Forensic Dentistry: What is an Odontologist?
What is Odontology? It is essentially the scientific study of the structure and diseases of teeth.
Forensic Odontologists are typically called in to address issues such as the identification of human remains that cannot be identified using face recognition, fingerprints or other means. They can also identify bodies in mass fatalities, such as plane crashes and natural disasters.
Odontology is the study of teeth. Odontologists study their development and diseases and analyse their structure. It is a specialty of dentistry that helps to identify unknown remains and connect bite marks to a specific individual. Odontology can be used by either the defence or prosecution to provide expert opinion in criminal investigations or identify victims. Forensic odontology or forensic dentistry, it is a branch of forensic science that involves the application of dental science to assist in a criminal investigation.
Odontologists can take dental impressions, x-rays, photographs and cranial measurements from the remains to compare the samples to those of known individuals. With regard to criminal law applications, they can analyse bit marks and match, or exclude, potential victims or aggressors. In the case of the deceased, forensic odontology is part of the autopsy. Odontologists try to match teeth with a known missing person, or trace the bite mark to a source and identify a suspect.
What does a forensic odontologist do?
Odontologists combine the work of a dentist, a forensic scientist and a police investigator. While a dentist specializes in treating teeth, including filling cavities and removing damaged teeth, an odontologist focuses on studying teeth, not treating them. Odontologists can perform duties and address issues such as:
The age of skeletal remains: A forensic odontologist can analyse a skeletal denture and evaluate its age based on the status of the teeth in comparison with typical dental development.
Expert Witness for court: Odontologists may testify as an expert witness, for either the defence or prosecution, in cases related to dental malpractice or criminal activity.
The identification of bodies: On accident scenes, forensic odontologists attempt to identify victims' remains after disasters. Their help is crucial when facial recognition or fingerprints is not possible. They recognize evidence, such as tooth fragments, that may otherwise be overlooked by other medical professionals.
Autopsy investigations: A forensic odontologist can attend autopsies. During this process, tasks include taking measurements, plastic moulds, x-rays and photographs, and then comparing these to the dental records of missing persons to identify remains.
Analyse bite marks: Odontologists can identify a bite pattern on the food they find on the crime scene, analyse it and compare it to the one found on the victim's skin. They also examine bite marks to samples from suspects and identify the assailant. Odontologists can interpret whether bite marks are offensive or defensive.
Examining Bite Marks
Forensic odontologists base their analysis and conclusions on the way teeth wear down with time, how teeth are arranged in the mouth and the imprints they leave. They also observe dentures, bridges, crowns, braces and fillings to identify their owner.
There are seven types of bite marks [6]; 'Haemorrhage' (a small bleeding spot), 'Abrasion' (undamaging mark on skin), 'Contusion' (ruptured blood vessels, bruise), 'Laceration' (near puncture of skin), 'Incision' (neat punctured or torn skin), 'Avulsion' (removal of skin), and 'Artefact' (bitten- off piece of body).
Bite mark evidence, an aspect of forensic odontology, is the process by which odontologists (dentists) attempt to match marks found at crime scenes with the dental impressions of suspects.
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.
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 try to determine or exclude potential sources of the bite marks.
Benefits of working with Clarity
The benefits to the case are that that all Odontologists at Clarity are court ready and have extensive experience in delivering their reports in a hostile court setting, while under intense scrutiny by the opposing barrister, and with the expert being impartial, unbiased, and totally independent from outside interference, allowing for a full and balanced report based solely on the facts.
At Clarity, our team has the expertise to match your need with the appropriate skill set, all at legal aid rates, and with nationwide coverage. Our extensive database includes all aspects of forensic medicine that can be accessed nationwide. If you have any questions about the type of Odontologist you need, contact the team at Clarity and they will take you through the process and ensure get you the right Odontologist for your case.