Pretoria: The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has reminded prospective students and their families to make sure that the training institutions they are enrolling in are accredited colleges.

The warning comes after an inspection of Oxbridge Academy in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, which is not accredited by the Professional Board to offer Dental Practice Assistant training.

During an impromptu inspection conducted recently by the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the HPCSA, it was 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 ease any possible risk resulting from unregistered practitioners treating members of the public.

The chairperson of the Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene, Vidyah Amrit, said that one of board’s main priorities is to ensure that all practitioners are registered with the Council and their qualifications obtained are from accredited institutions.

“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,” said Amrit.

The HPCSA warned that it will not register any students holding a qualification from unaccredited institutions. The Board further urged the public to only go to registered healthcare practitioners to ensure 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.