Forensic Odontology: An Introduction to Forensic Dentistry

These flashcards cover key concepts, roles, and historical significance of forensic odontology drawn from the lecture notes.

What is forensic odontology?

Forensic odontology is the application of dentistry to human identification problems, specializing in the identification of persons based on their dentition.

Why are teeth considered valuable evidence in forensic cases?

Teeth are durable, can survive trauma and decomposition, are unique to individuals, and provide DNA evidence which can help in identifying persons.

What are some historical cases that highlight the significance of forensic odontology?

Key historical cases include the identifications made by Paul Revere and the murder conviction of John White Webster based on dental evidence.

What qualifications are necessary for a forensic odontologist?

They require a broad background in general dentistry, head and neck anatomy, radiographic anatomy, oral pathology, and dental restorative procedures.

What role does forensic odontology play in mass disasters?

Forensic odontology helps in victim identification, particularly when bodies are unrecognizable, through the comparison of dental records.

How does dental age estimation assist forensic investigations?

Dental age estimation helps narrow down the search for unidentified victims and assists in legal age determinations for immigration and custody cases.

What are the challenges of using bite mark evidence in court?

Challenges include misidentifications, the unique nature of each bite, and the potential for distortion of bite marks on skin.

In what significant cases was bite mark evidence used?

Significant cases include New Jersey v. Jesse Timmendequas and People v. Marx where bite mark evidence was crucial in securing convictions.

What is the importance of antemortem and postmortem dental records?

They are essential for accurate identification of individuals, especially in forensic cases where physical features may not be identifiable.

What are dental anomalies and how are they relevant to forensic odontology?

Dental anomalies are unusual or atypical features in dentition that can assist in individual identification and help distinguish between similar cases.