Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology is a specialised, strongly practical program designed for licensed dental professionals who want to expand their expertise into forensic odontology — the application of dental knowledge to legal investigations and proceedings.
You learn the professional handling, examination, interpretation and presentation of dental and oral evidence, and are trained in court procedures and giving expert testimony. Practical skills include performing oral examinations, analysing bite marks, determining age through dental analysis, and examining and preparing case records and reports, using video and computer imaging techniques.
The program covers the history and current landscape of forensic odontology and introduces its place in community dentistry, legal systems and the coronial process, along with the ethics of the field.
Hands-on experience takes place in mortuaries and courts, so graduates can provide information for identification and evidence in criminal cases and assist law enforcement agencies and medical examiners.
The program is 48 units, completed as five core courses over one year of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent) at the Adelaide City Campus, with February and July intakes.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

$55,700 (indicative)

Duration

1 year full-time

Intakes

February, July

Study Mode

Full time or part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
SATAC code: AGD112
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria. A completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery (or higher) from a recognised higher education institution; AND At least two years' experience in general dental practice.
• Essential requirements — Applicants are asked to provide the following: An 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.

International students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum entry requirements:
• Essential requirements — Applicants are asked to provide the following: An 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.
English language requirements (achieved within the two years before admission):
• IELTS Overall 6.5
• IELTS Reading 6
• IELTS Listening 6
• IELTS Speaking 6
• IELTS Writing 6

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

You could work in conjunction with the following:
• Coroner and medical examiner offices
• Government agencies
• Police and military services
• Insurance companies
• Hospitals
• Child and senior protection agencies
• Private consulting firms
• Academic institutions (for research and teaching)

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units13 units

DENT5006

Casework in Forensic Odontology Part 1 1

DENT5009

Forensic Odontology Research Part 1 1

DENT5011

Research Methods and Ethics

DENT5008

Principles and Methods of Forensic Odontology

DENT5007

Casework in Forensic Odontology Part 2

DENT5012

Integrated Forensic Science

DENT5010

Forensic Odontology Research Part 2

DENT5006

Casework in Forensic Odontology Part 1

DENT5009

Forensic Odontology Research Part 1

DENT5013

Casework in Forensic Odontology T/Y Continuing

DENT5014

Casework in Forensic Odontology T/Y Final

DENT5015

Forensic Odontology Research T/Y Continuing

DENT5016

Forensic Odontology Research T/Y Final

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology at Adelaide University?

Adelaide University publishes an indicative annual tuition fee of AU$80,100 for international students commencing in 2027, which is AU$80,100 across the one-year program. No additional non-tuition fees are listed.

How long does the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology take to complete?

The course has a duration of 52 weeks, which is approximately one year of full-time study.

What field of education does the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology fall under?

The course falls under the broad field of Health (06), with a narrow field of Dental Studies (0607) and a detailed field of Dentistry (060701).

Where is the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology delivered?

The course is delivered at Adelaide University's Adelaide City Campus, located in Adelaide, South Australia.

Is the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology eligible for Post-Study Work Rights?

This course is unlikely to be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights, as it is a Graduate Diploma (not a Bachelor, Masters, or PhD level qualification), and the extended rights criteria require the course to be a Skills Level 1 qualification with a duration of 92 weeks or greater.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $80,000 to $110,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $110,000 to $150,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $150,000 to $200,000 per year

Career Paths

Forensic OdontologistForensic Dental OfficerForensic Dentist (Consultant)Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) SpecialistCoronial Dental Examiner

Key Skills

Dental identification through comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental recordsBite mark collection, documentation, analysis, and court presentationAge estimation using dental development and regressive dental change indicatorsOral autopsy and postmortem dental examination techniquesDisaster Victim Identification (DVI) team operations and protocols

Full Course Overview

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