Forensic odontology education: from undergraduate to PhD – a Brazilian experience

Abstract

Background: Forensic Odontology is a topic present in the majority of Dental Schools in Brazil, and due to this reality, some universities develop activities related to undergraduate and graduate students, from the Dentistry course until the Ph.D. degree.
Aim: To present the education experience related to Forensic Odontology at School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto (USP – University of São Paulo), showing the strategies and activities in the different degrees (Dental course, Forensic Odontology Specialization Program, Specific Professional Training, Master, and Ph.D.).
Results: To the undergraduate students, many activities are developed in order to demonstrate all the possibilities that Forensic Dentistry allow, including theoretical and practical activities; in the Forensic Odontology Specialization Program, the dentists are trained to act as Forensic Odontologists in all its amplitude; in the Specific Professional Training, some courses are available, related to specific topics as DVI, Forensic Facial Reconstruction, Auditor in Dental Care Insurance and others; and in the Master and Ph.D. Programs, the professionals receive training in skills like teaching, research, student’s guidance and others.
Conclusion: In Brazil, Forensic Odontology is a well-known field in Dentistry and universities develop an important role in training a qualified workforce.