Location: Ritson Campus

DENTAL ASSISTING (HIGHER CERTIFICATE)

Description of the Programme

Dental assistants require a variety of diverse skills ranging from secretarial to clinical skills. They are involved in everything from reception duties to data capturing, dealing with patients and medical aid schemes etc. However their primary task is assisting the dental practitioner with dental procedures, be it surgical procedures, impression taking for dentures, orthodontics, restorations or extractions. One of the most important functions of a Dental Assistant is to maintain infection control, ensuring the proper sterilization of instrument, and ultimately making sure that all the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that the patient, dental assistant and dental practitioner are protected against the transmission of infection.

Students will register for a 1 year full-time Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting.

Personal Qualities Required

• Good people skills
• Well organised and an eye for detail
• An ability to concentrate and keep pace with very precise work
• Willingly work under instruction.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities exist in South Africa at present. Employment opportunities exist for dental assistants in private practice, in public hospitals and clinics, as well as in the medical division of the defence force, medical aid companies, sales representatives for dental supply companies and dental laboratories. Experienced dental assistants also readily find employment internationally.

Entry Requirements
Higher Certificate Dental Assisting Entrance Requirements

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Department of Dental Sciences
Durban University of Technology
P.O. Box 1334
DURBAN 4000
Tel: 031 373 5800 / 5287 / 5356
Fax: 031 373 5459
Email: mbuyiselwar@dut.ac.za / kerushap@dut.ac.za

APPLICATION FORMS

Contact the Central Applications Office (C.A.O.)
Address letters to:
Central Applications Office
Private Bag X06
Dalbridge 4014
Tel: 031 268 4444
Fax: 031 268 4422
Internet: http://www.cao.ac.za