University of Namibia UNAM Bachelor of Dental Surgery Course

Bachelor Degree

Introduction:

The program aims to develop professional dentists who are knowledgeable, skilled and ethically positioned to:

• Provide evidence-based oral health care (EBOHC);
• Promote oral health as an integral part of total health, and, oral healthcare as an integral part of comprehensive healthcare;
• Apply the community-based, patient-centered approach to clinical care within the dental team (which includes hygienists, dental assistants, and dental technicians);
• Direct the dental team as team leader and manager to promote efficient and cost-effective service provision by all team members;
• Apply appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities, and behaviors to practice safely and efficiently;
• Practice concept of prevention and primary care in dentistry;
• Provide oral health care to various populations and communities (including marginalized communities);
• Adopt a reflective practitioner approach committed to the active pursuit of life-long learning.

Offered at:

Requirements:

 

Admission Requirements

To apply for the BChD degree, a candidate must be enrolled in Grade 12 studying towards a NSSC certificate or in possession of a NSSC certificate or any other equivalent qualification with at least Admission Requirements

• For the BChD, a candidate must be enrolled in Grade 12 studying towards a NSSC (Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate) or any other equivalent qualification with at least 35 points on the UNAM scale with a grade 2 or better on higher level or a grade B or better on ordinary level for Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and a grade B or better on ordinary level for Biology and English (please refer to the scale used by the University to calculate the UNAM score);

OR

• A candidate must have successfully completed the entire first year of the BSc curriculum with at least a score of 60% in each of the Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics modules;

OR

• A candidate must have successfully completed a relevant degree program in Health Science.

(“Relevant” means any degree requiring the same Grade 12 subjects as the BChD, i.e. Mathematics Higher level, Physical Science Higher level, Biology Ordinary level and English Ordinary level).

• Mature Entry: Candidates aspiring for admission to the BChD through the Mature Age Entry Scheme must satisfy the following conditions:

1. They should be at least 25 years old on the first day of the academic year in which admission is sought
2. They should have successfully completed senior secondary education
3. They should have proof of at least five years related work experience (as determined by the School)
4. They should pass the prescribed Mature Age Entry Test and obtain a minimum aggregate score of 60%
5. Candidates, who, in the opinion of the Faculty, merit further consideration, may be called for an oral interview before the final selection is made.

Essay Writing

An applicant can be required to submit an essay on a topic or topics determined by the Admissions Committee of the School of Medicine. (The main objective of an essay so demanded of an applicant, besides evaluating one's writing skills and ability of formulating thoughts, is to gauge the candidate’s potential as a health service provider to support the sick and disabled.).

Interviews

Eligible applicants shall normally be invited for interviews to be conducted by the Admissions Committee. Face to face interviews shall be conducted in order to assess the following attributes of the candidates:

1.  Academic standing: An interview shall seek to determine the candidate's academic competitiveness plus communication skills;
2.  Extra-curricular activity: An interview shall also look into the candidate's records on extra-curricular activities and, if applicable, in job performances. Extra-curricular engagements in civic and community works shall be examined. Direct patient-care experience can be helpful but not essential.
3. General awareness and sense of values: A candidate's awareness of the community he/she lives in and the sense of values, sensitivities, and concerns he/she might have on social and cultural issues shall be assessed.
4. General physical/mental condition of the aspiring student: The candidate's overall physical and mental status will be made without conducting a formal medical examination.

Meeting the above student admission criteria DOES NOT necessarily ensure admission. Admission is granted on merit based on availability of places on the programme and other conditions that may be determined from time to time.

Admissions Process Of The Mbchb Degree

• The closing date for applications will be 30 August with no provision for late applications
• Applicant will be informed by e-mail or telephone about the essay writing and interviews
• The final list of provisional admitted students will be available by the end of November
• Candidates can track their application status online by using their student number as reference
• A candidate who has reasonable grounds to appeal must do so in writing to the faculty officer on or before 30 November.

Duration of Studies:

The minimum duration for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) degree is five years. The BChD degree must be completed within seven (7) years of full-time study unless there is an exceptionally motivated reason.

Modules: