The Australian Society of Forensic Odontology
AuSFO is a society open to any dental professional of good standing with an interest in forensic odontology. It has no legislative or administrative function, but aims to represent forensic odontologists in their interactions with stakeholders. In this context it is the overarching body facilitating the involvement of member forensic odontologists in DVI, both nationally and internationally.
Explore our website to find out more about who we are, what we do and how you can become involved.
Forensic odontologists or forensic dentists are those holding specialist registration in forensic odontology through AHPRA. In Australia, the titles of registered health professions are protected by law. Please see the AHPRA website for more details.1
Interested in joining? Contact us to find out more.
Please find the latest Interpol DVI Newsletter in the Members Only section
Missed a monthly zoom presentation, select recordings available in the members only section.
What’s new
A new published paper has been included in our Members only section. Not a member? Click on the Membership link below to join!
AuSFO is now on Instagram @ausfoinc
Forensic Zoom Presentations for Members
Dear AuSFO members,
Many of you may have already learned of the passing of our Forensic Odontology Canadian colleague Dr. David Sweet.
AuSFO wishes to join forensic colleagues worldwide in extending our deepest sympathies to Dr Sweet’s wife and family at this most difficult time.
An extract from the American Society of Forensic Odontology (ASFO) outlines Dr Sweet’s many achievements.
“David was the past president of the ASFO (1999-2000) and an important contributor to our Association for many years. With unparalleled intelligence and kindness, David was a world leader in forensic odontology and his vast contributions to the field remain his legacy.
In 1996 he developed the Bureau of Legal Dentistry (BOLD Lab) – the first forensic lab in North America dedicated to forensic odontology – and remained the sole director until the lab closed in 2000.
He was cofounder of the British Columbia Forensic Odontology Response Team (BC-FORT), a grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to training civilian and military odontologists for a DVI response. He remained the BC-FORT team leader until 2000 but the organization still continues to conduct important forensic casework and DVI training.
David served as the Canadian forensic odontology team leader for the INTERPOL mediated DVI response to the 2004 Asian tsunami in Thailand. He later served as a Canadian delegate to INTERPOL and held the position of the Deputy Chair (Science) for the INTERPOL DVI Standing Committee from 2006 to 2011.
His library of scientific research publications is extensive and continue to be cited by researchers. He was a highly respected educator, rising toAssociate De an of Students at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada.
In 2000, he became a Professor Emeritus at UBC. He served on many international committees, remained a consultant for many police and forensic agencies, and as a gifted public speaker, shared his vast knowledge to a generation of audiences eager to learn about forensic odontology.
His list of awards is lengthy but the most distinguished for David was his 2008 induction into the Office of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed in Canada.
We are deeply saddened by his passing and he will be sorely missed. Please remember fondly our colleague, leader, mentor and good friend, Dr. David Sweet OC.
Rest in Peace, David.”
The ASFO plans to hold an online memorial on Sunday 16 November, 10am Vancouver time. Full details are to follow.
