Page 36 - RADC Bulletin 2022

The Defence Dental Identification Team (DDIT) and The British Association of Forensic Odontology (BAFO) Spring Conference
Maj Rhys James Watson
The Defence Dental Identification Team,
or DDIT as it is known, is a Tri-Service
team assigned to undertake the forensic dental identification of deceased Service personnel. In most cases this will be in the UK but the team are held on high readiness as they could be tasked by the military police or Standing Joint Commander
(SJC UK) to conduct identifications in the overseas firm base environment, including operational theatres. It is a capability under the Defence Medical Services that is available for activation every day of the year.
I had awareness of the team, but my first true understanding of it was when a DDIT member was posted into Colchester DC and I was at 16 Medical Regiment. Speaking to them and their experiences within the team really sparked my interest, to the extent
that when the opportunity to join the team came around a few months later, I applied and was successfully selected. I have since been posted to SHAPE; the distance is manageable and with the full support from my CoC and the DDIT, I am able to fulfil the duty and enjoy doing so.
Wg Cdr Mel Clarkson, the Lead Forensic Dental Officer (LFDO), organised the annual
DDIT Induction and Refresher training in September 2021 held at RAF Halton. RAF Halton House Officers’ Mess is still an active Mess and has incredible grounds and architecture. Halton House is part of the
Rothschild’s Estate and it has been the home to many television series and films such as Downton Abbey, The Crown, Bridgerton, The King’s Speech and The World Is Not Enough. If you do get the chance, or are invited to an event, I would not turn it down!
The team were really welcoming and with vast amount of experience they were very open to share their previous knowledge for the benefit of all. The training was insightful, covering a range of applications for forensic odontology and those most relevant to Defence. The key take home message I got from it was setting the scene, emphasising the role and its importance in disaster management. I was also really impressed with the Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) to support the team. With several team members being TRiM practitioners, this enables team members to recognise signs of trauma and stress in one another during or after a case; signposting for continued support as required.
The DDIT has very close links with the British Association for Forensic Odontology (BAFO), all members are encouraged to join the Association for wider forensic awareness, CPD and governance and assurance purposes.
34 RADC BULLETIN 2022
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