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Dentistry in Forensics
FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY Dentistry in Forensics
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How can teeth help investigators?
Identify a suspect by comparing bite mark evidence to the suspect’s teeth. Identify a victim by comparing the teeth to the dental records of known missing people.
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BITE MARK EVIDENCE Photograph the area with a ruler near the injury (in color and B&W). Area is swabbed for traces of saliva (may contain DNA) Area is swabbed for microorganisms Impressions of the bite mark are made.
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Photographing the injury
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We have a suspect, now what?
Get the suspect’s permission for a body search. Take saliva samples. Photograph the teeth with a ruler in place for comparison. Impressions are made of the teeth.
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Serial Killer Ted Bundy
Impressions being made of Bundy’s teeth.
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Development of a child’s teeth can help estimate the age of a young victim.
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Dental Chart for humans
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The dark markings identify specific characteristics.
Fillings, caps, chips, evidence of dental work
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Vet’s Dental Chart: Animal Bites
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Bite mark on a body
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Comparison of chimpanzee, A. afarensis, and human dentition
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Unique characteristics
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What Else can be Learned from Teeth?
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Dental Erosion- vomiting too much
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STAINING #1- from specific antibiotic use when teeth were developing
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STAINING #2- from smoking
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WORN TEETH #1- pipe smoker
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WORN TEETH #2- electrician (stripping wires with teeth)
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COUNTRY OF ORIGIN different dental practices
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TEETH: Note size and shape
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Teeth are important in Forensics!
The End
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References http://www.forensicdentalscience.com/images/bundy1.jpg
James, Stuart H. and Nordby, Jon J. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. CRC Press; Boca Raton, 2003. Other Google images
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