Program Overview

Programme: MChD Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery

Programme Information

This is a four-year programme that, on completion, allows the incumbent to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a specialist maxillofacial and oral surgeon. The programme offers specialised training in maxillofacial and oral surgery. In addition, registrars are exposed and trained in sub-speciality fields like head and neck oncology and cleft deformities of the face.

Admission Requirements

• BChD (or equivalent) degree
• Registration as a dentist and/or physician with the HPCSA in the category Independent Practice for at least one year
• Passed the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course (maximum three attempts), primary subjects in accordance with/equivalent to Part 1A of the College of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeons of South Africa (Anatomy and Embryology, Physiology, Principles of Pathology and Microbiology)

Additional Requirements

Exemption may be granted by the Dean/Chair of School, 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.

Other Programme-Specific Information

• Examination in the basic subjects: A student must pass all the basic subjects before he or she may be admitted to the first year of study.
• A student who has been holding a registrarship will have to vacate the position as soon as possible after one calendar month's notice to the University of Pretoria and/or other recognised training institution, where applicable.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• Examination and evaluation in the major subject: Admission to the examination in the major subject is determined by the relevant head of department.
• A minimum number of procedures must have been performed before a registrar is allowed to write the final examination.
• Candidates who have met all of the above criteria may choose to sit for the final Colleges of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) Part II examination in place of/in addition to the final MChD examination, and be credited for this where applicable.

Research Information

The student must submit, prior to sitting for the final examination, and pass a dissertation on an approved topic related to the major subject and submit a manuscript for publication as required in obtaining the MChD.

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 an average of 75% in the whole programme with the first attempt in their major subject, and the dissertation, will receive the degree with distinction.

General Academic Regulations and Student Rules

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.

Regulations, Degree Requirements, and Information

The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) Verification Project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.