Program Overview

Programme: PGDip in Orthodontics

The Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics is a full-time programme offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria.

Programme Information

• Code: Faculty of Health Sciences, Department: School of Dentistry
• Credits: 120
• Duration: Minimum duration of study: 1 year
• NQF level: 08

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
2. Certified copy of ID or passport
3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees)

International Qualifications

All applicants with international qualifications must submit:

1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
3. Certified copy of passport

Additional Requirements

• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable)
• Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department
• Complying with the minimum admissions requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree
• Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department

Minimum Admissions Requirements

1. Relevant Bachelor of Dentistry (or equivalent) degree
2. HPCSA registration where treatment of patients is involved

Other Programme-Specific Information

Contact Time

The contact time in the major field of study is determined by the relevant head of department and approved by the Dean.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The examination in the basic subject and the main field of study may take place every semester
• Examinations in both the basic subject as well as the main field of study may be written in the same semester
• In order to be admitted to the examination in the main field of study, the student must have passed the basic subject
• A final mark of at least 50% is required to pass
• Subject to exceptions approved by the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, a student may not enter for the postgraduate diploma's examination in the same subject more than twice

Pass with Distinction

The diploma is awarded with distinction to students who obtain at least 75% in both the main field of study and the basic subject.

Core Modules

• ORD 702: Orthodontics 702 (Credits: 100.00)

Elective Modules

• ANA 710: Anatomy 710 (Credits: 20.00)
• CBA 700: Anatomy and principles of surgery 700 (Credits: 20.00)
• FSG 714: Physiology 714 (Credits: 20.00)
• MDB 700: Applied oral biology 700 (Credits: 20.00)
• RAD 702: Introductory radiography 702 (Credits: 20.00)
• RLE 700: Ethics and jurisprudence 700 (Credits: 30.00)
  • Module content: To be a good healthcare practitioner requires a life-long commitment to sound professional and ethical practices and an overriding dedication to the interests of fellow human beings and society.
• THM 702: Dental materials 702 (Credits: 20.00)