Forensic Odontology (Lesson 2.09)
Role of Forensic Odontologists
Consulted for identification of decomposed bodies or skeletal remains.
Examine teeth, jaws, skull bones, and bite marks.
Compare findings with dental records for victim identification.
Goals for the Lesson
Describe forensic odontologist roles and education.
Explain the need for forensic examination in unusual skull finds.
Analyze dental evidence for identification.
Research technological advancements in forensics.
Discuss abuse cases and bite mark examinations in violent crimes.
Determine postmortem interval (PMI) using computational methods.
Identification Techniques
Compare skeletal remains to dental records for victim identification.
Analyze bite marks to identify suspects in violent crimes.
Assess dental trauma in abuse cases (e.g., missing or discolored teeth).
Utilize X-rays: postmortem vs. antemortem for comparative analysis.
Education and Training
Requires a 4-year college and dental science professional degree (DDS/DMD).
Special training in forensic odontology under senior practitioners.
Certification requires experience (25 cases, 350 points in meetings/courses).
Dental Features for Identification
Teeth are stable and can endure severe conditions (e.g., fires).
Unique identifiers include fillings and jawbone structure.
Types of teeth: incisors, cuspids, premolars, molars.
Universal numbering system for teeth (1-32 based on position).
Age Determination Methods
Estimate age using dental development stages (baby teeth to wisdom teeth).
Chemical analysis (D- and L-aspartic acid ratio) to estimate age.
Biological Sex Determination
Differences in teeth based on biological sex (e.g., mandibular cuspid size).
Measurements of jaw angles help determine sex.
Significance of Bite Marks
Can provide evidence linking suspects to crimes (e.g., Ted Bundy's case).
Bite marks analyzed for positioning of teeth and distortion patterns.
Comparison with casts of suspect's dental patterns is essential for identification.