Dentistry and Oral Health

Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology - Teaching Hospitals

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    1 year full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Get your teeth into forensics

Forensic odontology is a specialist dental science required within the criminal justice system. Forensic odontologists perform examinations required by law enforcement agencies, medical examiners and coroners. They work to identify perpetrators and victims, usually by comparing dental records with human remains and bite marks.  

What will you do?

Our Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology has a practical focus. It looks at the professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence. You will:

  • conduct oral autopsies, bite-mark examinations and age estimations
  • study the history and ethics of dental forensics and its role within the law
  • prepare case records and reports
  • explore video and computer imaging techniques.

Note: The nature of the concepts and casework required are often confronting and may be distressing to some people.

Note:
This degree is only available in blended mode and on-campus attendance is required.  if you are a continuing student in the degree and are unable to attend campus, please contact your program coordinator for program advice.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    SATAC Code3GD082
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Selection Criteria
    Graduate entry


    Higher Education StudyAll applicants must have:

    - a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent, or higher.
    - Current registration with AHPRA
    - At least two years' experience in general dental practice.

    Additionally, all applicants will need to provide the following as part of their SATAC application:

    - updated CV that provides comprehensive academic and employment history as well as current clinical position held.
    - 2 referees on official letterhead
    - 1 page statement of interests and aptitudes.


    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    International students150.0%
    All students2100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS002798G
    IntakeFebruary
    Additional Entry RequirementsClosing date for 2023 applications is the 30th of June 2022
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Tertiary Qualifications
    • A Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent
    • Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
    • At least 2 years experience in general dental practice
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    International students150.0%
    All students2100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Australian Full-fee place: $48,000

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $64,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

Potential careers include as a forensic odontologist, in addition to general dental practice. Graduates will become competent to provide an important service to the community in both civil and criminal jurisdictions with an in-depth understanding of the correct professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence that may come before legal authorities.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Forensic Odontologist


Degree Structure

Students complete 5 core courses in Forensic Odontology.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan


Indicative study plan
Year 1ODONT 6017  Research Methods and EthicsODONT 6008AHO /BHO Casework in Forensic OdontologyODONT 6012HO  Principles and Methods of Forensic Odontology
ODONT 6016A /B Forensic Odontology ResearchODONT 6018  Integrated Forensic Science


Assessment

Assessment includes essays, seminar participation, written and viva voce examinations and a research project.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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