Mr Thao Liang Chiam

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Dentistry

College of Health


I am a graduate researcher in the field of Forensic Odontology, with a research focus on the application of palatal morphology in forensic human identification and biological profiling. My work investigates how anatomical variation of the palate can contribute to forensic casework, particularly in situations where conventional identification methods are limited.

My research explores the role of palatal morphology in estimating population affinity, assessing sexual dimorphism, and understanding craniofacial variation associated with growth and development. Through the integration of advanced analytical approaches, my project also examines the application of machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of forensic profiling methods.

I am particularly interested in the intersection of forensic science, dental anthropology, and emerging digital technologies, with the aim of developing innovative tools that can support forensic investigations and human identification practices.

Date Position Institution name
2021 - ongoing Trainee dental lecturer The National University of Malaysia
2018 - 2021 Dental officer Ministry Of Health

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2025 Award Images of Learning and Teaching Competition - 1st Place University of Adelaide Australia -
2025 Award Florey Postgraduate Conference - Adelaide Dental School Prize University of Adelaide Australia -
2024 Award Adelaide Dental School Research Day - Best Poster Presentation University of Adelaide Australia -

Language Competency
Chinese (Mandarin) Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
Malay Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

Date Institution name Country Title
2023 University of Adelaide Australia PhD candidate
2022 - 2022 University of Adelaide Australia Grad Dip For Odont
2012 - 2017 The National University of Malaysia Malaysia DDS

Year Citation
2026 Chiam, T., Gurr, A., Hughes, T., Palmer, L., & Higgins, D. (2026). Three-dimensional variation of the human hard palate across populations: a geometric morphometrics study. Dentistry Journal, 14(5), 258-1-258-22.
DOI
2025 Perkins, H., Chiam, T. L., Forrest, A., & Higgins, D. (2025). 3D dental images in forensic odontology: A scoping review of superimposition approaches utilizing 3D imaging. Forensic Imaging, 40, 11 pages.
DOI Scopus7 WoS6
2025 Chiam, T. L., Perkins, H., Hughes, T., Palmer, L., & Higgins, D. (2025). Palatal Morphology: A Systematic Review of the Association of Palatal Shape with Genetic Ancestry, Sex and Age. Archives of Oral Biology, 175, 106275-1-106275-22.
DOI Scopus1
2023 Liang, C. T., Higgins, D., & Ashar, A. (2023). Evidentiary value of smile photographs from the internet for human identification: A pilot study. Forensic Imaging, 33, 9 pages.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
- Chiam, T. L., Choo, J., Ashar, A., Hussaini, H. M., Rajandram, R. K., & Nordin, R. (2024). Efficacy of natural enzymes mouthwash: a randomised controlled trial. Clinical Oral Investigations, 28(5).
DOI

Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
2026 - ongoing Co-Supervisor The Relationship Between Palatal Morphology Development and Crowding Severity in the Permanent Dentition School of Dentistry, Adelaide University BSciDent(Hons) Honours Part Time Darcie Sweet
2025 - ongoing Co-Supervisor Exploring early life influences on craniofacial growth using genetically informative data School of Dentistry, Adelaide University BSciDent(Hons) Honours Part Time Rayyan Saqib

Date Role Committee Institution Country
2024 - ongoing Representative HDR Student Representative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Adelaide Australia
2024 - ongoing Representative HDR Student Representative, Adelaide Dental School University of Adelaide Australia

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