Pre-lesson Reading
Forensic Science
Forensic science is the scientific examination of evidence in a criminal investigation.
Forensic Dentistry or Odontology
Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is a branch of forensic science which deals with the collection, evaluation and proper handling of dental evidence in order to assist law enforcement officers and to assist in civil and criminal proceedings.
Major Services of Forensic Dentistry
a) Identification of deceased persons through dental remains;
b) Bite mark analysis, determining or ruling out possible suspects in crimes using the bite marks left on a victim or other object; and
c) Examination of oral-facial structures for determination of injury, possible malpractice or insurance fraud.
Data to be collected for forensic dentistry include
a) Bite mark on victim’s body or objects;
b) Postmortem odontogram;
c) Shape, colour and arrangement of teeth; and
d) Unique changes due to dental surgery or accidents.
On-line studying
Forensic dentistry http://www.forensicdentistryonline.org/forensichomepage.htm Lesson 4 Forensic Dentistry
Worksheet 4.1 Making a bite mark
You are given a washed apple. Make a bite mark on it similar to the picture shown below. Compare your teeth bite mark with your partner’s. What are the differences between the two sets of teeth bite marks?
Differences between teeth bite marks:
Lesson 4 Forensic Dentistry
Worksheet 4.2 Dentitions of Humans and Animals
Dentition of Humans
Dentition refers to the number and arrangement of different types of teeth in a mammal. The following shows the number and key features of each type of teeth in human adults.
Tooth type
Incisors
Canines
Premolars
Molars
Total
Number of teeth
Upper jaw
2
1
2
3
16
Lower jaw
2
1
2
3
16
General feature
Front teeth
All have thin edges
Square shaped Single rooted
Cone-shaped
Single rooted
Two cusps Single rooted
Square
4 and 5 cusps Largest teeth in jaw
Multiple