Master of Science in Forensic Dentistry

This course is a survey of the American Academy of Forensic Science forensic specialties and provides basic information on morgue protocols.  This course provides the basic medico-legal knowledge and understanding of morgue protocols necessary to perform duties in a medical examiner’s office.

This course presents a detailed study of the anatomic structures fundamental to dental specialty training.  Detailed gross dissection of the human head and neck with emphasis placed on traditional musculo-skeletal and neuro-vascular architectural relationships as they relate to growth and development.  This pedagogy allows immediate recognition of odonto-skeletal structures relevant to positive identification, and the pathology of forensic perimortem trauma.  Participants review standard texts of head and neck anatomy and radiology, and other professional literature to support specialty-specific questions/topics.

This course offers the fundamentals of theory and practice that constitute a working knowledge of the radiologic sciences as they apply to general and forensic dentistry.  Laboratory exercises will be utilized to develop practical skills in the area of dental radiographic procedures which serve as the foundation for intraoral radiographic image acquisition and interpretation. The course will cover basic principles and anatomy revealed by intraoral and panoramic imaging as well as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). 

This course is a comprehensive examination of the scientific research process including research ethics, literature search and research design.  This course requires the student to complete a research proposal which includes comprehensive literature review and research design to be used for the student’s thesis project.

An evaluation and discussion of relevant historical and current methodology and trends in forensic dentistry and forensic science.

This course is a historical and practical demonstration of the theory and practice in human forensic identification procedures and age assessment methodology.  Its aim is to prepare the student to perform human identifications and age assessments in a medical examiner office setting as well as in mass disaster situations.  It provides the basic medico-legal knowledge necessary to perform these duties in its application to law and the U.S. legal system.

This course covers the principles and applications of discovery research design in the life sciences. This includes framing and articulating a research question, designing an experimental approach, proposing methods to collect valid data, planning approaches to data analyses, and planning presentation of results. Examples from the primary literature will be discussed and evaluated as they relate to these principles and applications.

Seventeen online modules available through the American College of Dentists identified as particularly relevant to postgraduate dental education and the specialty practice of dentistry will constitute this course. Following completion of online activities, students review modules with individual Postgraduate Program Directors to explore and reinforce ties between ethics concepts learned and specific applications in dental specialty practice.

This course is a review of the current dental school level standards and trends in the areas of biomaterials, endodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral/maxillofacial surgery, and oral medicine.  It provides basic knowledge in recognition of dental materials, restorations, prostheses, and oral pathology in order to assist the forensic dentist perform duties in application to the law and medico-legal system.

This course provides postgraduate students with the experience of engaging in dental and related sciences, and to pursue a Masters of Science in Forensic Dentistry (MSFD) degree. In this course, students will work on individual research projects under the supervision of an individual advisor experienced in research methodologies and scientific writing.  Students will work on the inception, implementation, and submission for publication of a research project with an individual advisor.  Student activities include library research, writing a literature review, developing a research protocol, hands-on research, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting experimental results, developing conclusions, and publishing outcomes.  Submission for publication of the original research is required.

This course will prepare students for leadership roles within a criminal justice agency (police, courts, corrections) or similar organization. Topics include organizational management, personnel issues, and leadership ethics. 

A continuation of Forensic Odontology I with emphasis on the role of the forensic dentist in pattern injury recognition, analysis and comparison; human abuse; civil litigation; court room dynamics and their role as an expert witness.  It provides the basic medico-legal knowledge necessary to perform these duties in its application to law and the U.S. legal system.

An advanced exposure to specific forensic science protocols and crime scene dynamics in criminal investigations.  The specific areas of emphasis will include: autopsy protocols, documentation, report writing, human osteology, bone trauma, biologic affinity, soft tissue decomposition and entomology, clandestine grave excavation and taphonomy, rules regarding crime scene and corporeal evidence, and recognition of human abuse.

This course provides postgraduate students with the experience of engaging in dental and related sciences, and to pursue a Master’s of Science in Forensic Dentistry (MSFD) degree. In this course, students will work on individual research projects under the supervision of an individual advisor experienced in research methodologies and scientific writing.  Students will work on the inception, implementation, and submission for publication of a research project with an individual advisor.  Student activities include library research, writing a literature review, developing a research protocol, hands-on research, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting experimental results, developing conclusions, and publishing outcomes.  Submission for publication of the original research is required.

This course provides postgraduate students with the experience of engaging in dental and related sciences, and to pursue a Master’s of Science in Forensic Dentistry (MSFD) degree. In this course, students will work on individual research projects under the supervision of an individual advisor experienced in research methodologies and scientific writing.  Students will work on the inception, implementation, and submission for publication of a research project with an individual advisor.  Student activities include library research, writing a literature review, developing a research protocol, hands-on research, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting experimental results, developing conclusions, and publishing outcomes.  Submission for publication of the original research is required.