Special corner for "criminal" dentistry at University conference.
On the sidelines of the first International Dental Conference which is being organized by the School of Dentistry at King Khalid University, the 12 level students of the School set up a special corner for "criminal" dentistry. Through the corner, a number of important issues related to this matters were put forward. In this regard, a student, Hadeel Saad, has explained that "Criminal Dentistry is a branch of oral surgery and is interested in the application of science of Dentistry to serve the law and justice, through the provision of dental evidence in order to identify any "unidentified" corpses, as a result of the occurrence of natural disasters such as fire, explosives, car accidents, and others, by comparing the data provided by the forensic dentist from records prior to death". Hadeel Saad added, "Forensic or criminal dentistry is important because of the unique nature of teeth print for every human being." Student Hadeel Saad showed that the criminal dentist could identify the age of a victim, the offender, sex, race, marital status, the health status of the mouth, oral habits practiced by the victim such as smoking, and other characteristics. Saying further that "Criminal dentist could detect some strangulation crimes, hanging, some of poisoning crimes related to oral manifestations, such poisoning by toothpaste or lead." Furthermore, Hadeel Saad revealed that "Criminal dentistry creates a great interest in the students of the Dentistry School at King Khalid University". Hadeel Saad emphasized that her colleagues have great passion in learning the specialization. She also stated that the students realized the importance of such branch of medicine especially in Saudi Arabia as it – Criminal Dentistry - helps in detection of terrorist offenses. The student - Hadeel Saad - also indicated that the students were keen in creating a special corner for Criminal Dentistry in the exhibition accompanying the conference. Hadeel Saad further lamented that the Criminal Dentistry is not activated in Saudi Arabia as it should be; and it is currently not in line with international standards; it is practiced by unqualified people. In addition, the number of specialists in Criminal Dentistry in Saudi Arabia is not enough, may be due to nonexistence of this branch in Dentistry Schools in Saudi Arabian universities, in addition to lack of programs of training in forensic dentistry in Saudi Arabia as well.
It is noteworthy that one of the most famous specialist in Criminal dentistry in Saudi Arabia is Dr. Sakhr Al - Qahtani. He is the Assistant Professor of Orthodontics Department and children Teeth, the Head of Pediatric Dentistry Department, the Head of clinical unit and Forensic Dentistry, and the Vice President of the Arab Society for Forensic Dentists. Dr. Al - Qahtani created a guide to the formation and growth of teeth. He also proved that age can be determined by comparing evidence of teeth rays. Dr. Al - Qahtani also obtained a patent in this area.
