Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology (GDipForOdont)

Program Code
GDFOD

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Academic Year
2025

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

This program is intended for practicing dentists who wish to gain experience in the professional field of forensic odontology. The program has been designed with an emphasis on the practical aspects of forensic odontology. Graduates should have an in-depth understanding of the correct professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence which may come before the legal authorities. The nature of the concepts and casework required are often confronting and may be distressing to some people. Prospective students should consider this aspect before applying.

The Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 1 year.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Adopt and employ professional attitudes and standards/values by displaying the highest levels of integrity in all aspects of professional life.
  2. Use highly effective interpersonal skills to enable empathetic and effective communication with a range of audiences.
  3. Provide forensic odontology services of the highest quality in a contemporary, ethical and legal environment and apply a broad understanding of social, political and cultural perspectives to inform quality practice.
  4. Be committed to take a leadership role in actively promoting the importance of forensic odontology in dental, judicial, and community settings with emphasis on world “best practice” standards.
  5. Effectively seek, analyse and evaluate data, materials and technology, as well as to produce expert opinions relating to the scope of forensic odontology.
  6. Be committed to furthering the scientific base of knowledge in the specialised area of forensic odontology and to disseminate this knowledge to the dental, allied professions and the scientific community.
  7. Effectively join or lead a national or international forensic odontology team in Disaster Victim Identification by working effectively with other odontology personnel and with allied professional teams. Utilise information technology for communication, data management and identification methods.
  8. Engage in self-directed, life-long learning by using reflection and critical self-assessment to inform evidence-based practice and by undertaking continuing professional development.

Conditions

Condition of Enrolment
Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Program Director or Delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program. 

Academic Program Rules for Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology

There shall be a Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, comprising:

  1. Core courses to the value of 24 units

Core Courses