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 in 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 handle routine forensic odontological casework independently. 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 facts
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
- Principles and Methods of Forensic Odontology (12 units)
- Forensic Odontology Research Part 1
- Forensic Odontology Research Part 2
- Research Methods and Ethics
- Integrated Forensic Science
- Casework in Forensic Odontology T/Y Continuing (three units)
- Casework in Forensic Odontology T/Y Final (three units)
- Forensic Odontology Research T/Y Continuing (three units)
- Forensic Odontology Research T/Y Final (three 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
Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
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)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- 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 with the cost of a university program.