СУДОВА СТОМАТОЛОГІЯ ЯК МІЖДИСЦИПЛІНАРНА СКЛАДОВА ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ПІДГОТОВКИ ЛІКАРЯ-СТОМАТОЛОГА

This article examines the current state and challenges of teaching forensic odontology in Ukraine as a component of dental education. The aim of the study. To analyze the current state and challenges of teaching forensic odontology within the professional training of dentists in Ukraine, identify the main obstacles to its integration, and propose ways to improve the educational process based on an interdisciplinary approach and international experience. Materials and methods. The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of current educational programs, Ukrainian legislative acts, and international standards (EBFO, ABFO, INTERPOL DVI) using systematic, comparative legal methods and a review of scientific literature. This approach enabled the identification of key problems in integrating forensic odontology into the educational process and substantiated pathways for its improvement. Results. The interdisciplinary connections of this discipline with courses in forensic medicine, pathological anatomy, criminalistics, ethics, and law were analyzed. The main obstacles to integrating forensic odontological knowledge into the medical education system were identified, including regulatory gaps, personnel shortages, lack of methodological materials, and low student awareness of the dentist's role in identification processes. Ways to improve the educational process were proposed, namely the development of competency standards, electronic courses, clinical-expert trainings, and international educational partnerships. Conclusion. Forensic odontology is a crucial, yet currently underappreciated, component of professional dental training in Ukraine. Its interdisciplinary nature requires the reform of curricula, development of teaching staff, and implementation of digital technologies. The integration of forensic odontological knowledge into the educational process will contribute to enhancing the quality of medical education, developing forensic medical expertise, and strengthening the rule of law.