Adelaide University
Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Involves the application of dental knowledge to legal investigations and proceedings.
Course overview
The Adelaide University's Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology has a strong practical focus. This specialised program is designed for licensed dental professionals seeking to expand their expertise into the field of forensic odontology.
You’ll discover professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence. Get trained in court procedures and giving expert testimony. You’ll be prepared to work competently in both civil and criminal jurisdictions.
Learn through video and computer imaging techniques. Take advantage of the program's hands-on approach to deal independently with routine forensic odontological casework. Explore how to prepare evidence for legal proceedings. Contribute to disaster victim identification efforts.
Gain an understanding of forensic medicine and pathology principles. Develop the knowledge and skills to create a rewarding career in this subspeciality of dentistry through theoretical and practical study.
Uncover the intersection of dental science and forensic investigation with Adelaide University. Open new career opportunities in law enforcement, disaster response and legal consultation.
Key features
- Examine and prepare case records and reports.
- Perform oral examinations, analyse bite marks and determine age through dental analysis.
- Study dental forensics and its role within the law.
- Utilise video and computer imaging techniques.
- Explore the history and ethics of dental forensics to inform your studies.
- Enjoy practical hands-on experience in mortuaries and Courts.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 48 units comprising eight core courses. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Core courses
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
- Casework in Forensic Odontology Part 1
- Casework in Forensic Odontology Part 2 (12 units)
- Principles and Methods of Forensic Odontology (12 units)
- Forensic Odontology Research Part 1
- Forensic Odontology Research Part 2 (12 units)
- Research Methods and Ethics
- Integrated Forensic Science
- Casework in Forensic Odontology T/Y Continuing
- Casework in Forensic Odontology T/Y Final (12 units)
- Forensic Odontology Research T/Y Continuing
- Forensic Odontology Research T/Y Final (12 units)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery (or higher) from a recognised higher education institution; AND
- At least two years' experience in general dental practice.
Essential requirements
Applicants are asked to provide the following:
- An updated CV that provides comprehensive academic and employment history, as well as the current clinical position held.
- Two referees on official letterhead.
- One page statement of interests and aptitudes.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
- You’ll be introduced to its place in community dentistry, legal systems and the coronial system.
- Investigate dental evidence from scenes, cranio-facial superimposition and age estimation techniques.
- Tackle expert evidence and methods of investigating civil and criminal matters.
- You’ll learn how to produce expert opinions relating to the scope of forensic odontology.
- Apply your findings to dentistry and forensic sciences through core research courses.
- You’ll develop an understanding of how crime is managed and awareness of your place in an investigation.
- Learn how to prepare case records and reports.
- Discover practical learning through hands-on attendance at the city mortuary and the Courts of Law.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $55,700 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.