Curricular Unit:Code:
Forensic Dentistry247MDF
Year:Level:Course:Credits:
5MasterDentistry2 ects
Learning Period:Language of Instruction:Total Hours:
Portuguese26
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
The objective of this course is to provide dentistry students with fundamental knowledge and skills to collaborate whenever forensic odontology is required. It is intended that students develop scientific and critical thinking and skills to upgrade and progress in science and its practical application.
Syllabus:
1.Forensic odontology as a branch of forensic medicine.
2.Human identification (in living and fresh cadavers). Types of identification: reconstructive and comparative. No dental methods for identification.
3.Cheiloscopy and palatine rugoscopy as human identification methods.
4.Medicolegal autopsies of the oral cavity.
5.Physical abuse and forensic odontology: diagnosis of violence. Bite marks. Recognition and analysis of bite marks.
6. Forensic anthropology.
7.Age determination from dental remains.
8.The Legal Medicine organization in Portugal.
9.DNA use in forensic dentistry. Different dental tissues as sources of DNA for human identification in forensic cases.
10. Forensic biology and criminalistics.
11.Oral diseases associated with consumption of alcohol and drugs of abuse.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus is consistent with the objectives aimed at segmented and oriented acquisition of fundamental concepts in Forensic Odontology, encouraging the development of critical thinking and the student ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills in resolving pratical issues whenever forensic odontology is required.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Form of educational performance: (i) presentation and discussion of relevant theoretical concepts in the classroom, (ii) self-study orientation of students by consulting annotated bibliography, (iii) brainstorm on pertinent issues related to the matter exposed in the classroom.
The assessment is continuous and consists of two written tests.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching methodologies are consistent with the objectives of the unit as they seek to provide students with knowledge related to fundamental concepts in Forensic Odontology. In addition to essential reading listed herewith, each topic will be accompanied by specific recommended readings in order to engage in a debate and discussion enabling a throughout comprehension of the matters and formation of a critical approach.
Reading:
1.Bowers C.M. 2010 (2ªEd.) – Forensic Dental Evidence: an Investigator’s Handbook
2.Stimson P., Mertz C.A. (1997)- Forensic Dentistry - CRC Press
3.William E. Silver, Richard R. Souviron (2009) - Dental Autopsy – CRC Press
4.Clarck D.H. (1992) - Practical forensic odontology - Oxford: Wright
5.Whittaker D.K., Mac Donald G. (1989) - Forensic dentistry. London: Wolfe
6.Calabuig, J.A.Gisbert (1999) (5ªEd.) – Medicina Legal y Toxicología - Masson, S.A.