Unidentified: Simulation-Based Education in Forensic Odontology

Ranya Al Ghazi; Scott McGregor; Scheila Manica

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102865

Unidentified: Simulation-Based Education in Forensic Odontology

Ranya Al Ghazi (Lead / Corresponding author), Scott McGregor, Scheila Manica

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

We report on a prototype computer-simulated training programme in dental autopsy entitled Unidentified. This was developed to offer a simulated real-world experience of conducting dental identification procedures as a forensic odontologist. Unidentified is a tool developed as a proof of concept for a single case from an air crash disaster with a running time of 40 min to an hour. Standards of a disaster victim identification (DVI) guide and forms were followed. The game development platform ‘Unreal Engine’ was used by collaborators from a gaming enterprise and academic contributors from a leading institution in game development. Accessibility, practicality, and affordability are advantages of the training. Further developments will make ante-mortem and reconciliation phases available and expand the exercise to mass casualty incidents.

Original language	English
Article number	102865
Number of pages	6
Journal	Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
Volume	113
Early online date	1 Apr 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102865
Publication status	Published - 5 May 2025

Keywords

Forensic odontology
Dental autopsy
Human identification
Computer simulator
Simulated training
Dental identification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Law

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102865

Cite this

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title = "Unidentified: Simulation-Based Education in Forensic Odontology",

abstract = "We report on a prototype computer-simulated training programme in dental autopsy entitled Unidentified. This was developed to offer a simulated real-world experience of conducting dental identification procedures as a forensic odontologist. Unidentified is a tool developed as a proof of concept for a single case from an air crash disaster with a running time of 40 min to an hour. Standards of a disaster victim identification (DVI) guide and forms were followed. The game development platform {\textquoteleft}Unreal Engine{\textquoteright} was used by collaborators from a gaming enterprise and academic contributors from a leading institution in game development. Accessibility, practicality, and affordability are advantages of the training. Further developments will make ante-mortem and reconciliation phases available and expand the exercise to mass casualty incidents.",

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AB - We report on a prototype computer-simulated training programme in dental autopsy entitled Unidentified. This was developed to offer a simulated real-world experience of conducting dental identification procedures as a forensic odontologist. Unidentified is a tool developed as a proof of concept for a single case from an air crash disaster with a running time of 40 min to an hour. Standards of a disaster victim identification (DVI) guide and forms were followed. The game development platform ‘Unreal Engine’ was used by collaborators from a gaming enterprise and academic contributors from a leading institution in game development. Accessibility, practicality, and affordability are advantages of the training. Further developments will make ante-mortem and reconciliation phases available and expand the exercise to mass casualty incidents.

KW - Forensic odontology

KW - Dental autopsy

KW - Human identification

KW - Computer simulator

KW - Simulated training

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Unidentified: Simulation-Based Education in Forensic Odontology

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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