Oral hygienists' education in transition

In 1996 the Dental Faculty of the University of the Western Cape introduced a modular curriculum for Oral Hygiene students. The aim was to change from a subject-based to an outcomes-based programme, which would emphasise the competencies of hygienists. The development of this programme has meant ongoing evaluation and therefore amendments and revisions have been made throughout the course. This curriculum could be re-registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) which describes competencies for the eight main level descriptors. This new approach to teaching allows for a laddered approach to training with intermediate exit qualifications. Oral hygienists' would thus for the first time have a career path in the oral health profession as it allows them to proceed from a Diploma to a Degree and to have the prospect of doing a Masters Degree.