It is vital that a person interested in forensic odontology
be properly educated and trained. A Doctor of Dental Science
(DDS) degree is a basic; however, a traditional dental
education does not provide the curriculum and experience
that is required to function in this field. There are
also opportunities for other dental professionals in the
field as well.
The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) is the
forum for forensic dental lectures, demonstrations, and
practical courses that are valuable educational experiences.
The AAFS affiliated American Board of Forensic Odontology
(www.abfo.org) serves
as the highly regarded credentialing body for dentists
who have satisfied experience and training requirements
to sit for the challenging ABFO examination.
The American Society of Forensic Odontology (www.asfo.org)
meets annually at the AAFS Annual Meeting. The Armed Forces
Institute of Pathology (www.afip.org)
offers week-long dental courses in odontology and pathology.
The University of Texas, San Antonio provides a biennial
program and a forensic dentistry fellowship program. The
New York Society of Forensic Dentistry and the New York
County Dental Society offer introductory courses in Forensic
Odontology (www.nycdentalsociety.org).
Post-graduate master's and PhD education is available
in Canada (www.boldlab.org)
and teaching institutions in Europe and Australia. Basic
courses in forensic science and medicolegal death investigation
are strongly recommended as specialized knowledge is necessary
to participate in forensic investigations.
The objective of these courses and advanced training
is to prepare the dental investigator to conduct thorough
scientific and systematic scene investigations through
use of approved techniques and methods. The best training
will come from working with an experienced odontologist
in a real situation.
Online access to odontology information is available
at www.forensic.to.
