Forensic odontology or Forensic dentistry, and its scope in India

There is a huge rush for learning full time and part time forensic odontology all over the globe. This is due very exciting concept of this subject itself. In Indian context also, subject of forensic dentistry has exploded a large number of courses. There has been cropping up of many studies / thesis that are being designed on this sub-domain of forensic medicine /forensic science. Before you decide to venture on it to become India based forensic odontologist, it will be good that you explore its scope.

Read it till end if you aiming to be a dental detective!

What is Forensic dentistry?

Forensic dentistry is also known as forensic odontology. It is utilisation and application of knowledge of oral and para-oral structures in civil and criminal matters. All this required specialised training in dentistry that has an overlap with the justice system. So in simple words, as a dentist you learn how to obtain, analyse and present dental evidence.

 

Forensic Odontology in India:

Forensic odontology is a well-developed discipline. It is widely accepted in the courts of many well developed nations.Though Forensic Odontology is still a nascent stage in India, it has been utilised for extremely important cases. These cases include:

·       Nirbhaya 2012 (do watch Delhi Crime on Netflix), 

·       Sheena Bora case 2012. 

It has been utilised in Disaster Victim Identifications (DVI) of Tsunamis and air crashes.

In India development of Forensic odontology has been slow. Police and judicial officials are still to be properly sensitised about the scope and utility of forensic dentistry.

Indo-Pacific Academy of Forensic Odontology (INPAFO) and Indian Association of Forensic Odontology (IAFO) are 2 active registered societies in India

Study or Train in Forensic Dentistry in India.

For becoming an expert in forensic odontology, dentists should be equipped in:

·       current field methods in investigating crime scenes, 

·       Human Identification in natural disasters (man-made and natural) and human atrocities, 

·       laboratory procedures (like DNA analysis), 

·       legal and ethical issues

all in an Indian context of course.

Forensic Dentistry presently as an academic course in BDS is part of Oral Pathology (III year) and Oral Medicine (IV Year) curriculum. It is yet to achieve a separate subject status as a subject.  Loads of research Is happening in the form thesis and dissertations of MDS trainings. Part time and full time courses in Forensic odontology are being offered in the entire country. In fact, there are many certificate programs and diploma courses on Forensic Dentistry across medical / dental colleges in India. 

Few of the universities and associations offering courses / fellowships on forensic odontology are: 

·       Indian dental association (IDA), 

·       Indian association of forensic odontology (IAFO), 

·       SDM Dharwad, 

·       DY Patil university, 

·       Gujrat university, 

·       Mysore university, 

·       Manipal university,

·       Peoples university 

Also read: Indian Board of Forensic Odontology fellowship

Scope of Forensic Odontology in India:

Very few internationally trained Forensic odontologist are present. Hence if you are trained well you can be involved in academics, research and teaching forensic odontology. One can find job openings in Forensic odontology now and then. 

A typical medical board to estimate age includes a general physician, a dentist, a radiologist and a forensic expert hence defines its scope in age estimation. 

Forensic Facial Approximation Training (FACES) at Tubingen University (Germany)

The subject experts can be involved in forensic cases as well Forensic Facial Reconstructions. 

Also read:Inclusion of Forensic Odontologist in Team of Forensic Facial Approximation

As the record keeping of dentists is being reinforced by govt policies the scope too of the subject is increasing in leaps and bound. But still long way to go as far as employment opportunities are concerned.

Wishing for a crime free and peaceful world...