Forensic dentist helps identify bodies

Graduation Feature

Identification of bodies through forensic dentistry will now be more efficient, thanks to the international work of Malaysian dentist Dr Mohd Fadhli Khamis.

Dr Khamis, who works at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has just completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide, researching dental variation in Malaysian populations.

His research will help police and authorities identify bodies, using tooth size and morphological variations.

Dr Khamis graduated with a PhD in Dentistry from the University of Adelaide in April at an offshore graduation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

A father of four children, Dr Khamis is currently based in the School of Dental Sciences at USM, where he lectures in oral biology and is involved in the Craniofacial Biology Research Group.

"My PhD project was planned to cover two main disciplines: dental anthropology and forensic dentistry. The project will also help develop the expertise of USM's craniofacial unit within the School of Dental Sciences," Dr Khamis said.

"The combination of forensic dentistry coursework and the PhD program at the University of Adelaide has provided me with a great balance in terms of teaching, forensic services and research," he said.

Dr Khamis began his career as a dentist in the Ministry of Health in 1994. In 2000 he joined USM as a trainee lecturer in the School of Dental Sciences and was given a portfolio in the forensic dentistry.

Under the academic training scheme, the USM sponsored his studies at the University of Adelaide over a five-year period. Dr Khamis initially did a Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology and stayed in Adelaide for his PhD. His research program was also partly sponsored by the South Australian Police.

Story by Candy Gibson