Have you ever received training in forensic dentistry, and are you interested in receiving such training?
The tragic events of Sept. 11 underscored the need for dentists who are thoroughly trained in dental forensic identification. Military and civilian dentists from throughout the country helped identify victims at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash site in Pennsylvania.
When asked if they have ever received training in forensic dentistry, 38 percent of respondents to November JADA’s first question of the month said they had. "I have been volunteering as a forensic dentist at the New York City medical examiner’s office since Sept. 12," said one.
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Question 1.
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Question 2.
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"I am fully trained in forensic dentistry, and I’ll be glad to help in any emergency," said another.
Sixty-two percent of readers said they had not received such training. "I have a ‘weak stomach’ and zero interest," said one. "I do, however, praise those who do it."
"I feel there are more than enough dentists trained in forensics," said another. "In fact, one dentist in my locale was not even needed at ground zero, as they had plenty of volunteers certified in forensics."
In response to the second question, 75 percent of readers said they would like to receive training; 69 percent of these dentists had not received forensic dental training in the past.
One reader who has received training and would like more observed, "The big problem is getting qualified trainers and enough dentists to attend. Registration fees are very costly for training that one plans on using as a public service."
"I feel this is a much neglected area," said another. "It should be better covered in writings and participation lectures."
A forensic dentist who is not interested in receiving further training said "enough is enough" after having participated on several forensics teams. Another mentioned that there are plenty of trained forensic odontologists who are not involved "because of mandated jurisdiction requirements that keep the uninvited out of disaster scenes."
Those who said they would like first-time training in forensics wanted to know where to acquire such training.
The following organizations provide information about or offer training in forensic dentistry:
- – The American Board of Forensic Odontology, or ABFO, establishes qualification standards for dentists who practice forensic odontology and certifies voluntary applicants who meet requirements. For more information, visit ABFO’s Web site at "www.abfo.org".
- – AFIP offers forensic training courses that have military relevance and civilian applications. A limited number of civilian dentists are permitted to participate. For more information, call 1-202-782-2100 or visit AFIP’s Web site at "www.afip.org".
- – The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, or AAFS, holds an annual meeting that addresses the scope and contribution of the forensic sciences to criminal investigations. For more information, call 1-719-636-1100 or visit "www.aafs.org".
- – The American Society of Forensic Odontology, or ASFO, offers publications and courses in forensic dentistry. For more information about ASFO, visit its Web site at "www.asfo.org".
