Students warned against unaccredited institutions

The Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has warned the public that Oxbridge Academy in Stellenbosch, Western Cape is not accredited by the Professional Board to offer Dental Practice Assistant training.

The Professional Board recently conducted an impromptu inspection at the academy and discovered that the Diploma in Dental Practice Assisting fell under the Scope of the Professions of Dental Assistants.  The Board immediately conducted an analysis of the curriculum offered to alleviate any possible risk resulting from unregistered practitioners treating members of the public. 

Accredited institutions                    

“One of our main priorities to ensure that all practitioners are registered with the Council and their qualifications obtained are from accredited institutions,” Vidyah Amrit, Chairperson of the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene said.

“By acting on our mandate, we ensure that the public receives quality healthcare from registered healthcare professionals who obtained the necessary knowledge, training and skills by studying at an accredited institution,” she commented.

The Council is reminding prospective students and their families to ensure the training institutions they are enrolling in are accredited institutions. The HPCSA will not register any students holding a qualification from unaccredited institutions. The Board is furthermore urging the public to only go to registered healthcare practitioners, thereby ensuring they receive quality healthcare. 

Prospective students can contact the HPCSA to find out whether an institution is accredited to provide education and training on 012 338 9301 or info@hpcsa.co.za.

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