree programme may register for the BSc degree programme in medical sciences or biological sciences at the University, provided that they comply with the admission requirements for the programme in question. A candidate who completes the first semester of such a degree programme successfully, may apply to be considered for admission to the second semester of BChD I on the grounds of this achievement. If successful, the student may be admitted to the second semester of BChD I.

Other programme-specific information

Note:

  1. A new curriculum is being phased in for the programme. The first year of study will be followed for the first time in 2014, the second year in 2015, the third year in 2016, the fourth year in 2017 and the fifth year in 2018.
  2. The total credits and regulations for the degree programme in this publication are applicable to the new curriculum being phased in.
  3. In 2017 the fifth year of study will still be followed according to the old curriculum.
  4. Students who fail a year in the existing curriculum immediately prior to the year of the implementation of the revised curriculum will have to repeat all the modules for that particular year in the revised curriculum. 
  5. The total credits and regulations for the old curriculum appear in the 2013 Yearbook and are applicable for students who registered for the BChD degree programme prior to 2014. 

Types of modules
Please take note of the different categories of modules in this degree. 

First year of study
First semester
Examination modules

CMY 151 Chemistry 151
FIL 155 Science and world views 155
MGW 112 People and their environment 112
MLB 111 Molecular and cell biology 111
PHY 131 General physics 131
MTL 180 Medical terminology 180

Second semester
Examination modules

SEP 110 Sepedi 110

Promotion modules
GNK 188 Anatomy 188
IDE 180  Integrated dentistry 180
POH 170 Public oral health 170

  • Apart from the examination modules mentioned above, the following compulsory academic information management module must also be passed during the first semester of the first year of study: AIM 101.
  • All new first-year students at the University must write an academic literacy test. On the grounds of the outcome of this test, students will either be exempted from the following academic literacy modules, or if they have failed the test mentioned above, will be required to pass in the relevant modules: ELH 111 and 112
  • The first semester of the year module PHY 181 is the same as PHY 131.
  • Students are exempted from the language module(s) on the basis of the successful completion of a language proficiency test at the beginning of the year.


Second year of study
First semester
Examination modules

AFR 111 Afrikaans 111
GPS 280 Generic procedural skills 280
GNK 289 Anatomy 289

Modules

FSG 280 Physiology 280
MDB 280 Oral biology 280
IDE 280 Integrated dentistry 280
POH 280 Public oral health 280
GOM 270 General and oral microbiology 270
 

Examination modules

FSG 280 Physiology 280
GNK 286 Basic emergency care 286
MDB 280 Oral biology 280
ZUL 110 IsiZulu 110
GOM 270 General and oral microbiology 270

Promotion modules

IDE 280 Integrated dentistry 280
POH 280 Public oral health 280
ODO 270 Odontology 270
PRD 270 Prosthodontics 270

Third year of study
Examination modules

TGG 380 Applied medicine 380
FAR 370 Clinical pharmacotherapy 370
ANP 380 Anatomical pathology 380)
PRD 380 Prosthodontics 380

Promotion modules

TBW 370 Comprehensive patient management 370
ODO 380 Odontology 380
PDL 380 Periodontology 380
ORD 380 Orthodontics 380
OFC 370 Orofacial surgery 370
RAD 380 Diagnostic imaging 380
POH 370 Public oral health 370
GPS 370 Generic procedural skills 370

Fourth year of study
Examination module

TMZ 470 Anaesthesiology 470
RAD 480 Diagnostic imaging 480
POH 470 Public oral health 470

Promotion modules

ODO 470 Odontology 470
PDL 480 Periodontology 480
ORD 480 Orthodontics 480
OFC 470 Orofacial surgery 470
PRD 470 Prosthodontics 470
MFP 480 Maxillo-facial pathology 480
TBW 480 Comprehensive patient management 480

Fifth year of study
Attendance modules

RAD 580 Diagnostic imaging 580
POH 570 Public oral health 570

Examination modules

ODO 570 Odontology 570
PDL 570 Periodontology 570
ORD 580 Orthodontics 580
OFC 570 Orofacial surgery 570
PRD 580 Prosthodontics 580
MFP 580 Maxillo-facial pathology 580
TBW 580 Comprehensive patient management 580

 

Requirements for admission to specific modules
A student who has:

  1. obtained at least 50% in the final Grade 12 examination in Mathematics as well as in Physical Science, will be admitted to Molecular and cell biology (MLB 111), and a module in the subjects Chemistry, Physics, Zoology and Entomology, Genetics, Microbiology or Botany;
  2. obtained at least 50% in the final Grade 12 examination in Mathematics as well as in Physical Science, will be admitted to a module in Radiation Physics (RFI);
  3. obtained at least 50% in the final Grade 12 examination in either Physical Science or Life Sciences, will be admitted to modules in Occupational Therapy and Therapeutic Media;
  4. obtained at least 60% in the final Grade 12 examination in Mathematics, will be admitted to the module WTW 158 in Mathematics; and
  5. obtained at least 50% in the final Grade 12 examination in Mathematics, will be admitted to the module WTW 134 in Mathematics.

Examinations and pass requirements

Passing a module
A module mark is calculated from the continuous evaluation opportunities during the course of the presentation of the module in question. These evaluations shall include one or more of the following:

  1. Evaluations regarding theoretical knowledge.
  2. Evaluations regarding clinical knowledge and skills.
  3. Compulsory attendance at and active participation in prescribed activities.
  4. A final comprehensive module examination moderated by external examiners.

Repeating modules (and thus the year of study)

  1. Students must pass all the modules of a particular year of study in order to be admitted to the next year of study.
  2. Students who repeat the first or second year of study are exempted from the examination modules which have been passed in the unsuccessful year. The examination moderating meeting, in conjunction with the Dean/Chairperson of the School of Dentistry, retains the right to only award a pass mark in the said modules, if the student complies with the following requirements regarding those modules:
  • That the mark awarded to the relevant module was not awarded on the grounds of condonement;
  • That the student attended the relevant module regularly and furthermore complied with all other requirements.
  • That the contents of the module in the ensuing year correspond with the contents of the module concerned.
  1. In order to comply with the requirements for (ii) above, the extent of involvement of students in successfully completed promotion modules is determined by the relevant module chairperson, at the commencement of the year, and agreed with the student(s) concerned.

Examinations and pass requirements, subminima and continuous evaluation mark

  1. In accordance with the stipulations of the General Regulations, no minimum year or semester mark is required for admission to the examination: Provided that the different year and semester modules in a School need not be handled in the same manner, although a great degree of uniformity is expedient. Any other requirements for admission to the examination are set out in the study manuals. A final mark of at least 50% is required to pass.
  1. Subminimum

A subminimum of 40% is required in the written section of an examination, with a subminimum of 50% in the clinical section of a module. At the beginning of the academic year, the relevant head of department informs the students of the required subminimum in subsections of the modules offered by the department in question. This information is also published in the study manual.

  1. Continuous evaluation mark:
  • A student obtains marks for practical and clinical work, for tests and also for assignments completed during the course of an academic year.
  • A student who repeats a year of study and who must acquire certificates of satisfactory preparation in failed modules, must comply with all the requirements set by the relevant head of department.
  1. Supplementary examinations in the fourth year of study

A student who obtains between 40-49% in examination and promotion modules, is admitted to supplementary examinations. Should he or she fail this supplementary examination/promotion test, the fourth year has to be repeated. When a year of study has to be repeated, the student retains credit for the examination modules passed. Consult Reg. D.1 (e) regarding the certificate of satisfactory preparation and progress, which must be obtained in the year of repetition in all promotion modules already passed, as well as the extent of involvement of tudents regarding promotion modules already passed, in order to maintain a specific level of clinical skills.

  1. Examinations in the fifth year of study

A student who has failed the clinical part of any module in the final examination, will be required to repeat that module. The period which must elapse before the student may again sit an examination, is determined by the Dean, on the recommendation of the examination moderating committee. A student who repeats a module, must obtain certificates of satisfactory preparation in all the other modules that he/she has passed.
 

Promotion to next study year

Promotion to the next year of study
The stipulations of the General Regulations concerning satisfactory preparation and progress also apply to modules where a promotion test is required. Supplementary examination marks and pass marks in promotion modules are awarded according to the stipulations of the General Regulations: Provided that:

  1. Promotion is based on theoretical and/or practical and/or clinical evaluation throughout the year and a minimum of 50% is required to be promoted.
  2. A student, who has obtained a year mark of less than 50% can be admitted by the examination moderating meeting to a supplementary promotion test in the relevant promotion module.
  3. Students repeating a year of study retain credit for examination modules passed, unless determined otherwise, but a certificate of satisfactory preparation and progress must be obtained in all the promotion modules.
  4. In order to comply with the requirements for (iii) and to maintain a specified level of clinical skills, the extent of involvement of students in successfully completed promotion modules is determined by the relevant module chairperson, at the commencement of the year, and agreed with the student(s) concerned.

Failed candidates/Admission to the second semester of BChD I

  1. Selected first-year students, who have passed a sufficient number of prescribed first-semester modules at 100 level will, in accordance with the stipulations of the General Regulations, automatically be admitted to the second semester of the first year of study. During the second semester, the students will be admitted to an examination on an anti-semester basis in the first-semester module(s) still outstanding, if this can be accommodated in the timetable.
  2. In the School of Dentistry, a student may not repeat more semester modules than the equivalent of eight lectures per week on an anti-semester basis in the second semester.
  3. Candidates who failed BChD I, please consult points (ii) and (iii) under the Repeating modules paragraph below. 

Promotion to the next year of study

A student must pass all the modules of the relevant year of study for promotion to the next year of study (see exceptions for promotion to the second and third years of study below).


Promotion to the second year of study
A student must pass all the core modules of the first year of study for promotion to the second year of study. Students will be allowed to carry fundamental modules (AIM 101/AIM 111/AIM 121 and/or ELH 111/ELH 112 in the first year) over to the second year but must pass them during the second year of study in order to proceed to the third year of study.

Failed candidates

A student who has failed the first  year of study for the second time is excluded from the programme and will have to apply for readmission.

Promotion to the third year of study
A student must pass all the core modules of the second year of study and any fundamental modules carried over from the first year of study for promotion to the third year of study. Students will be allowed to carry fundamental modules (AFR 111 and/or ZUL 110 in the second year) over to the third year of study but must pass them during the third year of study in order to proceed to the fourth year of study.

Promotion to the fourth year of study
A student must pass all the modules of the third year of study and any fundamental modules carried over from the second year of study for  promotion to the fourth year of study.

Promotion to the fifth year of study
A student must pass all the core and fundamental modules of the preceding years of study for admission to the fifth year of study.

Academic exclusion from further study

  1. A student following a BChD degree will only be allowed two opportunities to repeat a year of study.
  2. A student who does not comply with the abovementioned requirement but nevertheless wishes to be admitted to the School, may request the Dean/Chairperson of the School in writing, to consider his or her application for readmission in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
  3. If a student fails one or more first-year modules (and therefore is not admitted to the second year of study), such a student forfeits his or her selection and must apply again for selection with a view to admission to the first year of study.
  4. A student, who has failed a year of study for the second time before completing BChD II is excluded from the programme and must apply again for selection with a view to readmission to the second year of study.

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained at least 65% in all the examination modules of the final year of study, with an average of at least 75% for all the modules.

Minimum credits: 183

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Theory: Introduction to general chemistry: Measurement in chemistry, matter and energy, atomic theory and the periodic table, chemical compounds and chemical bonds; quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, states of matter and the kinetic theory; solutions and colloids, acids, bases and ionic compounds, chemical equilibria. Introduction to organic chemistry: Chemical bonding in organic compounds, nature, physical properties and nomenclature of simple organic molecules, isomerism, chemical properties of alkanes and cycloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and esters, amines and amides, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
    Practicals.

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  • Module content:

    This is a broad introduction to the philosophy and history of science. Examples of themes and historical periods which are covered include: world views in ancient Greece; Socrates; Plato – the founder of Western thought; Aristotle – the foundation of a new tradition; Leonardo da Vinci; the foundation of modern science; the wonder years of the seventeenth century – the flourishing of the sciences and philosophy; the rising of mechanization; a drastic turn in man's vision – the rise of psychology; how the theory of relativity changed our view of the cosmos; quantum theory and its implications for the modern world view; the biological sciences and the secrets of life; the rise and role of psychology; the neuro-sciences; the place, role and benefit of philosophical thought in the sciences.

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  • Module content:

    Systemic anatomy and embryology:
    An introduction to anatomical terminology, the musculosketetal system, nervous system, surface anatomy, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urogenital system, gastro-intestinal system, the endocrine system and human embryology.
    Human osteology:
    Introduction to osteology, bone function and classification, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, clavicle, scapula, ribs, sternum, vertebrae, pelvis, hand and foot bones, sesamoid bones, skull, mandible, joints.
    Human histology:
    General introduction to cells and tissue, terminology, the cell and cytoplasm, organelles and inclusions, surface and glandular epithelium, general connective tissue, specialised connective tissue, namely cartilage, bone, blood and haemopoietic tissue, muscle and nervous tissue.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to clinical dentistry:
    • Infection control training
    • Occupational health and safety training
    • Code of conduct, professionalism and ethical behaviour
    • Academic skills training (library, goal-orientation, time management, etc)
    • Basic dental assisting
    • Basic tooth anatomy and terminology
    • Dental terminology
    • Psychomotor skills training (model casting, carving of teeth out of plaster, wax
      work)
    • Introduction to the disciplines and specialities
    • Third language training
    • Clinic visits throughout the year
    • Visits to a dental practice

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  • Module content:

    This module comprises basic psychology and sociology concepts relevant to Medicine, and to Dentistry, in the case of BChD students. 
    Basic psychiatric concepts are also taught.

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  • Module content:

     Introduction to the molecular structure and function of the cell. Basic chemistry of the cell. Structure and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Ultrastructure and function of cellular organelles, membranes and the cytoskeleton. General principles of energy, enzymes and cell metabolism. Selected processes, e.g. glycolysis, respiration and/or photosynthesis. Introduction to molecular genetics: DNA structure and replication, transcription, translation. Cell growth and cell division.

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  • Module content:

    The acquisition of a basic medical orientated vocabulary compiled from Latin and Greek stem forms combined with prefixes and suffixes derived from those languages. The manner in which the meanings of medical terms can be determined by analysing the terms into their recognisable meaningful constituent parts, is taught and exercised. The functional use of medical terms in context as practical outcome of terminological application is continually attended to.

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  • Module content:

    Units, vectors, one dimensional kinematics, dynamics, work, equilibrium, sound, liquids, heat, thermodynamic processes, electric potential and capacitance, direct current and alternating current, optics, modern physics, radio activity.

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  • Module content:

    • Principles of public oral health
    • Determinants of health
    • Definitions of health, disease and illness
    • Public health approaches to prevention

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  • Module content:

    *For absolute beginners only.
    *Only students from the School of Healthcare Sciences and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology may take this module during semester 2. All other students must  take this module during semester 1. Also note that students from the School of Healthcare Sciences, who already possess the language skills taught in this module, may write an exemption examination.
    The acquisition of basic Sepedi communicative skills with emphasis on everyday expressions and suitable high frequency vocabulary, within specific social situations.

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Minimum credits: 202

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Basic Afrikaans grammar and pronunciation and a specific technical (oral health) vocabulary is studied and practised to enable students to converse with patients in the professional environment. In this practical module, students are required to memorise phrases and to practise conversation skills under close observation.

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  • Module content:

    *For absolute beginners only
    *Only students from the School of Healthcare Sciences and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology may take this module during semester 2. All other students must take this module during semester 1. Students from the School of Healthcare Sciences, who already possess the language skills taught in this module, may write an exemption examination.
    The acquisition of basic isiZulu communicative skills with emphasis on everyday expressions and suitable high frequency vocabulary, within specific situations.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    Building blocks and metabolism of molecules, muscle and neurophysiology, cerebrospinal fluid and the special senses. Body fluids; haematology; cardiovascular physiology and the lymphatic system. Structure, gas exchange and non-respiratory functions of the lungs; structure, excretory and non-urinary functions of the kidneys, acid-base balance, as well as the skin and body temperature control. Nutrition, digestion and metabolism; hormonal control of the body functions and the reproductive systems. Where appropriate, case studies will be discussed in order to demonstrate the practical application of the gained physiological knowledge to the clinical management of a dental patient. Practical work to complement the theory.

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  • Module content:

    Clinically applied regional approach to human anatomy. Detailed cadaveric dissection of the head and neck, brain and spinal cord, axilla, upper limb, thorax, back and abdomen. Particular emphasis will be given to the head and neck region. The perineum, pelvis and lower limb will not be dissected, but taught with the aid of prosected specimens.

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  • Module content:

    The course “Microbiology” will prepare the dental student with the necessary knowledge and the discussion capability regarding basic microbiology, virology and immunology of both the healthy and diseased patient so that the student will understand the normal functioning of the relevant systems of the human body and will have compassion for the needs of patients with deflections from the normal. The student will be able to integrate the knowledge gained with the holistic approach to patients in order to be able to approach the treatment of patients preventatively and comprehensively.  The course will provide the dental student with a thorough basic knowledge of principles of infection in general microbiology and virology.

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  • Module content:

    • Clinic visits and visits to a dental practice
    • Patient administration training
    • Psychomotor skills training (model casting, carving of teeth out of plaster, wax work, wire bending)
    • Pre-clinical communication training – building up rapport with a patient and interviewing skills (commences in the second semester)
    • Examination skills training (commences in the second semester)

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  • Module content:

    This module is the study of the development, macroscopic and microscopic structure and function of tissue of the mouth and related structures with emphasis on the application in clinical dentistry. This module also includes the study of relevant molecular biology.

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  • Module content:

    Chair-side assisting:
    This clinical training entails the chair-side assisting of senior dental students during the treatment of patients.

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  • Module content:

    • Orientation to health sciences research
    • Ethical consideration in the conduct of health sciences research
    • An overview of the research process
    • Selecting or identifying research problems
    • The literature review
    • Refining and defining the research question, formulating a hypothesis and
      preparing a research proposal
    • Quantitative research
    • Non-traditional and qualitative research designs
    • Sampling
    • Data collection and Data quality
    • Data analysis
    • Research reports and report evaluation

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  • Module content:

    • Basic tooth morphology
    • Introduction to dental laboratory procedures in Removable Prosthodontics

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Minimum credits: 198

Core modules

  • Module content:

    General pathology
    • Cell injury, death and adaptation
    • Acute and chronic inflammation
    • Repair: Cell regeneration, fibrosis and wound healing
    • Hemodynamic disorders, thrombosis and shock
    • Disorders of the immune system
    • Neoplasia
    • Environmental diseases
    • General pathology of infectious diseases
    Diseases of the following organ systems
    • Blood vessels
    • Heart
    • Haemopoietic and lymphoid systems
    • Respiratory tract
    • Urinary tract
    • Gastrointestinal tract
    • Liver and biliary tract
    • Pancreas
    • Male genital system
    • Female genital system and breast
    • Endocrine system
    • Musculoskeletal system
    • Skin
    • Nervous system

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  • Module content:

    Introductory principles of clinical pharmacotherapy in view of applicable patient problems, receptors for medicines, principles of structure activity relationships, dynamic and kinetic principles to bring pharmacological principles and clinical therapy together in a problem-based curriculum.

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  • Module content:

    The modules in the subject odontology form an integrated curriculum that is structured and presented by various lecturers from different departments of the school. The modules consist of theoretical, practical and clinical training.  The theoretical training includes anatomy, embryology, histology, microbiology and pathology of the teeth and teeth structure, while the clinical training is focused on the preventive, curative, and minor rehabilitative treatment of teeth development and eruption malformations, dental caries, pulpal and peri-radicular pathology, unerupted and impacted teeth, and tooth wear as part of the ageing process.

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  • Module content:

    (a)   Surgical anatomy: Applied surgical anatomy.
    (b)   Examination, anaesthesia, distress: Examination of a surgical patient, stress
            control and sedation, local anaesthetics, local anaesthetic techniques,
            applied pharmacology and prescription (synoptic), emergency procedures.
    (c)   Basic oral surgery: Sterilisation and disinfection, oral surgical
            armamentarium, exodontia and related complications, bleeding problems,
            antrum.
    (d)   Advanced oral surgery: Apaicectomy, impactions, electro and cryosurgery, soft
            tissue infections and osteomyelitis, pre-prosthodontic surgery (review).
    (e)   Basic maxillo-facial surgery: Traumatology, surgical pathology, neuralgias,
            temporo-mandibular joint derangements.
    (f)    Advanced maxillo-facial surgery: Micro surgery (review), orthognathic surgery,
            facial cleft deformities, cranio-facial surgery (review).

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  • Module content:

    The modules in this subject extend over the third, fourth and fifth years of study. Lectures, practical and clinical work, seminars and discussions on the following:

    1. Basic principles and therapeutic measures.
    2. Occlusion: development and morphology.
    3. Development and growth: cranium.
    4. Stainless steel: properties and uses.
    5. Orthodontic devices: requirements and types.
    6. Changes in tissue.
    7. Malocclusion: classification and aetiology.
    8. Examination, aids, diagnosis and planning.
    9. Bad habits.
    10. Preventive and interceptive orthodontics.
    11. Treatment: principles, problems with space, methods.
    12. The role of extraction.
    13. Retention.

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  • Module content:

    1. The modules in the subject are offered in the third, fourth and fifth years of study.
    2. The depth and weighting of the knowledge base and the clinical application and interpretation of the modules will be dependent on the year of study.
    3. The goal is to educate and train general dental practitioners who will be able to apply their expertise and knowledge in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases in both the public and private sectors within the scope of the dental practitioner. In order to achieve this, the student must know the embryology, normal anatomy, histology and functions of the periodontium. The student must understand the aetiology, pathogenesis, the risk and other factors associated with the various forms of periodontal diseases, and their classification. The student must be able to perform a comprehensive clinical examination and use the information so gained to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan. The student must become proficient in applying preventive control methods, to supply oral hygiene methods and applicable instructions to the patient; motivating the patient; scaling and root planning; be able to correctly evaluate the tissue response to these procedures; be able to differentiate clinically between the various forms of periodontal disease and be able to perform clinical procedures associated with the treatment of early and moderate stages of periodontal diseases. The student must understand the treatment possibilities associated with established and advanced periodontal diseases, including regenerative procedures and implant treatment, and when and to whom, such patients should be referred for specialist diagnosis and treatment, should this be necessary.

     

     

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  • Module content:

    • Oral epidemiology
    • Prevention and oral health promotion
    • Health services (systems)

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  • Module content:

    Examination and evaluation of the denture patient, principles and taking of impressions, determination of vertical and horizontal jaw relations and facial bow recording. Aesthetics. Fitting and placing of the finished denture. Post treatment. Clinical aspects of manufacturing of complete and partial dentures, obturators and special apparatus.

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  • Module content:

    Holistic evaluation of a patient, the clinical hypothetic-deductive reasoning processes, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning. Under the guidance of a tutor, and by utilising a special “practice patient” file, the students start treating a “practice patient” comprehensively. The student compiles a portfolio, on a continuous basis, on the clinical and administrative procedures concerning the "practice patient". The portfolio contains the student’s year mark, which is determined on a 50:50 basis, with the examination mark as the final pass mark. The examination mark is determined when the student presents the practice patient case to an audience and a panel of adjudicators.
    Application of business management principles during patient management. Preparing the student for a meaningful and successful career in an increasingly complex business and health care environment. Application of certain principles and skills in terms of: 
    •   Psychology in the dentistry practice.
    •   Political parameters in dentistry.
    •   Sociology and dentistry.
    •   Ethics for the dentist.
    •   Career possibilities.
    •   Management of a practice.
    Additional to this, students should understand the economic, cultural, legal and regulatory environment to establish and optimise patient management.

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  • Module content:

    The purpose of this module is to enable the dentist to identify medical problems, which may have an effect on the dental treatment or may affect the patient’s general health. The dentist must be able to interpret the patient’s medical history, in order to modify the treatment plan accordingly to ensure a safe dental treatment and/or to refer the patient for medical or specialist care.

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Minimum credits: 253

Core modules

  • Module content:

    The modules in this subject will empower the student with knowledge of the embryology, anatomy, physiology and pathology of the oral mucosa, the salivary glands, intra- and extraoral soft tissue and bone in order to diagnose and manage lesions, diseases and conditions of the oral mucosa, salivary glands, intra and extraoral soft tissue and bone.

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  • Module content:

    The modules in the subject odontology form an integrated curriculum that is structured and presented by various lecturers from different departments of the school. The modules consist of theoretical, practical and clinical training . The theoretical training includes anatomy, embryology, histology, microbiology and pathology of the teeth and teeth structure, while the clinical training is focused on the preventive, curative, and minor rehabilitative treatment of teeth development and eruption malformations, dental caries, pulpal and peri-radicular pathology, unerupted and impacted teeth, and tooth wear as part of the ageing process.

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  • Module content:

    (a)   Surgical anatomy: Applied surgical anatomy.
    (b)   Examination, anaesthesia, distress: Examination of a surgical patient, stress control and sedation, local anaesthetics, local anaesthetic techniques, applied pharmacology and prescription (synoptic), emergency procedures.
    (c)   Basic oral surgery: Sterilisation and disinfection, oral surgical armamentarium, exodontia and related complications, bleeding problems, antrum.
    (d)   Advanced oral surgery: Apaicectomy, impactions, electro and cryosurgery, soft tissue infections and osteomyelitis, pre-prosthodontic surgery (review).
    (e)   Basic maxillo-facial surgery: Traumatology, surgical pathology, neuralgias, temporo-mandibular joint derangements.
    (f)    Advanced maxillo-facial surgery: Micro surgery (review), orthognathic surgery, facial cleft deformities, cranio-facial surgery (review).

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  • Module content:

    The modules in this subject extend over the third, fourth and fifth years of study. Lectures, practical and clinical work, seminars and discussions on the following:

    1. Basic principles and therapeutic measures.
    2. Occlusion: development and morphology.
    3. Development and growth: cranium.
    4. Stainless steel: properties and uses.
    5. Orthodontic devices: requirements and types.
    6. Changes in tissue.
    7. Malocclusion: classification and aetiology.
    8. Examination, aids, diagnosis and planning.
    9. Bad habits.
    10. Preventive and interceptive orthodontics.
    11. Treatment: principles, problems with space, methods.
    12. The role of extraction.
    13. Retention.

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  • Module content:

    1. The modules in the subject are offered in the third, fourth and fifth years of study.
    2. The depth and weighting of the knowledge base and the clinical application and interpretation of the modules will be dependent on the year of study.
    3. The goal is to educate and train general dental practitioners who will be able to apply their expertise and knowledge in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases in both the public and private sectors within the scope of the dental practitioner. In order to achieve this, the student must know the embryology, normal anatomy, histology and functions of the periodontium. The student must understand the aetiology, pathogenesis, the risk and other factors associated with the various forms of periodontal diseases, and their classification. The student must be able to perform a comprehensive clinical examination and use the information so gained to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan. The student must become proficient in applying preventive control methods, to supply oral hygiene methods and applicable instructions to the patient; motivating the patient; scaling and root planning; be able to correctly evaluate the tissue response to these procedures; be able to differentiate clinically between the various forms of periodontal disease and be able to perform clinical procedures associated with the treatment of early and moderate stages of periodontal diseases. The student must understand the treatment possibilities associated with established and advanced periodontal diseases, including regenerative procedures and implant treatment, and when and to whom, such patients should be referred for specialist diagnosis and treatment, should this be necessary.

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  • Module content:

    • Oral epidemiology
    • Prevention and oral health promotion
    • Health services (systems)
    • Community engagement projects commence

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  • Module content:

    Examination and evaluation of the denture patient, principles and taking of impressions, determination of vertical and horizontal jaw relations and facial bow recording. Aesthetics. Fitting and placing of the finished denture. Post treatment. Clinical aspects of manufacturing of complete and partial dentures, obturators and special apparatus.

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  • Module content:

    Diagnostic imaging 370/470 is a two year course delivered during the 3rd and 4th years of the BChD programme.  It deals with all aspects of radiographic imaging of the maxillofacial region appropriate to the Dentist.  Diagnostic imaging 370 is delivered during BChD III as a promotion course.  Diagnostic imaging 470  is an examination course delivered during BChD IV.  The purpose of Diagnostic imaging 470 is:

    • To formalise teaching and examination of Diagnostic Imaging 370/470.
    • To certify students’ ability to apply knowledge obtained in Diagnostic Imaging 370 to clinical and practical situations of Diagnostic Imaging.
    • To certify that students act professionally during clinical situations of Diagnostic Imaging.

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  • Module content:

    Holistic evaluation of a patient, the clinical hypothetic-deductive reasoning processes, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning. Under the guidance of a tutor, and by utilising a special “practice patient” file, the students start treating a “practice patient” comprehensively. The student compiles a portfolio, on a continuous basis, on the clinical and administrative procedures concerning the "practice patient". The portfolio contains the student’s year mark, which is determined on a 50:50 basis with the examination mark as the final pass mark. The examination mark is determined when the student presents the practice patient case to an audience and a panel of adjudicators.
    Application of business management principles during patient management. Preparing the student for a meaningful and successful career in an increasingly complex business and health care environment. Application of certain principles and skills in terms of: 

    • Psychology in the dentistry practice.
    • Political parameters in dentistry.
    • Sociology and dentistry.
    • Ethics for the dentist.
    • Career possibilities.
    • Management of a practice.

    Additional to this, students should understand the economic, cultural, legal and regulatory environment to establish and optimise patient management.

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Minimum credits: 218

Core modules

  • Module content:

    The modules in this subject will empower the student with knowledge of the embryology, anatomy, physiology and pathology of the oral mucosa, the salivary glands, intra- and extraoral soft tissue and bone in order to diagnose and manage lesions, diseases and conditions of the oral mucosa, salivary glands, intra and extraoral soft tissue and bone.

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  • Module content:

    The modules in the subject odontology form an integrated curriculum that is structured and presented by various lecturers from different departments of the school. The modules consist of theoretical, practical and clinical training. The theoretical training includes anatomy, embryology, histology, microbiology and pathology of the teeth and teeth structure, while the clinical training is focused on the preventive, curative, and minor rehabilitative treatment of teeth development and eruption malformations, dental caries, pulpal and peri-radicular pathology, unerupted and impacted teeth, and tooth wear as part of the ageing process.

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  • Module content:

    (a)   Surgical anatomy: Applied surgical anatomy.
    (b)   Examination, anaesthesia, distress: Examination of a surgical patient, stress
            control and sedation, local anaesthetics, local anaesthetic techniques,
            applied pharmacology and prescription (synoptic), emergency procedures.
    (c)   Basic oral surgery: Sterilisation and disinfection, oral surgical
            armamentarium, exodontia and related complications, bleeding problems,
            antrum.
    (d)   Advanced oral surgery: Apaicectomy, impactions, electro and cryosurgery, soft
            tissue infections and osteomyelitis, pre-prosthodontic surgery (review).
    (e)   Basic maxillo-facial surgery: Traumatology, surgical pathology, neuralgias,
            temporo-mandibular joint derangements.
    (f)    Advanced maxillo-facial surgery: Micro surgery (review), orthognathic surgery,
            facial cleft deformities, cranio-facial surgery (review).

    View more

  • Module content:

    The modules in this subject extend over the third, fourth and fifth years of study. Lectures, practical and clinical work, seminars and discussions on the following:

    1. Basic principles and therapeutic measures.
    2. Occlusion: development and morphology.
    3. Development and growth: cranium.
    4. Stainless steel: properties and uses.
    5. Orthodontic devices: requirements and types.
    6. Changes in tissue.
    7. Malocclusion: classification and aetiology.
    8. Examination, aids, diagnosis and planning.
    9. Bad habits.
    10. Preventive and interceptive orthodontics.
    11. Treatment: principles, problems with space, methods.
    12. The role of extraction.
    13. Retention.

    View more

  • Module content:

    (i)   The modules in the subject are offered in the third, fourth and fifth years of study.
    (ii)  The depth and weighting of the knowledge base and the clinical application and interpretation of the modules will be dependent on the year of study.
    (iii) The goal is to educate and train general dental practitioners who will be able to apply their expertise and knowledge in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases in both the public and private sectors within the scope of the dental practitioner. In order to achieve this, the student must know the embryology, normal anatomy, histology and functions of the periodontium. The student must understand the aetiology, pathogenesis, the risk and other factors associated with the various forms of periodontal diseases, and their classification. The student must be able to perform a comprehensive clinical examination and use the information so gained to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan. The student must become proficient in applying preventive control methods, to supply oral hygiene methods and applicable instructions to the patient; motivating the patient; scaling and root planning; be able to correctly evaluate the tissue response to these procedures; be able to differentiate clinically between the various forms of periodontal disease and be able to perform clinical procedures associated with the treatment of early and moderate stages of periodontal diseases. The student must understand the treatment possibilities associated with established and advanced periodontal diseases, including regenerative procedures and implant treatment, and when and to whom, such patients should be referred for specialist diagnosis and treatment, should this be necessary.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Community engagement projects continue.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Examination and evaluation of the denture patient, principles and taking of impressions, determination of vertical and horizontal jaw relations and facial bow recording. Aesthetics. Fitting and placing of the finished denture. Post treatment. Clinical aspects of manufacturing of complete and partial dentures, obturators and special apparatus. Pre-clinical crown and bridge techniques course. Examination and evaluation of patient's requiring crown and bridge treatment. Principles of tooth preparation and impression-making. Shade selection. Finishing and cementation of fixed restorations. Clinical aspects of manufacturing of single crowns and fixed prostheses. An introduction to lasers and implants.

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  • Module content:

    Diagnostic imaging 580 is an attendance course presented during the first semester of BChD V.  The purpose of Acourse is:

    •  To formalise teaching and formative assessment of final year students’ clinical and diagnostic skills in Diagnostic imaging.
    •  To develop students’ confidence in clinical aspects of Diagnostic imaging.
    •  To ensure radiographic service rendering in Diagnostic imaging by senior (5th year) students while 4th year students are in training.

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  • Module content:

    Holistic evaluation of a patient, the clinical hypothetic-deductive reasoning processes, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning. Under the guidance of a tutor, and by utilising a special “practice patient” file, the students start treating a “practice patient” comprehensively. The student compiles a portfolio, on a continuous basis, on the clinical and administrative procedures concerning the "practice patient". The portfolio contains the student’s year mark, which is determined on a 50:50 basis with the examination mark as the final pass mark. The examination mark is determined when the student presents the practice patient case to an audience and a panel of adjudicators.
    Application of business management principles during patient management. Preparing the student for a meaningful and successful career in an increasingly complex business and health care environment. Application of certain principles and skills in terms of: 

    • Psychology in the dentistry practice.
    • Political parameters in dentistry.
    • Sociology and dentistry.
    • Ethics for the dentist.
    • Career possibilities.
    • Managing a practice.

    Additional to this, students should understand the economic, cultural, legal and regulatory environment to establish and optimise patient management.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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