ForensicSpot10 modules

Forensic Odontology

Forensic dentistry: dental identification, bite-mark analysis, age estimation from teeth, rugoscopy and cheiloscopy, mass-disaster DVI, and quality standards.

60hours
30topics
10modules

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Module 16 hrs3 topics

Foundations

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What forensic odontology covers, its history and landmark cases, and the forensic dentist's role, team and toolkit.

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Introduction and Scope of Forensic OdontologyForensic odontology applies dental science to legal questions, spanning three core domains: human identification, bite-mark analysis, and age estimation from teeth.14 min14 min
History of Forensic Odontology and Landmark CasesFrom Paul Revere identifying a patriot by his dental bridge in 1776 to the DNA-era reckoning with bite-mark convictions, the history of forensic odontology is told through its cases.14 min14 min
The Forensic Dentist: Role, Team and ToolkitWho practises forensic odontology, how they are trained and credentialled, what equipment they use, and how they fit into autopsy and DVI teams.14 min14 min

Module 26 hrs3 topics

Dental anatomy and charting

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Tooth morphology and tissues, the FDI, Universal and Palmer numbering systems, and how a postmortem dental record is built.

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Module 36 hrs4 topics

Dental identification

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The antemortem to postmortem comparison workflow, sourcing and reading records, the postmortem examination, and radiographic and digital methods.

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Module 46 hrs2 topics

Mass disasters and DVI

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Why teeth dominate disaster victim identification, and the INTERPOL DVI dental process and reconciliation at scale.

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Module 56 hrs4 topics

Bite mark analysis

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How bites register on skin, collection and comparison, the honest reckoning with the NAS and PCAST critiques, and human versus animal bites.

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Module 66 hrs4 topics

Age estimation from teeth

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Sub-adult methods from tooth formation to the London Atlas, adult methods from Gustafson to racemisation, and age assessment in the living.

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Module 76 hrs2 topics

Sex and ancestry from dentition

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Sexual dimorphism and odontometrics, and the dental morphology traits used, with caution, for population affinity.

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Module 86 hrs2 topics

Rugoscopy and cheiloscopy

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Palatal rugae patterns and lip prints: their classification, stability, collection, and their evidential value and limits.

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Module 96 hrs3 topics

Abuse, neglect and molecular methods

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Bite marks and orofacial injuries in abuse casework, the dentist's reporting role, and recovering DNA from teeth.

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Module 106 hrs3 topics

Court and quality

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Testifying on identification and bite marks, managing cognitive bias and error, and the standards and accreditation that govern the field.

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Your journey to becoming a forensic professional starts here.

Forensic Odontology

Forensic Odontology