Forensic odontology to help resolve identity issues

As part of efforts to help resolve identification issues, a University here will soon start a course in forensic odontology, to guide investigators in quickly solving criminal cases with the accurate study of teeth.

"Gujarat Forensic Science University will start a new masters' course in forensic odontology, through which the critical identity mystery will be solved more accurately and effectively in least time," said GFSU director Dr J M Vyas. Forensic odontology, an application of dentistry, will be a boon for medico-legal sector in DNA identification, to ascertain health status, access one's age and to nab criminals in cases of assault, said Dr M S Dahiya, Director of Institute of Forensic Science (IFS) at the varsity.

"The course will help medico-legal investigation in both civil and criminal cases. In cases of mass fatalities, there always arises a problem of identifying the bodies. But this new comprehensive course will be helpful for the experts to solve that identity mystery," Dahiya said.

GFSU will enrol about 15 students, who have cleared their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), in the first batch and later on will also encourage the students to take up research and development in the field, Vyas said.