A model for forensic dental education in the predoctoral dental school curriculum. 2012

Kenneth P Hermsen, and J Dane Johnson
Creighton University School of Dentistry, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. Kennethhermsen@creighton.edu

Forensic odontologists play an important role locally and nationally in assisting in the identification of the victims of mass fatality incidents, whether natural or human-made. With the recent passage of legislation by Congress identifying dentists as a first-responder resource, knowledge of their expanding role in disaster response is particularly important. The purpose of this article is to describe the forensic dental course being taught at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, as a model for providing a fundamental education in forensic dentistry and disaster preparedness at the predoctoral dental level. This model is designed to 1) provide students with a broad view of forensic odontology; 2) give them a functional knowledge of the tools and techniques of the modern forensic dentist; 3) provide basic knowledge of their potential role in disaster preparedness and response; and 4) encourage students to pursue further forensic education, become active in national forensic organizations, and get involved in disaster preparedness/response in their home communities following graduation. This article includes lecture topics, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises being used at Creighton to teach students the fundamentals of forensic odontology and disaster preparedness.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009329 Nebraska State bounded on the north by South Dakota, on the east by Iowa and Missouri, on the south by Kansas and Colorado, and on the west by Colorado and Wyoming.
D001733 Bites and Stings Injuries inflicted by the TEETH or poisoning caused by VENOMS of animals. Stings,Bites,Stings and Bites,Bite,Sting
D003479 Curriculum A course of study offered by an educational institution. Curricula,Short-Term Courses,Course, Short-Term,Courses, Short-Term,Short Term Courses,Short-Term Course
D004189 Disaster Planning Procedures outlined for the care of casualties and the maintenance of services in disasters. Disaster Management,Emergency Preparedness,Disaster Relief Planning,Management, Disaster,Planning, Disaster,Planning, Disaster Relief,Preparedness, Emergency,Relief Planning, Disaster
D004190 Disasters Calamities producing great damage, loss of life, and distress. They include results of natural phenomena and man-made phenomena. Normal conditions of existence are disrupted and the level of impact exceeds the capacity of the hazard-affected community.
D004497 Education, Dental Use for articles concerning dental education in general. Dental Education
D004521 Educational Measurement The assessing of academic or educational achievement. It includes all aspects of testing and test construction. Assessment, Educational,Graduate Records Examination,Educational Assessment,Examination, Graduate Records,Measurement, Educational,Assessments, Educational,Educational Assessments,Educational Measurements,Examinations, Graduate Records,Graduate Records Examinations,Measurements, Educational
D005179 Faculty, Dental The teaching staff and members of the administrative staff having academic rank in a dental school. Dental Faculties,Dental Faculty,Faculties, Dental
D005553 Forensic Dentistry The application of dental knowledge to questions of law. Dentistry, Forensic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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