HPCSA recommendations on dental assistants

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has submitted recommendations to Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi regarding the registration of dental assistants, reports Health-e News.

According to the HPCSA statement, the health professionals body has recommended that experienced, unqualified dental hygienists be allowed to register over a two-year period during which they must complete a professional board examination. The body further states that these examinations will be offered four times annually in each province.

Candidates will be afforded three opportunities to complete the board examination. Failure to successfully complete the examination will result in a discontinuation of registration as a dental assistant.

The Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene urges all dental assistants to take full advantage of this registration period and further to register as soon as the amendments are promulgated.

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