• Evaluation: Satisfactory completion of library dissertation by the end of 6 months

Detailed study (including pathogenesis, molecular & biochemical considerations) of various tumours, tumour like lesions and premalignant lesions affecting the hard & soft tissues of oral & para –oral regions.

Approach : seminars posting in cancer hospitals to familiarize with pathological appearances diagnosis including Radio diagnosis & various treatment modalities posting in oral & Maxillofacial surgery clinics for clinico pathologic discussions.

Detailed structure of oral bacteria with molecukar & biochemical considerations. Microbial genertics & immunilogical mechanisms detailed sstudy of infections of oral & prar-oral regions with emphasis on tropical diseases.

Approach : Seminars

Introduction: Forensic odontology may be defined as the branch of dentistry which deals with the correct professinal handing. Examinations interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence which may come before the legal authorities. In other words it is the application of dental science to the administration of the law and the furtherance of justice. The objective of this course is to promote and develop the competence of dental surgeons involved in this specialized field of dentistry.

Aim : To provide a programme which will enable candidates to further their knowledge and skills in forensic odontology and is designed for dental surgeons who wish to handle forensic cases.

Objectives :

• Identify current developments in basic medical sciences, which are applicable to forensic odontology.
• Acquire experience in forensic work
• Understanding of the legal systems relevant to the preparation and presentation of dental evidence.
• Understand the disciplines of forensic medicine and pathology in a broad sense

Course structure:
The course structure consists of three components:

• Basic theoretical component
• A complimentary applied practical course
• A supervised research project and a portfolio of forensic case work.

Theoretical component: consists of

• Basic dental sciences
• Applied dental sciences
• Forensic medicine and pathology
• Law and Law enforcement.

Approach: The theoretical component is conducted in the form of lectures, seminars and prescribed assignments in the form in the form of reports etc.

Basic dental sciences:

1. Human cranio-facial anatomy
2. Dental embryology
3. Human tooth morphology
4. Comparative dental anatomy
5. Dental histology
6. Physical anthropology
7. Age changes in teeth & jaws
8. Fundamentals of optics and use of electro magnetic spectrum.

Applied dental sciences

1. Dental materials
2. Prosthetics impression techniques model preparation and applications denture making
3. Anatomical reconstruction of facial features
4. Radiography & Radiology
5. Feature of bones and teeth
6. Injures of soft tissues.

1. History of forensic Odontology
2. Hazards of the mortuary and scene of crime
3. Causes of sudden death
4. The medico-legal autopsy and post-mortem changes
5. Bite marks on the living and deceased
6. Saliva, semen, cytology and blood groups. DNA “Fingerprinting”.
7. Non-biological methods of identification
8. Recording methods and preparation of reports
9. Soft tissue injuries (the differential diagnosis of the causative agent)
10. The bio-dynamics of crania-facial injuries
11. Field –kit
12. Disaster victim identification (DVI)
13. Exhumation
14. Forensic photography
15. Forensic psychology psychiatry offender profiling
16. Application of DNA in forensic investigations
17. Molecular biology methods – in forensic odontology
18. Law and Law enforcement
19. The law home and abroad.
20. Dental jurisprudence
21. The organization of police forces
22. Forensic odontolgist liaison with police and legal professions
23. The scene of crime
24. An outline of methods of investigation
25. Case preparation and presentation
26. Preservation of medico-legeal evidence
27. Criminal court procedures.
28. History of the coronial system and duties of the coroner
29. The functions of the expert witness
30. Legal implications of mass disasters and repatriation.

Practicals:

1. Field –kit
2. Impression taking from persons both living, dead and objects and foodstuffs model making marking of dentures.
3. Recovery of material – hair etc from wounds and its analysis
4. Photography
5. Radiography
6. Charting methods
7. Bite marks chelioscopy
8. Preparation of histological material hard and soft tissues
9. Applications of electron microscope
10. Embalming
11. The medio-legal autopsy
12. Preparation of autopsy report
13. Mock mass disaster
14. X-ray diffraction/Microradiography
15. Radiology, Osteology, Comparative anatomy
16. Mock coroner’s court-presentation of evidence
17. Video-superimposition techniques
18. Class presentations of the students own research or course work
19. Digital image processing of radiographs.