Profile of the Dental Therapy Graduate at UKZN

Introduction: Inequality in the provision of oral health care to disadvantaged communities had been a problem in South Africa for several decades. In 1977, dental therapists were introduced in an attempt to alleviate these inequities. However these problems persisted in large sectors of the population. Objective: To evaluate the profile of dental therapy graduates from UKZN to provide information to relevant stakeholders regarding the role of the dental therapist in the oral health team of South Africa. Methods: Quantitative data was obtained from the Data Management Information system of the University of KwaZulu-Natal on Application, Enrolment and Graduate profiles. Data was analyzed using the SPSS programme. A descriptive analysis was obtained using Chi-squared tests for linear trends. Results: Applicant profile showed an exponential increase in number, with the African group accounting for 72%. Enrolment profile showed a linear increase over time, with a male: female ratio of 40:60, and the under-20 age group highest at 45%. Racial breakdown showed that up to 2007, more Indians than Africans were enrolled. This trend reversed after 2007. Graduate profile showed an upward shift around a mean of 16. Racial and gender profiles reflected enrolment profiles. Practice patterns of graduates showed that 47% worked in private practice, 19% studied dentistry, 10% worked in the public sector, 7% no longer worked in the dental profession, and 16% could not be traced. Conclusions: These results contradict findings at other dental schools. Further research and discussion is needed to ensure that accessible oral health services are provided in South Africa.