DE 50

Dominique, Deanna, Yan, Nina, Grecia, Maria

What is…

….Forensic science is the use of scientific methods of gathering and examining evidence to investigate and solve crimes as well as help

resolve legal issues in a court of law.

*Fingerprints *Tooth bite prints *Palm prints *Blood *Footprints *Hair and fiber

66 A.D. Lollia Paulina’s body identified.

In 1849, Dental Identification evidence first admitted in U.S. court system.

Dr. Paul Revere identified body of Dr. Joseph Warren who was in the revolutionary war in 1775- using the bridge made of silver and ivory that he made two year previous.

Background & History

Types of Forensics

Forensic Odontologists

Crime Lab Analyst

Crime Scene Examiner

Criminalist

Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic Biologist

Forensic Computer Examiner

Forensic Engineer

Forensic Pathologist

Forensic Psychologists

Forensic Toxicologist

Career options….

Forensics in Dentistry

…Forensic Odontology is the application of dental principles to legal issues.

Odontologist(career in dentistry)

…Who are they?? They are highly experienced dentists who are specially trained in the field, who use their expertise to help in identify unknown remains to a specific individual in certain cases.

Work same hours as a regular dentist

May be “on-call” for crime or disaster scene analysis

Why do we need it?

Used For…

Individual Identification

Mass Disaster Identification

Bite mark analysis

Dental Malpractice

What do they do?The procedure:

The process of identification may start at…

scene of a crime, natural disaster, archeological site, or an autopsy. Investigation of any existing dentition begins…

record the presence or absence of teeth and their condition

Anomalies

Antemortem (before death) dental treatments and

conditions

X-rays

Procedure continued… Once the dentition of the unknown individual has been analyzed it is compared with the records and X-rays (that where available) of any potential individuals that might be associated with the crime.

Procedure Continued… The forensic dentist (Odontologists) then writes a report that outlines the information gathered from visual examinations, x-rays, and other evidence tests.

This information can be used by law enforcement to help with an investigation, and the Odontologists may appear as expert witnesses in a court case.

Procedure continued…If bite mark analysis is involved…

Take measurements of each individual bite mark and record it.

Collect trace of salivary evidence from bite mark (piece of gum, victims body, food)

Future forensics

In the past direct bite mark comparisons where made by comparing a model of the teeth to a life size photograph of the actual bite mark.

….Indirect methods involve the use of transparent overlays to record a suspect’s biting edges

2D Polyline - 2 dimensions

3D Polyline -3 dimensions

3-D

Bite mark analysis If bite mark analysis needs to be involved there are a few steps to follow……

1) Taking DNA Samples

Silvia which contains white blood cells

Cells of the inner lining of the cheek and lips 

2) Hard Models

Determine unique features …Things to look for:

•Shape

•Size (mouth and teeth)

•Arch width

•Any crowding

•Missing teeth

Factors that may affect the bite mark:

•Time (deteriorating skin)

•Where bite was found

•Impressions

•Measurement of dentition

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Case studies>>In 1775, Paul Revere made a set of dentures for his friend Dr. Joseph Warren.

Dr. Warren was later killed in battle and was buried in a mass grave.

Warrens family wanted the body for a private burial and Paul Revere was able to identify Dr. Warrens remains through the dentures he had made for him.

Case studies

In the year 2000, the Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashed in California and 88 passengers and crew members died.

….Forensic dentists used the left behind jawbones and compared them to full ante-mortem(before death) dental charts and were able to identify 22 of the deceased victims.

Case studies

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

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On September 11, 2001 on the day of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks…

…half of the 2,749 victims were identified through DNA, jewelry and dental remains of the victims

Case studies

In 1945,Adolph Hitler’s remains were identified through the discovery of his jaws and teeth.

The Russian’s were the ones who recovered the remains. Took radiographs and compared them to the 1944 antemortem films taken 9 months earlier- claimed it was a positive match.

Actual photos of remains

In the 1954 case Doyle Vs. State of Texas, bite marks were used for the first time and helped incarcerate a thief who left his bite marks on a lump of cheese at the scene.

In 1978, Ted Bundy a violent serial killer was convicted thanks to the bite marks he left on the buttocks of his victim.

Case studies

How to become an Odontologist?

Educational Requirements?

How long will it take?

How much will it cost? $$$

What schools provide certain programs?

Certification?

Education requirements Aspiring Forensic Odontologists must first earn a…

Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) at an accredited American Dental Association dental school.

As of Jan. 2011, there are 39 dental schools in the united states, in 24 different states. While some schools stand alone, many major universities such as UCLA, Harvard and University of North Carolina offer dental programs.

Step 2… Is to complete a Fellowship program in Forensic Odontology.

The Fellowship is designed for those actively working in the field who wish to achieve ABFO (American Board of Forensic Odontology) certification

The only U.S. school offering a forensic dental program

is the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Fellowship program

The fellowship offers a full range of instruction in the core forensic dentistry curriculum including bite mark analysis, recognizing and managing cases of abuse, forensic autopsy, identifying remains and courses designed to prepare the student to eventually serve as an expert witness in court proceedings.

The program requires 330 hours of instruction, completed during weekends over a 22-month period.

How much???

As of January 2011… the program costs $14,500

Certification

Upon completion of a forensic dentistry program, a student must contact the American Board of Forensic Odentology and present materials certifying completion of the program and other experience requirements for board certification.

25 cases, accumulate 350 qualification points and pass a qualifying exam. Once all the materials are confirmed,

a student is given two years to complete oral and written examinations, the final step to certification.

The student is awarded the title of Diplomat.

Recertification is required every five years.

Job Outlook…

The average salary range for this specialized dental position is estimated to be between…

$150,000-$185,000

…depending on experience and location