Program Overview

Programme: MChD (Community Dentistry)

The MChD (Community Dentistry) programme is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of School of Dentistry.

Programme Information

• Code:
• Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
• Department: School of Dentistry
• Credits: 480
• Duration: Minimum duration of study: 4 years
• NQF level: 09

Admission Requirements

1. BChD (or equivalent) degree
2. Registration as a dentist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the category Independent Practice

Other Programme-Specific Information

Additionally, the Diploma in Health Systems Management must be attended and passed on a capita selecta basis, or any other management course as determined by the head of department and approved by the Dean.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

1. Examinations in the basic subjects
   • A student must pass these subjects prior to admission to the examination in the major subject. A minimum of at least 50% is required to pass.
   • Examinations in the basic subjects must be passed before the end of the third year of study, or at a time as determined by the head of department.
   • The Diploma in Health Systems Management offered by the School of Health Systems and Public Health must be attended and passed.
2. Examinations in the major subject
   • Admission to the examination in the major subject is determined by the head of department.
   • Only candidates who have met all the requirements for the MChD degree except for the major subject (final examination), i.e. passed all the prerequisite subjects; completed all applicable training as prescribed by the relevant head of department; and completed the required research component for the degree, will be allowed to write the final MChD examination, after which they will obtain the MChD specialist qualifications.
   • The student must submit and pass a dissertation on an approved topic related to the major subject and submit an article for publication as required.

Exemption

Exemption may be granted by the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department by virtue of comparable training and/or experience in terms of the requirements of School Regulations, with the proviso that exemption from the examination and evaluation in the major subject may not be granted.

Practical/Clinical/Internship Information

Practical training is provided at recognised institutions.

Pass with Distinction

A student who obtains a final mark of at least 75% (with the first attempt) in the major subject qualifies to obtain the degree with distinction. An MChD student, who has obtained at least 75% with the first attempt in both his major subject and the dissertation, will receive the degree with distinction.

Core Modules

• BOS 870: Biostatistics (1) 870, Credits: 10.00
• EHR 800: Ethics and human rights 800, Credits: 0.00
• GTH 800: Community dentistry 800, Credits: 24.00
• GTH 891: Dissertation: Community dentistry 891, Credits: 180.00
• HME 870: Epidemiology 1 870, Credits: 10.00
• TMP 801: Applied oral pathology 801, Credits: 24.00
• TNM 802: Applied research methodology 802, Credits: 0.00

General Academic Regulations

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.