The School of Oral Health Sciences strives towards excellence in the teaching of the science and art of Dentistry, excellence in providing for the oral health needs of the community, as well as excellence in community oriented research.
University of Limpopo Dentistry Programmes
Undergraduate Programmes
- Dentistry (BDS): A dentist’s work ranges from the prevention of tooth decay, preparing and filling of cavities to highly intricate tooth reconstruction and realignment procedures, as well as exciting methods to perfect the appearance of the mouth and teeth. Duration: 5 years
- Dental Therapy (B Dent Ther): A dental therapist performs all the basic much needed dental procedures, preparing and filling cavities, extractions, sealing and polishing teeth, and x-rays. Duration: 3 years
- Oral Hygiene (UDOH): An oral hygienist is trained to instruct and motivate on effective oral hygiene care in order to prevent oral disease. He/she is skilled in sealing and polishing teeth, taking x-rays and preventative procedures, including health promotion. Duration: 2 years
Postgraduate Programme
- Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry: To provide dentists with an opportunity to refresh their knowledge base and improve their skills in selected fields in Dentistry.
- Advanced Diploma in Community Dentistry: To equip oral hygienists, dental therapists, dentists with sufficient theoretical and clinical knowledge of the various levels of prevention of disease within community and other settings.
- Bachelor of Science (Dental) (Honours): A significant percentage of teaching and research is performed by non-dental basic scientists. This program will provide a career path for scientists in academic oral centres for dental training. They will furthermore be of value to industries which develop materials and equipment for the dental profession.
- Masters in Dentistry Degree (M Dent): To train dentists in a registrable speciality in dentistry in one of the following specialities: Community Dentistry, Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology, Orthodontics, Periodontics and Oral Medicine and Prosthodontics.
- Master of Dental Science Degree (MDS): Aimed at establishing independent research in specific fields of Dentistry.
- Master of Science (Dental) (MSc (Dent)): To provide a career path for non-dental scientists appointed to dental tertiary institutions. To provide industries involved in the development of dental materials and dental equipment with appropriately trained scientists.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): To provide a candidate the opportunity to perform an in-depth research project in any field of Dentistry
University of Limpopo Dentistry Admission Requirements
| Degree | Requirements prior 2008 | National Senior Certificate | Duration | Career Opportunity |
| Dentistry (BDS) | Full matriculation exemption with a symbol in Mathematics and Physical Science of at least E on higher grade and C on standard grade. The minimum rating for consideration for entrance into BDS is 12 | Mathematics 5 Physical Sciences 5 Language of learning (English) 4 Life Sciences 5 Life Orientation 3 Additional subject 4 Additional subject 4 | 5 years | A Dentist’s work ranges from the prevention of tooth decay, preparing and filling of cavities to highly intricate tooth reconstruction and realignment procedures, as well as exciting methods to perfect the appearance of the mouth, teeth and surrounding tissues. A Dentist can work in Private Practice, Public dental services, Academic dentistry |
| Dental Therapy (BDT) | Full matriculation exemption with a symbol in Mathematics and Physical Science of at least E on higher grade and C on standard grade. The minimum rating for consideration for entrance into BDT is 10 | Mathematics 4 Physical Sciences 4 Language of learning (English) 4 Life Sciences 4 Life Orientation 3 Additional subject 3 Additional subject 3 | 3 years | A Dental Therapist performs all the basic much needed dental procedures, preparing and filling cavities, extractions, cleaning and polishing teeth, and x-rays. A Dental Therapist can work in Private Practice, Public dental services, Academic dentistry. |
| Oral Hygiene (BOH) | Full matriculation exemption with a symbol in Mathematics, Biology or Physical Science of at least E on higher grade and C on standard grade. The minimum rating for consideration for entrance into the University Diploma in Oral Hygiene is 8 | Mathematics 3 Or Mathematics Literacy 5 Physical Sciences 3 Language of learning (English) 3 Life Sciences 4 Life Orientation 3 Additional subject 3 Additional subject 3 | 3 years | An Oral Hygienist is trained to instruct and motivate on effective oral hygiene care in order to prevent oral disease. He/she is skilled in cleaning and polishing teeth, taking x-rays and preventative procedures, including health promotion. An Oral Hygienist can work in Private practice, Public dental services, Academic dentistry |
University of Limpopo Dentistry Contact Details
Telephone: +27 (0) 15 – 268 – 3332
E-mail: [email protected]
Physical Address:
C/O R71 Tzaneen Road and University Street
Mankweng Township, Polokwane, Limpopo Province
University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus
Old Admin Block, Ground Floor
Sovenga, 0727
Address: University of Limpopo
The Registrar
Private Bag X1106
Sovenga
0727