Postgraduate Programs

Forensic Odontology may be defined as the application of dental science to the administration of the law and the furtherance of justice. It is that branch of dentistry which deals with the correct professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence which may come before the legal authorities.

Postgraduate courses in forensic odontology are offered by the Faculty of Dentistry, and are taken within the Forensic Odontology Unit. The demand for higher levels of formal training for specialists in forensic odontology has increased in recent years, particularly in the South East Asia and Pacific regions. The University of Adelaide established the Forensic Odontology Unit in 1980 under a contract with the South Australian Government. It works closely with the Commissioner of Police and the State Coroner, and has become known internationally for its service, teaching and research. 

The courses offered are:

• Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology
• Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Dentistry (Forensic Odontology)
• Master of Science in Dentistry
• Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology

Prerequisite Qualifications: Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree or equivalent.
Mode: Internal
Duration: Full-time: one year, Part-time: two years.

The Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology is intended for practicing dentists who wish to gain experience in the professional field of forensic odontology. The course has been designed with an emphasis on the practical aspects of forensic odontology, and includes five subjects: principles and methods of forensic odontology, casework in forensic odontology, integrated forensic science, research methods & ethics and forensic odontology research.

More information on this program is available from the Postgraduate Programs page. 

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Dentistry (Forensic Odontology)

Mode: Internal
Duration: Full-time: one year, Part-time: two years.

Students who have successfully completed at least the third year of the B.D.S. degree or who have qualified for the B.Sc. degree may enroll for the honours degree which is,offered either full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The course of study covers anatomy and forensic anthropology, oral and forensic pathology, principles and methods of forensic odontology and case work, and includes a research project on a selected topic. As a prerequisite for a higher degree, this course places a greater emphasis on the research component, and therefore is more appropriate for students interested to pursue an academic career in the field of forensic odontology. 

More information on this program is available from the Honours Programs page.

Master of Science in Dentistry

Prerequisite Qualification: Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Honours IIA or higher degree or Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology.

The Master of Science in Dentistry is a postgraduate research program of up to two-years duration offered in the Adelaide School of Dentistry, allowing in-depth research in a particular aspect of forensic odontology.

More information on this program is available from the Postgraduate Programs page.

Doctor of Philosophy

Prerequisite Qualification: Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Honours IIA or higher degree or equivalent.
Mode: Internal
Duration: Full-time: two to four years, Half-time: up to eight years.

As is the case with other faculties the Faculty of Dentistry also offers a research degree at Doctoral level, which can be undertaken on a full-time or half-time basis Eligibility requirements and programs offered are similar to those for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry.

More information on this program is available from the Postgraduate Programs page.