Master of Science in Forensic Dentistry

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 hybrid course, combining both lecture and on-line material. The biostatistics portion of this course introduces students to widely used methods for analysis of experimental and observational data with orientation toward statistical inference from dental research. The research methods aspect of this course serves as an introduction to research, including methods for handling experimental data.

An evaluation and discussion of relevant historical and current methodology and trends in forensic dentistry and forensic science (focus choice of faculty).

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.

An introduction to statistics and its application to interpretation of biological research. Notation, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, confidence intervals, t- and chi-square tests.  Analysis of variance, mean separation procedures, and linear regression and correlation.

Sixteen 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.

Principles and application of statistical methodology, integrated with considerable use of major statistical computing system.  Probability and probability distributions, forming and testing hypotheses using parametric and nonparametric inference methods.  Matrix-based simple linear regression and correlation.

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 including autopsy and report findings, crime scene procedures including clandestine grave excavation, legal proceedings of criminal investigations, crime scene protocols, corporeal evidence, expert testimony, and courtroom dynamics.

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.