What is the full form of IAFO


IAFO: Indian Association of Forensic Odontology

IAFO stands for Indian Association of Forensic Odontology. It is an Indian professional association dedicated to the study of forensic odontology. Forensic odontology is a subspecialty of dentistry. It is India's oldest & largest such body.

The association is a non-profit organization for doctors, dentists, forensic pathologists, forensic scientists, police, attorneys, and other professionals engaged in scientific crime investigation and identification using ontological evidence.

IAFO Full Form

The association is involved in research, conference, workshop, and seminar organization, professional training and education, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies as well as other forensic organizations to assist in resolving criminal cases involving dental evidence.

History of IAFO

IAFO was formed in Chennai by a small group of dentists from all over India in 2000, and it was led by the well-known Dr. (Late) J.G. Kannappan. Later, in 2002, it got registered with the Registrar of Societies in Chennai.

There are presently around 470 members. The IAFO has gradually expanded its membership and scope over the last 18 years.

Since 2002, the IAFO has hosted National Conferences to provide a forum for dentists nationwide to share information and skills and connect. The next conference was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on September 25-26, 2021. In 2011, the IAFO became a member society of the IOFOS.

Mission of IAFO

The IAFO's mission is to offer its members educational seminars, communicate helpful information about all forensic scientific disciplines, and promote ethical standards in gathering, preserving, and analyzing odontoid-stomatological evidence. It also intends to provide a forum for the dental community to share their knowledge, ability, professionalism, and competence in this field.

Objectives of IAFO

  1. To facilitate networking among dental experts interested in forensic applications. The organization aims to offer a forum for exchanging information, experiences, and developments in the industry by bringing together experts and practitioners.
  2. To encourage education and training in the subject. They may hold workshops, conferences, seminars, and webinars to improve the understanding and abilities of their members and those who are interested.
  3. To contribute to the growth of the area and its use in diverse forensic investigations by funding research projects and offering access to resources.
  4. To create, support, and promote uniform standards for forensic dental examination & identification procedures.
  5. To provide professional support in resolving criminal cases, mass disasters, and other medicolegal circumstances.
  6. To raise the public's awareness and appreciation of this particular profession.
  7. To communicate scientific knowledge through newsletters and other relevant means.
  8. Review any law that seems to be related to forensic odontology, where applicable, and offer recommendations.
  9. To help those in need, advertise forensic dentistry services to public and private organizations.
  10. Give members and those working in the police, government, and related industries a forum for exchanging professional experiences and having discussions.

IAFO Impact on Society

1. Identifying Missing People

Forensic odontology, aided by groups such as IAFO, is critical in identifying missing people and human remains. When other forms of identification are unavailable, such as in natural catastrophes, mass deaths, or criminal activity, dental records, and comparisons might be critical.

2. Assisting Law Enforcement and Legal Authorities

Forensic odontologists may substantially contribute to criminal investigations and judicial procedures by providing expert dental testimony and working with law enforcement organizations.

3. Bringing Closure to Families

Accurate identification of the deceased, particularly in situations of missing persons, can give mourning families closure and emotional solace. IAFO's efforts to improve forensic odontology procedures can increase the possibility of successfully connecting families with their loved ones.

4. Supporting Disaster Victims Identification

IAFO and its members can assist with disaster victim identification after disasters such as airline accidents or natural disasters. Quick and precise identification speeds up recovery operations and gives impacted families timely information.

5. Advancing Forensic Science

The IAFO's dedication to research, teaching, and professional development helps to promote forensic science in India. IAFO maintains high standards in its organization techniques by encouraging information sharing and innovation.

6. Increasing Public Safety

Forensic odontologists' skills and teamwork can help solve crimes and identify culprits. IAFO indirectly contributes to public safety by supporting law enforcement.

7. Public Awareness & Education

International Association of Forensic Odontologists' initiatives to raise public awareness about the function of forensic odontology can assist people in appreciating the importance of dental testimony in investigations.

IAFO Full Form

Importance of Forensic in India

Bite Mark Analysis

When, the victim of a sexual assault, leaves bite marks on their body; forensics becomes more and more critical. It came to light during the Delhi gangrape examination in 2012-2013, when authorities were attempting to determine the nature of the markings on the young student's body.

Similarly, in the Ahmednagar, Maharashtra rape case, forensic evidence was presented in court during a trial because the victim's body exhibited multiple marks of bites in the same spot.

In India, the issue that has to be addressed more urgently is how the police gather such evidence since they frequently do not know how to handle bite mark cases. It is not enough to just picture these injuries; they must also be measured and documented. In some cases, when the victim reaches the police, sensitive markings of this kind have been removed.

Age Estimation

Cases involving age estimation in young criminals are critical in India since the law applies differently to those above the age of 18 and those under the age of 18, and in specific types of offenses, such as rape and murder, minor of 16-18 age can be punished as adults.

Compared to skeletal age estimate, dental age estimation is more accurate since it entails attentively observing the development of wisdom teeth and making decisions as a result. While dental age estimation has a one-year margin of error, skeletal age estimation has a much more extensive range of error, up to ten years.

Strength of Forensic Experts in India

There is a severe scarcity of skilled Forensic Odontology Experts, Scientists, and Investigators in India. There are around 27 sub-branches of forensic science, an applied science. It is crucial to keep in mind that forensic dentistry is not always used in isolation, as dentists are part of big teams.

Forensic scientists handle a variety of clues recovered from crime scenes and apply cutting-edge procedures to turn these clues into evidence that is ultimately submitted in court for criminal proceedings. As the prevalence of organized crime rises, the job of forensic scientists becomes increasingly difficult, complex, and exciting.

There is also a requirement to raise knowledge of the discipline, and as more dentists complete short programs, some have begun to pursue forensics as a side.

Conclusion

Indian Association of Forensic Odontology (IAFO) is critical to advancing forensic science and assisting law enforcement in India. With an emphasis on teaching, research, & professional collaboration, IAFO helps to identify missing people, offers expert evidence in criminal investigations, and provides closure to bereaved families.

IAFO promotes public safety and a more solid and efficient judicial system by raising awareness and upgrading the norms of forensic odontology. IAFO continues to make essential contributions to the profession via its dedication and determination, which is advantageous to society overall.


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