FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

What is a Forensic Odontologist? A dentist, who consults in human identification cases, NOT FULL TIME Works with cases of violent crime, child abuse, elder abuse, missing persons, and mass disaster scenarios Dental evidence can aid victim identification, suspect identification, and assist with investigative casework

Four Scenarios which Require Dental Examination Intact body with little or no decomposition found with no identification – absence of personal effects or missing persons reports Decomposing or skeletonized human remains High energy accidents or terrorist acts – severe trauma, dismemberment and fragmentation Homicide cases – possible bitemarks

The Use of Teeth by Forensic Science 20 deciduous teeth, 32 adult teeth Transition period from years Asian and Native populations have shovel shaped incisors Age of dental fillings Orthodontic work – usually removal of four bicuspids

Factors that can Change the Appearance of Teeth over a Lifetime Severe wear caused by dietary habits Dental work, medical devices, skull features, tooth changes Faster and cheaper than DNA identification

Language of Dental Identification Two parts of a tooth: –The crown that shows in the mouth –The root that is embedded in the gums or jawbone The front teeth have one root, the back teeth can have as many as four

Human Tooth Morphology Front teeth – Incisors – used for cutting and tearing food Canines – eyeteeth, cuspids – longest rooted, used for tearing and shredding Back teeth – Bicuspids – premolars Molars – most chewing surfaces

Analysis of Bitemark Evidence Is the pattern a bitemark? Could it be human teeth? Does the area allow swabbing for DNA? Do the teeth marks present possess enough information to identify one person? Typical locations of bitemarks – breasts, abdomen, thighs and genitals, if the bites are by an animal – extremities and face