Course Introduction

MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

This module covers a basic introduction to forensic odontology, its history and evolution to the present state, and its role in forensic investigations. You will learn about the role and responsibilities of a forensic odontologist, along with the qualifications and expertise needed to practice as a forensic dentist. This module also focuses on the medico-legal and clinical significance of forensic odontology and its significance in bite marks analysis, human remains identification, and providing expert testimony during legal proceedings.

MODULE 2 – CAREER SCOPE IN FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

In this module, you will explore the scope and diverse career opportunities available for forensic odontologists. You will also gain knowledge about the clinical significance it holds in identifying victims of mass disasters, analyzing bite marks, and providing expert testimony in legal cases. This module also sheds light on the future aspects of this field, highlighting potential areas of advancement and innovation. You will also explore famous real-world cases where forensic odontology played a crucial role and how it impacts crime-solving and identifying individuals.

MODULE 3 – HUMAN TOOTH DEVELOPMENT AND ANATOMY

In this module, you will learn about the process of human tooth development, from their formation to eruption, gaining insights into the growth and maturation of teeth. You will also learn about endodontic tooth anatomy and how to conduct a detailed examination of the internal structures and tissues. You will also gain insights into teeth development, their specific anatomical features, and the timing of their eruption, which is essential knowledge for forensic odontologists in age estimation and dental identification.

MODULE 4 – DENTAL OCCLUSION AND MALOCCLUSION

This module focuses on the development and understanding of dental occlusion, which refers to the alignment and relationship of upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. You will learn about various dentition stages, from primary to permanent teeth, along with the changes that occur during growth. You will gain knowledge about factors affecting occlusion, like genetics, and also about malocclusion, which refers to abnormal tooth alignment. A deep understanding of these two is important during bite mark analysis and dental identification.

MODULE 5 – DENTAL NOTATION SYSTEMS AND AGE ESTIMATION

In this module, you will learn about dental notation systems, like the Universal Numbering System, the Zsigmondy Numbering System, and the Federation Dentaire Internationale Numbering System (FDI), used by forensic odontologists globally to assist legal investigations. You will learn how these systems identify and record the position of teeth needed to maintain dental records. This module also covers techniques to determine the age of people according to their dental characteristics.

MODULE 6 – DENTAL ANOMALIES AND FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE

This module focuses on dental anomalies in human dentition and their forensic significance. You will learn about various types of dental irregularities and abnormalities, like missing teeth, supernumerary teeth, and tooth impaction, and how these anomalies affect tooth size and shape. It will equip you with the skills to use these anomalies to recognize unique dental features required to carry out accurate identification of individuals.

MODULE 7 – FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY IN DISASTER VICTIM IDENTIFICATION

In this module, you will learn about the role of forensic odontologists in disaster victim identification (DVI), along with the challenges and problems faced by them in disaster situations when traditional identification methods do not work. You will also gain insights about the collaborative efforts of dental teams, charting forms, the collection of postmortem dental findings, examining the oral cavity, and the collection and interpretation of dental remains for accurately identifying disaster victims.

MODULE 8 – ANTEMORTEM AND POSTMORTEM DENTAL IDENTIFICATION

This module covers the comparison of antemortem (pre-death) and postmortem (post-death) dental records for identification purposes, along with challenges faced while comparing these datasets. You will also learn about the role of technology in mass fatality cases, the use of computer-assisted software, and digital data during the identification process. It also covers ethical and legal standards you need to follow while providing dental identification evidence in court.

MODULE 9 – DENTAL IDENTIFICATION IN MASS DISASTERS

In this module, you will learn about dental identification methods used in mass disaster cases. This module highlights the use of palatal rugae, unique patterns on the roof of the mouth, as an additional tool for identification. You will also learn how habits and addictions lead to distinct dental marks that help in identification. You will learn the importance of dental record retrieval, examination of the oral cavity, and assessment of dental remains for successful identification.

MODULE 10 – BITE MARK INVESTIGATION

In this module, you will learn about bite mark investigation steps, recognizing bite marks, and ways to distinguish them from injuries. You will also gain knowledge about the proper collection and preservation of bite mark evidence for analysis. By the end of this module, you will have a clear understanding of how bite marks investigations assist law enforcement agencies, help in identifying suspects, and provide expert testimony.

MODULE 11 – BITE MARK ANALYSIS

This module focuses on bite mark analysis, various techniques used in bite mark examination, and how to interpret these unique forms of evidence. You will learn about techniques to compare bite marks, the significance of bite mark evidence in criminal investigations, and the legal framework, along with the challenges and limitations faced by investigators. This module will equip you with skills to effectively solve bite-mark evidence cases and impart an unbiased assessment of this specialized form of forensic data.

MODULE 12 – CHILD ABUSE RECOGNITION AND INTERVENTION

This module focuses on types of child abuse cases, clinical symptoms that may be observed, and the role of dentists in recognizing and reporting such cases. You will learn the importance of appropriate intervention in safeguarding the well-being of children. You will gain knowledge about the significance of documentation and reporting in compliance with legal settings. Also, you will get introduced to the Prevent Abuse and Neglect Through Dental Awareness (P.A.N.D.A.) initiative, in which dental professionals can raise awareness and prevent child abuse.

To enroll, click on the “Register for Course” option available on the right side of the screen, followed by the provided instructions and payment procedure.