Forensic Dentistry

Forensic Dentistry is used as a major part in solving cases where people are unidentifiable. Forensic evidence is any evidence that can be legally used in a court of law. Many people know what forensics are because of shows such as Bones, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace. What most people don’t know are the minor details that have to be sought out when using any forensics to solve a case. Odontology; commonly referred to as dental forensics is highly unrecognized by the general population and can be very useful in forensic science. In forensic science odontology is used to identify the unknown in many unique situations, and can act as evidence in the court of law. Even though most people don’t know about the growing scientific art Odontology, the history goes back decades. Dental forensics began around 66 A.D., although the study wasn’t as useful as today’s due to the lack of technology it was still useful to those who chose to use it. During World War II the study of Odontology was used to identify both Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun. Odontology isn’t a specific job on its own; it is studied by dentists, hygienists and other forms of specialists who have correct knowledge about the oral cavity. These citizens work together using the technology created to help in the identification of the deceased. Two common technological systems that are important in finding the records needed in Odontology are the panto morphograph registry and CAPMI (Computerized Assisted Postmortem Identification System). CAPMI was developed by the U.S. Army Dental Research institute. Many other kinds of databases have been created to help aid in the study of Dental forensics. Together the knowledge of those who choose to study the oral cavity, and the people dedicated to help broaden today’s dental databases has changed the outlook on what can possibly be achieved in the future. Forensic Dentists are responsible for identifying human remains and assess bite mark on the human body. The

References: Burnie, David. The Concise Encyclopedia of the Human Body. Dorling Kindersley, 1995. MacKay, Jenny. Forensic Art. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2009. MacKay, Jenny. Forensic Biology. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2009. Phinney, Donna, and Judy, Halstead. Delmar 's Dental Assisting. United States: Delmar Learning, 2004. Thomas, Peggy. Talking Bones: the Science of Forensic Anthropology. New York: Facts on File, 1995.