The Armchair Forensic Odontologist: A Clear and Present Danger to the Speciality in India

Abstract

The dentist who lacks exposure in handling and solving real-life forensic odontology cases but speaks on the subject as an expert in the field is an ‘Armchair Forensic Odontologist’. Such dentists may have relatively good theoretical knowledge of forensic dentistry but lack real-world case exposure. Since such dentists have not actually handled a single police case, it precludes them from being a specialist in the field. Consequently, they can severely undermine case analysis and training in forensic odontology. To mitigate the problem, the Dental KM minimum requirements for institutions organising courses in forensic odontology. Institutions imparting programmes in forensic dentistry must also ensure they have a tie up with law enforcement for a steady flow of cases and employ only certified and experienced specialists and trainers. Prospective students must be vigilant and do appropriate homework on what the better institutions are, and who the experienced forensic odontologists are to study under