Forensic Dentistry MSc

Forensic dentistry is a specialised field of dentistry. It involves the examination, handling, and presentation of dental evidence for the legal system. This master’s is a one-year, intensive course. In this course, you will develop knowledge and practical skills in forensic dentistry.

Studying Forensic Dentistry at Dundee means that you will learn in state-of-the-art facilities. You will also learn from experts in the field. You will gain hands-on experience in clinical and forensic settings. You will also develop your knowledge in aspects of forensic medicine, law and research.

The MSc Forensic Dentistry course will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in the field. You will develop these skills through real-life case work.

Topics you will study include:

• dental identification and profiling. This will include sessions on death and cognitive bias with a psychologist
• disaster victim identification
• age estimation from dental sources
• dental report writing and giving evidence
• admissibility and limitations of bite mark identification
• legal aspects of dentistry

The course has a strong focus on practical learning in a supportive environment. You will have the opportunity to use specialised labs and digital imaging tools. This will help you to develop the skills required to analyse dental evidence in legal cases.

Practical sessions will include:

• training for disaster victim identification
• dental radiography and photography in the Thiel cadaver laboratory
• presenting and defending reports in a mock court and receiving feedback from experts

Unique to the University of Dundee is the anatomy facility in the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). At CAHID, you will have the opportunity to work with Thiel-embalmed cadavers. This will allow for specialised training in autopsy techniques.

Thiel embalming is an innovative method that preserves cadavers with life-like flexibility and tissue quality.

You will learn alongside students in forensic medicine and law. This will help you to gain an understanding of the role of other forensic disciplines. You will also be able to identify when, where, and how forensic dentistry links with the wider forensic community.