Kottayam: Dr Angela Mathew, a native of Kottayam, has secured first rank in MSc Forensic Dentistry at the Forensic Science University in Gujarat. What is this course all about? Imagine a murder scene with no apparent clues. However, the case is solved on the third day, thanks to Forensic Dentistry. How?

A bite mark on the victim's hand provided the breakthrough. Upon examination, experts in Forensic Dentistry identify dental procedures performed on the suspect and pinpoint their age. This critical evidence helps in identifying the accused, leading to an arrest.

Angela, the daughter of George Kutty and Shiny Thomas from Vazhoor East in Kottayam, chose Forensic Dentistry after completing her BDS. While studying BDS at the Srinivas Institute of Dental Science in Mangaluru, Angela realised she had no interest in clinical work. Instead, she was fascinated by forensics and crime and decided to pursue post-graduation in these fields.

Angela soon discovered that postgraduate courses in Forensic Dentistry were extremely rare, with many institutions offering only diplomas in the subject. However, when she came across an advertisement for a PG programme in Forensic Dentistry at Forensic Science University in Gujarat, it became a turning point in her life. With a BDS as the required qualification, Angela gained admission to the December 2022 batch at the university’s Gandhinagar campus.

The first semester of the course included subjects like Forensic Science, Physiology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. Students were also taught about animal teeth and bones to differentiate between human and animal specimens. Crime Scene Management was another essential subject.

In the second semester, the curriculum covered topics such as law and the legal aspects of dentistry, professional etiquette, Genetics & Biostatistics, and Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. Human identification, including the identification of disaster victims using dental records, was another crucial subject. This helps in identifying victims of major disasters through ante-mortem and post-mortem data.

The course followed a practical-based syllabus, and students could choose their preferred subject in the third semester. The fourth semester also allowed students to specialize and conduct research.

Graduates with a post-graduation in Forensic Dentistry have a variety of career prospects. They can teach in institutions offering the programme, work as crime investigators with police forces and investigative agencies, or assist in cases where teeth or bones are used as evidence. There are also opportunities abroad, as students gain expertise in Pathology, Radiology, Forensic Odontology, and Anthropology.