Forensic Dentistry

Identification of unknown individuals and the determination of their age, race, and sex is one of the most important functions of forensic dentistry. Throughout history, this procedure has been used to establish difficult identifications, including Adolph Hitler, Eva Braun, Lee Harvey Oswald, and actor William Holden. Other essential applications of forensic dentistry include mass disaster investigations, evaluating bite marks and bitemark evidence in death investigations, child abuse investigations, and in civil litigation for evaluating oral or temporomandibular injuries related to accidents. This book explains these procedures in a comprehensive way that takes you step-by-step through the world of forensic dental investigations. The areas of forensic dentistry have come a long way in recent years. New and unique discussions offer information that will benefit professionals faced with many of the current aspects of the science. Topics include how to deal with a trial or an aggressive attorney and how to assess buried crime scene evidence (the application of forensic geotaphonomy in forensic archaeology). Forensic Dentistry illustrates the proper handling and evaluation of dental evidence. Its broad coverage also includes important information for legal and police science professionals who must properly evaluate and present dental findings. This book covers all standard examination practices of dental evidence, including identification of unknown individuals (age, race, sex). Whether you are a medical examiner or a pathologist who needs to know about the proper handling and evaluation of dental evidence, a legal or police science professional who needs to know how to deal with the proper presentation of dental findings in a court of law, or a dentist who wants to use your training and experience in a unique, interesting, and challenging way, this book is for you!

Scientific Methods of Identification, G.N. Wagner, D.O. and L.D. Williams, J.D.
Introduction
Identification Parameters
Forensic Odontology
Ancillary Technologies
Age Determinants
Dental Structure Identification
Sorting By Metal Ratios
Serological Parameters
Odontoanthropology
Sex Determinants
Racial Determinants
Forensic Odontological Database
Application in Mass Disasters
Bite Mark Examinations
General Considerations
Chemical Markers
Serological Markers
Salivary Drug Detection
Animal Bite Marks
Sex Determination in Bite Marks
DNA Analysis in Biological Specimens
DNA Contamination Issues
DNA Dental Applications
DNA Profiling or Fingerprinting
Issues of Scientific Testing - General Principles
References
DNA Identification, V.W. Weedn, M.D., J.D.
Introduction
The DNA Molecule
General
Stability of DNA
DNA Polymorphisms
DNA Methods
RFLP Methods
PCR Methods
Specimen Selection, Collection, and Preservation
Reference Samples/Databases
Bibliography
Issues Regarding Scientific Testing, G.N. Wagner, D.O. and L.D. Williams, J.D.
Introduction
Body Intrusions
Testing Human Remains
Novel Scientific Evidence and the Courts - An Introduction
The Frye Test
Relevancy Test of the Federal Rules
Problem Applying DNA Test Results
Establishment and Use of DNA Databanks
Introduction
Law Enforcement Use
State and Federal Databanks
Military Databanks
References and Notes
Forensic Anthropology, W.R. Maples
Introduction
Role of the Forensic Anthropologist
Techniques
Buried Crime Scene Evidence: The Application of Forensic Geotaphonomy in Forensic Archaeology, M.J. Hochrein
Abstract
Introduction
Recognizing the Value of Geotaphonomy
Case Histories
Case I
Case II
Discussion
References
Forensic Photography, F.D. Wright, D.M.D. and G.S. Golden, D.D.S.
Introduction
Basic Physiology of Injured Skin: Inflammation and Repair
Forensic Photography Types and Techniques
Visible Light Photography
Visible Light Color Photography
Visible Light Black and White Photography
Alternate Light Imaging and Fluorescent Techniques
Nonvisible Light Photography
Focus Shift
Reflective Long-Wavelength Ultraviolet (UVA)
Infrared Photography
Handling of Photographic Evidence
References
Bite Mark Techniques and Terminology, P.G. Stimson, D.D.S., M.S. and C.A. Mertz, D.D.S.
Introduction
Nomenclature
Impressions
References
Child Abuse, G.L. Vale, D.D.S., M.D.S., M.P.H., J.D.
Introduction
Incidence of Orofacial Lesions
Detecting Child Abuse in the Dental Office
History
General Physical Findings
Findings on Dental Examination
Documenting and Reporting Child Abuse
Problems in Dental Reporting of Child Abuse
Overdiagnosis of Child Abuse
Case Reports
Case 1: Identification of Murder Victim
Case 2: Identification of Murder Suspect
Summary and Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References
Mass Disasters, W.M. Morlang II
Introduction
Disaster Assistance
Disaster Site Management
Disaster Management
Forensic Identification Center Organization
General Medical Considerations
Mental Health Considerations
Forensic Dentistry Considerations
Anthropology Considerations
Planning Considerations
Training Considerations
Conclusion
Appendix I: Facial Dissection
Appendix II: Equipment and Supplies
Appendix III: Charting Format
References
Mass Disaster Experiences and Forensic "Nuggets," P.G. Stimson, D.D.S., M.S. and C.A. Mertz, D.D.S.
Survival Techniques in Another World - The Courtroom, P.G. Stimson, D.D.S., M.S. and C.A. Mertz, D.D.S.
Civil and Criminal Case Involvement: Dealing with Attorneys, P.G. Stimson, D.D.S., M.S. and C.A. Mertz, D.D.S.
Suggested Exhumation Authorization and Release
Suggested Retainer Agreement
Appendices
Bite Mark Citations
Bite Mark Photographs
Index