The critical role of forensic dentistry: a call for greater awareness and training in South Africa

As the CEO of the South African Dental Association (SADA), I find it crucial to highlight the significant yet often underappreciated role of forensic dentistry. This specialised field, which integrates dental science with legal investigations, is indispensable in various contexts such as identifying human remains, analysing bite marks and estimating age. Despite its importance, I believe there is insufficient awareness and training in forensic dentistry within South Africa. This article presents my perspective on the need for increased focus on this field, comparing our situation with international standards and suggesting steps to enhance our capabilities.