Forensic Odontology

Course Overview

This three-day course will introduce participants to forensic odontology’s scope and practice with particular emphasis on disaster victim identification. The utilisation of dental techniques for human identification is simple in concept but complex in process. The NSW Forensic Education Committee team will guide participants through the inter-related processes and procedures utilised in a disaster event, with support from key government agencies including NSW Police and the Department of Justice. Presentations on the Asian Tsunami and other mass fatality incidents will be used to illustrate the process. A practical component with a mock disaster exercise is held in the main mortuary. Exercises in tooth identification, antemortem and post-mortem radiographic matching and age estimation from radiographic evidence are also components of the course. Participants will have a greater understanding of the value of their clinical records’ quality in the identification process. The extensive high-tech facilities will enable more comprehensive coronial investigations of sudden and unexplained deaths, including complex cases and disasters involving mass casualties. The facility has been carefully designed to offer even greater respect and dignity for grieving families seeking answers. It also provides a more modern and spacious environment for our staff who carry out these vital services.