OVERVIEW
The application of odontological science in the legal domain is known as forensic odontology. It encompasses a variety of fields, one of which is the identification of unidentified human remains by dental features, which is now widely accepted in forensic scientific fields.
Responsibilities of forensic odontologist include:
- Identification of human remains
- Age estimation
- Identification following mass fatalities
- Assessing bite mark injuries
- Assessment abuse cases (child, spousal, elder)
- Civil cases involving malpractice
VISION
To be a center of excellence in forensic odontology by advancing education, research, and forensic services, contributing to the administration of justice and humanitarian efforts through dental sciences.
MISSION
To provide quality education and training in forensic odontology for students and researchers based on strong scientific principles. To promote innovative and ethical research in areas such as dental identification, age estimation, and forensic technologies. To support law enforcement and legal authorities in human identification and medico-legal investigations. To develop practical skills through hands-on training, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaboration. To maintain high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in all practices. To create awareness about the importance of forensic odontology in society and contribute to public safety and justice. To collaborate with national and international organizations and adopt advanced technologies and best practices.
FACULTY LIST
Facilities
- Equipped with a Stereomicroscope for detailed three-dimensional examination of dental structures and forensic evidence
- Availability of LED-based table magnifiers (10X and 20X) to facilitate precise visual analysis during investigations
- Handheld magnifiers for quick and convenient chairside or field-level assessments
- Vernier calipers for accurate measurement of teeth and bite mark patterns
- Palatometer for recording and analyzing palatal rugae patterns in personal identification
- Grey scale and colorimetric scale for standardized comparison and documentation of bite marks and injury patterns
- Collection of Human and non Human skulls and mandible specimens for teaching, research, and practical training in forensic identification
Research
Our department strives to strengthen the discipline of forensic odontology by fostering ongoing research, innovation, and academic excellence. Emphasis is placed on refining identification protocols, advancing investigative methods, and enhancing the reliability of dental evidence in legal contexts.
Key research domains include:
- Personal identification through dental chart comparison and record analysis
- Determination of age using clinical, radiographic, and histological approaches
- Evaluation of bite mark patterns and their forensic significance
- Management of mass disasters and victim identification procedures
- Craniofacial assessment and dental profiling in forensic cases
- Extraction and analysis of genetic material from dental structures
- We actively promote scholarly publications, case-based research, and interdisciplinary partnerships to contribute meaningfully to the growth and application of forensic dental science in the medico-legal field.
Student Training
Our department provides extensive educational programs in forensic odontology, designed to equip students with strong foundational understanding alongside practical investigative skills. The curriculum integrates academic learning with hands-on exposure to real-world forensic scenarios.
Training covers:
- Techniques for human identification using dental evidence
- Methods of age estimation through clinical and radiographic evaluation
- Analysis and interpretation of bite mark patterns
- Procedures involved in disaster victim identification and mass casualty handling
- Collection, preservation, and documentation of dental evidence for legal purposes
- Introduction to DNA retrieval from teeth and its forensic applications
Students are trained through case-based learning under experienced guidance, with access to modern forensic tools and standardized investigative protocols.
Our objective is to shape skilled, confident, and ethically grounded professionals who can effectively contribute to forensic investigations and the administration of justice.
Salient Features
- Provides specialized expertise in the application of dental science for legal investigations, including human identification, age assessment, and analysis of injury patterns
- Well-structured academic and training programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical exposure to real-life forensic cases
- Equipped with advanced instruments and teaching aids to support precise examination, documentation, and analysis of dental evidence
- Actively involved in research and innovation across key forensic domains such as identification methods, bite mark evaluation, and disaster victim management
- Committed to ethical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and support to legal authorities in delivering accurate and reliable forensic services
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- M.S. Jaish Lal – Fellowship in forensic odontology by IAFO (Indian Association of Forensic Odontology) and Life-Member of IAFO.
- Dr S Mithra – DVI Training in Forensic Odontology by University of Dundee, Scotland.
Department facilities
