Interview with Dr Scheila Manica about forensic odontology

Anisha Hall Hoppe, Dental Tribune International

Mon. 25 November 2024

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Researchers at the University of Dundee in Scotland have created digital 3D models simulating dental damage, including trauma and post-mortem changes. These innovative tools can enhance forensic odontology education by providing consistent, accessible training alternatives to cadaver-based methods, improving identification and investigative accuracy. Dental Tribune International spoke with lead author Dr Scheila Manica, a clinical senior lecturer in dentistry at the university, about what impact these results are likely to have on dental education and current practices in the field of dental modelling.

Dr Scheila Manica. (Scheila Manica)

Dr Manica, what are some practical applications of these 3D models for dental students in their anatomy and forensic odontology courses? How could this tool change current teaching practices?
3D models have numerous practical applications for dental students. For instance, they can enhance visualisation by providing a clear view of complex anatomical relationships, allowing students to explore structures from various angles. This can improve their understanding of dental anatomy and various dental conditions and pathologies, enhancing their diagnostic skills. It is also known that models improve collaboration among students, fostering teamwork and communication skills. Moreover, 3D models can be accessed remotely, allowing students to study anatomy at their own pace. This is especially beneficial in hybrid or online learning environments.

How do the 3D models created in this study enhance the understanding of thermal damage to restorative materials, compared with traditional 2D educational tools?
Interactive learning using these models allows forensic students to practise identifying and analysing dental remains, simulating real-life scenarios that they may encounter in their careers. Through dynamic simulations, 3D models can depict the effects of varying thermal exposures on restorative materials in real time. This interactive capability facilitates a deeper comprehension of how different materials and dental tissues (enamel and dentine) respond to thermal cycling, including phase changes and potential failure mechanisms.

3D models enable students to compare different restorative materials side by side in a manner that is intuitive and visually accessible. By rotating and zooming into specific areas of interest, learners can assess the thermal resilience of various materials, facilitating a more nuanced understanding of their properties and performance under thermal stress.

Such simulations provide an experiential learning opportunity that 2D illustrations cannot offer, as they cannot effectively convey temporal changes. The quality of 2D illustrations can also be substandard and limited. Moreover, acquiring real damaged teeth for students to handle is very difficult owing to ethical considerations and availability.

Do you have any other ongoing research you would like our readers to know about?
We will be expanding our research to include 3D models to study the effects of drugs—both legally available and illicit—on the teeth.

Editorial note:

The study, titled “Dental damage: Creating 3D anatomical models to illustrate destructive effects on human teeth”, was published in the December 2024 issue of Morphologie.