1.1 Overview of Forensic Odontology

WHAT IS A FORENSIC ODONTOLOGIST? AND WHAT DO THEY DO???

Well my dear readers, 

forensic odontologists are highly experienced, specially trained dentists who use their expertise to help identify unknown remains and trace bite marks to a specific individual.

Forensic odontologists or forensic dentists are typically called in to:

• Identify human remains that cannot be identified using fingerprints or other means
• Identify bodies in mass fatalities, such as plane crashes and natural disasters
• Determine the source of bite mark injuries, in cases of assault or suspected abuse
• Estimate the age of skeletal remains
• Testify in cases of dental malpractice

Pretty cool, huh? (^.^)/

Long story, short...

The forensic odontologist may be called in by police officers, the medical examiner or the coroner.

In death cases, the forensic odontologist attends the autopsy and takes photographs, cranial measurements, dental impressions and xrays from the remains. These exemplars are then compared to those of known missing individuals. If a match can be made, the remains can be identified.

In cases where bite marks are found on the body of a victim or suspected perpetrator, or on food, chewing gum or another item, the forensic odontologist uses the same procedure to determine the source of the bite marks.

The forensic odontologist then writes a detailed report explaining what was done and what conclusions can be made. The forensic odontologist must be prepared to explain the process and justify the findings in court.

References:

1. http://work.chron.com/forensic-dentists-do-15269.html

2. http://www.academia.edu/165520/Essential_Guidelines_for_forensic_dentistry_

Now that you already know what Forensic Odontology is about generally, let's explore deeper into how they actually identify unknown burnt victims in the next post.

So see you guys there!!!