Date: February 1st, 2025
Price : To be announced.
Forensic dentistry, also known as forensic odontology, is a critical field within forensic science, focusing on the application of dental knowledge to assist in legal investigations. From identifying individuals through dental records to analyzing bite marks and dental trauma in criminal cases, forensic dentists play a vital role in the justice system. Their expertise is often sought in cases involving unidentified remains, mass disasters, child abuse, and assault, where dental evidence can provide essential information.
This five-hour certification course provides an accelerated, practical introduction to forensic dentistry. Participants will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience with techniques used to identify individuals, estimate age, and analyze bite marks. Additionally, the course will cover essential skills in evidence collection and forensic report writing, equipping attendees with the basic tools to contribute meaningfully to forensic investigations.
Whether you’re a dental professional, forensic science student, or legal investigator, this course will enhance your understanding of forensic dentistry’s role and methods. By the end of the day, participants will have a solid grasp of forensic dental practices and earn a certification in this specialized field.
COURSE PLAN FOR M. ORTH ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Instructor: Dr Uttara Deshpande, BDS, MSc Forensic Dentistry, MSc Forensic Medicine (Forensic expert practicing in India)
Objective:
- Introduce foundational concepts in forensic dentistry.
- Provide hands-on experience with dental identification, age estimation, and bite mark analysis.
- Equip participants with basic skills in evidence handling and forensic report writing.
Duration : 5 Hours
Introduction to Forensic Dentistry
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Topics Covered:
- Overview of forensic dentistry and its significance in legal investigations.
- Key roles of forensic dentists in identification and trauma analysis.
Activity:
Case discussion highlighting real-world applications of forensic dentistry.
Basics of Dental Identification
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Topics Covered:
- Basics of dental anatomy and morphology relevant to forensic identification.
- Techniques for comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem dental records.
Activity:
Hands-on exercise: Identifying unique features in sample dental records.
Age Estimation in Forensic Dentistry
Time: 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Topics Covered:
- Age estimation methods in forensic dentistry.
- Use of dental wear and radiographic indicators to determine age.
Activity:
Practical exercise: Estimating age from sample radiographs and dental images.
Break: 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Bite Mark Analysis
Time: 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Topics:
- Basics of bite mark analysis in forensic cases.
- Methods of documenting, analyzing, and comparing bite marks.
Activity:
Workshop: Participants take bite impressions and compare them to mock
evidence.
Evidence Collection and Forensic Report Writing
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Topics:
- Principles of handling, preserving, and documenting dental evidence.
- Basics of writing forensic dental reports for legal purposes.
Activity:
Practical task: Drafting a sample forensic dental report based on provided data.
Case Study Review and Certification Assessment
Time: 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Activity:
- Group case study: Participants analyze a mock case that includes dental identification and bite mark analysis.
- Short quiz and report submission for certification evaluation.
- Q&A and review of the day’s topics.
Activity:
Practical task: Drafting a sample forensic dental report based on provided data.
Certification Requirements:
- Full participation in all sessions.
- Completion of the hands-on exercises and case study.
- Submission of a short forensic dental report for review.