FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

Application of dental science to the identification of human remains and bite marks using physical and biological evidence.

Definition

Work with a range of medicolegal issues

Identification of human remains is a central duty.◦ Terrorist attacks◦ natural disasters◦ missing or unknown persons

◦ How would you categorize these types of cases?

Skills of a Forensic Odontologist

Participate in an autopsy

◦ - At local or state level by law enforcement

◦ - Coroner or Medical examiner

Skills of a Forensic Odontologist

Postmortem dental examination includes

◦ 1. charting dental and cranial features.

◦ 2. radiographic (X-RAY) documentation

◦ 3. application of findings to investigations by law enforcement.

Skills of a Forensic Odontologist

Information and evidence collected can be - used directly by law enforcement

- added into a computer identification search program.Match known data to suspects

- Requires a warrantMatch to antemortem/postmortem records.

- Records not always available.

Physical evidence – bite marks, images / photographs, measurements / dimensions

Uses of Evidence

Physical evidence –

◦bite marks

◦images / photographs

◦measurements / dimensions

Uses of Evidence

Biological evidence ◦ Missing teeth, major dental work (partials,

bridges, extractions), crowded teeth.◦ Trace samples of DNA

Missing teeth Gaps in the bite

Crooked teeth Braces also leave distinct marks.

Chipped teeth leave jagged impressions of varying depth.

Biological Evidence

Most prevalent in cases involving assault, rape, and homicide.

Bite marks can appear on both the perpetrator and the victim.

Often appear on/near arms, legs, breasts, and genital area.

Bite Mark Analysis in Criminal Cases

Teeth grow at a rate of 4 micrometers per day

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body◦ Withstand 2000 degrees F

(1093 deg C)

◦ Teeth may shrink but may be preserved using a lacquer.

Characteristics of Human Teeth

32 Adult Teeth◦ Four Major Types – Incisors, Canines, Bicuspids

(pre-molars), and Molars

20 Deciduous (Baby Teeth)

What other type of evidence can be extracted from a tooth?

Where is this evidence found?

Human Teeth

Movement of tongue and jaw. Location of bite on victim

◦ Clear impressions of both upper and lower teeth are uncommon.

If victim is moving/struggling or in a prone position (unable to move).

Movement/sagging of skin on deceased victims.◦ Flesh is surgically removed from deceased and

preserved in formalin (formaldehyde). Length of Time since of bite

◦ Bruising can appear after 4 hours and disappear within 36 hours (can distort actual impressions).

Factors that Influence Bite Mark Patterns

http://bitemarks.org/tag/asfo/

Bite Mark Evidence in the Courtroom

Not an exact science (Mistakes can be made).

Often used as a last resort.

Best when used in combination with DNA evidence in criminal investigations.

Bite Mark Controversy

The “C.S.I. Effect” occurs when jurors become overly impressed with forensic evidence.

◦ Difficult for them to be impartial during trial.

◦ Often due to the effects of mass-media programs.

The Case of Roy Brown http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/weekin

review/28santos.html?_r=0

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/anthropology/3.html

Identifying the “Angel of Death”

Write a summary for each of the two articles you receive. Paragraph Format, Complete Sentences.◦ Spelling and Punctuation Count!

Read the article first. Highlight or underline key points of each

article.

Write your summary. Include –

◦ What the article is about – people, places, overview Key elements and events Use of forensics Outcome of investigation – Impact on society

Forensics Applications

WORK IN YOUR ASSIGNED CRIME TEAMS

You must be able to make these identifications and comparisons for the TEST on Thursday

DEC 11.

ANTHROPOLOGY LAB