Forensic Odontology
Antonio Santos
Abstract Forensic Odontology is a relatively new science that utilizes the dentist’s knowledge to serve the judicial system. Worldwide, dentists qualified in forensic science are giving expert opinion in cases related to human identification, bite-mark analysis, craniofacial trauma and malpractice. Human Identification relies heavily on the quality of dental records. However Forensic Odontologists can still contribute to the identity investigation in the absence of dental record through profiling the deceased person using features related to teeth. Along with other healthcare providers, dentists encounter cases of injuries which could be non-accidental. Detection, interpretation and management are important from a legal and humanitarian point of view. Dentists should be aware of the legal impact those cases have, and should refer them to the appropriate authorities for suitable action.
Forensic Odontology In cases of mass disasters, fires, murders and many other scenarios the use of the forensic Odontology is the key to the identification. Without the mastery of forensic dentistry the investigation process and identification of victims and perpetrators would be nearly impossible. Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice. The evidence that may derived from teeth, is the age and identification of the person to whom the teeth may belong. This is done including radiographs, ante-mortem (before death) and post-mortem photographs and DNA. If ante-mortem records are not available, a post mortem record is created by the forensic dentist for possible future comparison. The comparison is methodical and systematic: Each tooth and structure is examined and compared. Fillings, caps, and restorations play the largest role in the identification process. Similarities should be noted during the comparison process, as well
Abstract Forensic Odontology is a relatively new science that utilizes the dentist’s knowledge to serve the judicial system. Worldwide, dentists qualified in forensic science are giving expert opinion in cases related to human identification, bite-mark analysis, craniofacial trauma and malpractice. Human Identification relies heavily on the quality of dental records. However Forensic Odontologists can still contribute to the identity investigation in the absence of dental record through profiling the deceased person using features related to teeth. Along with other healthcare providers, dentists encounter cases of injuries which could be non-accidental. Detection, interpretation and management are important from a legal and humanitarian point of view. Dentists should be aware of the legal impact those cases have, and should refer them to the appropriate authorities for suitable action.
Forensic Odontology In cases of mass disasters, fires, murders and many other scenarios the use of the forensic Odontology is the key to the identification. Without the mastery of forensic dentistry the investigation process and identification of victims and perpetrators would be nearly impossible. Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice. The evidence that may derived from teeth, is the age and identification of the person to whom the teeth may belong. This is done including radiographs, ante-mortem (before death) and post-mortem photographs and DNA. If ante-mortem records are not available, a post mortem record is created by the forensic dentist for possible future comparison. The comparison is methodical and systematic: Each tooth and structure is examined and compared. Fillings, caps, and restorations play the largest role in the identification process. Similarities should be noted during the comparison process, as well
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