Khyber College of Dentistry launches KP’s first public sector forensic odontology department
PESHAWAR: In a landmark development for dental education and medico-legal services in Pakistan, Khyber College of Dentistry (KCD) has inaugurated the Department of Forensic Odontology, becoming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first public sector and Pakistan’s second dedicated forensic odontology department.
The department was formally inaugurated by Dr Wajid Ali, Chairman Board of Governors, Khyber Teaching Hospital MTI, Khyber Medical College, and KCD.
Expanding scope of medico-legal dentistry
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Dr Wajid Ali underscored the critical role of forensic odontology in modern medico-legal investigations. He highlighted its applications in human identification, age estimation, detection of abuse and violence, trauma assessment, bite mark analysis, and disaster victim identification, emphasizing the growing relevance of dental expertise within the justice and healthcare systems.
Visionary academic leadership
The initiative was realized under the leadership of Prof Dr Syed Nasir Shah, Dean KCD, who emphasized the professional responsibility of dental practitioners in supporting medico-legal services. He stressed the importance of accurate and comprehensive dental record keeping, describing it as a cornerstone of forensic identification and legal accountability.
Department leadership and academic mandate
The Department of Forensic Odontology is headed by Dr Muhammad Afrasiab Khan, a foreign-trained forensic odontologist, and is already fully functional. The department’s mandate includes undergraduate and postgraduate education, research, and specialized forensic dental services for institutions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The role of Dr Humayoun Temoor Baig was also acknowledged for his guidance and mentorship during the planning phase and academic structuring of the department.
Strengthening Pakistan’s forensic capacity
The establishment of this department represents a significant step toward institutionalizing forensic dental science in Pakistan’s public sector. By bridging dentistry with law, public health, and disaster management, KCD’s initiative is expected to enhance investigative accuracy, support judicial processes, and open new academic and professional pathways for dental graduates.
As forensic sciences gain increasing importance nationally and globally, the launch of KP’s first public sector forensic odontology department places Khyber College of Dentistry at the forefront of innovation, service, and interdisciplinary education.
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