Transcript Forensic Odontology - knoxhealthscience / FrontPage

Forensic
Odontology
Definition

Forensic Odontology is the application of
dental science to the administration of the
law and the furtherance of justice. It
provides an important community service in
both the civil and criminal jurisdictions.
History



The earliest known identification from teeth
is in 1775 by Paul Revere.
Paul Revere made a silver bridge for one
man. The man was killed in the
Revolutionary War.
Body was in mass grave and identified by
his silver dental work.
Dental Apparatus
1.
2.
3.
Teeth
Prosthetic appliance–
bridges, partials, crown, false
teeth
Shape, form (morphological)
peculiarities
Forensic Dentistry/Odontology
 This
field is very important in
identifying human remains that
are decomposed, mutilated, or
visually unrecognizable.
Dental X-rays
Uses of Forensic Odontology
 The
scope of forensic odontology
is wide and includes the
identification of victims of
transport accidents, gunshot, and
incineration in vehicles and house
fires.
Identifying
factors such
as cavities,
tooth pattern,
and general
dental health
neglect

Bite marks

It also includes the
examination of bite
marks inflicted by
humans and
animals in a variety
of circumstances.
Bite marks
 Example
of
bruising left from
bite mark.
 Bites are
common in
violent crime and
child abuse
Specific uses of odontology


Particularly significant are the bite marks
frequently produced upon victims of child
abuse.
Particularly significant are the bite marks
frequently produced upon victims of child
abuse.
High profile crimes
 Ted
Bundy was identified from a
bite mark.
 John Wilkes Booth was identified
by a “gold plug” on the right side
of his jaw.
Dental comparison
 Dental
records are useful in helping
to identify unknown persons who
have been the victim of fowl play or
who have been simply reported
missing.
DENTAL COMPARISON
(Courtesy Dr. Richard R. Souviron, D.D.S., ABFO, Chief Forensic Odontologist, Dade County Medical Examiner Department, Miami, Florida)
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FORENSIC DENTISTRY
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Forensic dentistry is a specialty that relates
dental evidence to investigation
Analyses of bit marks had played a major
role in many cases
Teeth marks may be left in food, pencils or
other items left at crime scenes
Bite marks can help eliminate or identify
suspects
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Dental identification

The forensic dentist compares
antemortem (before death) records with
postmortem (after death) findings to
determine if there is a positive match.
Legal responsibilities

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In order to obtain a dental impression the
criminal/victim must provide consent.
Most will give the impression on just a
verbal request.
Some require search warrants to be
obtained.
Once request is granted then impressions
are made and then cast in dental stone.
Bibliography

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Criminal Investigation 9th ed. Swanson,
Charmelin, Territo, and Taylor.
McGraw Hill power point presentations
chapter 3.