The three-year degree in Dental Therapy aims at training mid-level oral healthcare workers who have as their primary philosophy focus of primary preventive, curative and rehabilitative oral and dental healthcare provision.
Students qualifying with the Bachelor of Dental Therapy degree are employed in the public and private sectors and even as independent practitioners owning their own dental therapy practices.
Dental therapists can perform the following numerous functions within their scope of practice including: scaling and polishing of teeth, taking dental radiography, administration of local anaesthetic, provide oral health education and promotion, diagnose and treat some common oral diseases, extract teeth and place restorations (fillings) in order to restore form and function.
| NSC Requirements : Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene | |
| Minimum Points – APS 30 | |
| EnglishLife Orientation | Rating Code 4Rating Code 4 |
| Life SciencesMaths | Rating Code 4Rating Code 4 |
Postgraduate courses and Research Areas
Community OutreachOur School is actively involved in several Community Outreach programmes that provide promotive, preventative and curative services to disadvantaged communities.
In addition to the service that they provide, our students obtain a real-world experience, getting a feel for the needs of the communities within which they will eventually function. They are also given the opportunity to interact with members of the community to develop strategies to improve and increase the level of awareness of the general oral health status of these communities.
Our current programmes include:
- Special needs institutions
- Crèches and schools
- Geriatric homes
- The Phelophepa Health train
- Wendolins Health centre
- The Smile Foundation
University of KwaZulu-Natal Dentistry School Contact Detail
Tel: 031 260 7933 / 7950
E-mail: [email protected]
Postal Address:
Private Bag X54001
Durban
4000
Clinical Enquiries
Oral and Dental Training Hospital
031 242 6242 or 031 260 3775
Academic Enquiries
031 2607557