MSc Forensic Dentistry at University of Dundee

Forensic dentists are required in all countries to provide dental expertise to courts and legal systems. Dentists wishing to work in this field often find it difficult to gain the necessary skills.

This 1 year course addresses those aspects of forensic dentistry which are most frequently the subject of expert testimony in courts and have the most relevance to forensic dentistry internationally.

You will have the opportunity to work in a mortuary, assisting with dental identifications. You will also attend real autopsies with pathologists, which will make you aware of the complexity involved in the examination of a person's body after death.

Internationally, there are few opportunities for dentists to gain expertise in forensic dentistry in a structured manner from a University with a dental school and an active forensic medicine department.

As a student in Forensic Dentistry you will work closely with other postgraduate students in Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Forensic Toxicology. You will develop a deep understanding of the role of other forensic disciplines and identify when, where and how forensic dentistry links with the wider forensic community. This provides a unique multi-disciplinary nature to the course.

Acquiring this qualification will be a key step in the development of professional expertise in forensic dentistry. The programme will enable you to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in forensic dentistry and research. Uniquely, you will learn interdisciplinary skills that are essential for dealing with forensic issues in real life.

Our students benefit from their own Forensic Library, situated within the Dental School. The library contains a wealth of textbooks and current journals which are updated monthly. This gives students the opportunity to study course specific content in their own space, and also encourages collaboration between students.

Careers

Acquiring this qualification will be a key step in the development of professional expertise in forensic dentistry.

You will gain:

• Skills, knowledge and experience in aspects of forensic dentistry which are most frequently the subject of expert testimony in court.
• A deep understanding of the role of other forensic disciplines, resulting in in-depth knowledge of where and how forensic dentistry links with the wider forensic community.
• The necessary skills to plan, execute and write-up a research project. 

The interdisciplinary aspect of this course, and the focus on the important aspects of forensic dentistry will ensure that you are in a position to contribute to forensic service provision in your region/country.