Dentistry in Forensics FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY Dentistry in Forensics

How can teeth help investigators? Identify a suspect by comparing bite mark evidence to the suspect’s teeth. Identify a victim by comparing the teeth to the dental records of known missing people.

BITE MARK EVIDENCE Photograph the area with a ruler near the injury (in color and B&W). Area is swabbed for traces of saliva (may contain DNA) Area is swabbed for microorganisms Impressions of the bite mark are made.

Photographing the injury

We have a suspect, now what? Get the suspect’s permission for a body search. Take saliva samples. Photograph the teeth with a ruler in place for comparison. Impressions are made of the teeth.

Serial Killer Ted Bundy Impressions being made of Bundy’s teeth.

Development of a child’s teeth can help estimate the age of a young victim.

Dental Chart for humans

The dark markings identify specific characteristics. Fillings, caps, chips, evidence of dental work

Vet’s Dental Chart: Animal Bites

Bite mark on a body

Comparison of chimpanzee, A. afarensis, and human dentition

Unique characteristics

What Else can be Learned from Teeth?

Dental Erosion- vomiting too much

STAINING #1- from specific antibiotic use when teeth were developing

STAINING #2- from smoking

WORN TEETH #1- pipe smoker

WORN TEETH #2- electrician (stripping wires with teeth)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN different dental practices

TEETH: Note size and shape

Teeth are important in Forensics! The End

References http://www.forensicdentalscience.com/images/bundy1.jpg James, Stuart H. and Nordby, Jon J. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. CRC Press; Boca Raton, 2003. Other Google images