Curricular Unit:			Code:
Forensic Dentistry			842MDF
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
5	Master	Dentistry	2 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Spring Semester		Portuguese/English	26
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
It is intended that the student at the end of the unit be able to: a) Recognize Forensic Odontology as a branch of Legal Medicine; b) Recognize medical and non-medical methods of human identification; c) Recognize the value of cheiloscopy and rugoscopy for human identification; d) Recognize the techniques of medical-legal autopsies of the oral cavity; e) Identify the concepts related to human identification in a situation of mass disasters; f) Skill to determine age through dental study; g) Skill to recognize and analyse bite marks; h) Recognize the importance of DNA obtained from dental tissues for human identification; i) Identify the oral changes associated with the consumption of alcohol and drugs of abuse.
Syllabus:
The Legal Medicine Organization in Portugal. Assignments of the Technical Services of the Delegations and Medical-Legal Offices. Types of skills performed. Historical introduction to Forensic Dental Medicine and its constitution as an independent science. Medical and non-medical methods for identification. Importance of dental records in human identification. Cheiloscopy and Palatal Rugoscopy. Evaluation of Damage in Dental Medicine. Orofacial autopsy techniques. Human identification in mass disasters. DNA use in forensic dentistry. Different dental tissues as sources of DNA for human identification in forensic cases. DNA extraction and analysis. Oral diseases associated with alcohol and drug abuse consumption.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus is consistent with the objectives aimed at acquisition of segmented and oriented concepts and specific areas of application of forensic sciences by encouraging the development of critical thinking and the student ability to apply knowledge acquired in performing medico-legal skills in the field of dentistry and for resolving medical-legal issues. The request of practical nature activities helps to achieve the goals established.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The teaching methods are theoretical-practical classes, including (1) explanation and debate of relevant theoretical concepts; (2) demonstration of the practical application of those concepts; and (3) guidance of autonomous study by the students, consulting the recommended references. The assessment consists of two written tests, worth 50% of the final grade each.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching methodologies are consistent with the objectives of the course as they seek to provide students with knowledge related to specific areas of Forensic Odontology with regard to its scope, objectives and mode of conducting skills. With the resolution of practical cases it is intended that students develop critical thinking and reflective skills to acquire and upgrade and progress in science and its practical application. 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. The written tests allows for an assessment of the extent to which the objectives were achieved.
Reading:
David R. Senn, Richard A. Weems. Manual of Forensic Odontology. 5th Edition, CRC Press, 2013 (ISBN 9781439851333) David R. Senn, Paul G. Stimson. Forensic Odontology. 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 2010 (ISBN 9781420078367) Corte-Real A, Vieira DN. Identificação em Medicina Dentária Forense. Coimbra: Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 2015 (ISBN 978-989-26-0083-3) C. Michael Bowers. Forensic Dental Evidence: an Investigator’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, Academic Press, 2010 (ISBN 9780123820013) William E. Silver, Richard R. Souviron. Dental Autopsy. CRC Press, 2009 (ISBN 9781420070132) Gisbert Calabuig. Medicina Legal y Toxicología. 6th Edition, Masson, S.A. 2004 (ISBN: 9788445814154)