FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY ASSIGNMENT
BY : AISHWARYA KANWAR
DUE DATE : 9/08/24
INTRODUCTION :
Dental evidence plays a significant role in forensic investigations, particularly in identifying
individuals and establishing links between suspects, victims, and crime scenes.
Forensic Odontology (often spelled as "Forensic Dentistry"). This is a specialized branch of
forensic science that deals with the examination, evaluation, and interpretation of dental
evidence. Forensic odontologists play a key role in identifying human remains, analyzing bite
marks, and providing expert testimony in legal cases.
History of Forensic Odontology, Dr. Oscar Amoedo: Often referred to as the "Father of
Forensic Odontology," Dr. Oscar Amoedo, a Cuban-born dentist, played a significant role in
formalizing the field. His book, L'Art Dentaire en Médecine Légale (The Art of Dentistry in Legal
Medicine), published in 1898, laid the foundation for forensic odontology as a scientific
discipline. His work was particularly influential following the tragic fire at the Bazar de la Charité
in Paris in 1897, where he helped identify victims through dental remains.
About the Forensic Odontology
Forensic odontology mainly uses the ability to identify human remains through unique traits
found in individuals' teeth. This field holds great importance in disaster victim identification,
particularly in situations where severely mutilated bodies are found due to events like tsunamis
or bomb blasts. These incidents typically result in high numbers of casualties with little chance
for immediate recognition based on physical features. The process is referred to as Disaster
Victim Identification (DVI). Teeth are the strongest part of the human body - they can survive
high impact explosions unscathed - meaning they can be easily recovered even in mass fatality
incidents where other identifying factors are destroyed.
The Role of Forensic Odontology in Criminal Investigation
Dental Records Comparison: Forensic odontologists compare the dental records of missing
persons with the teeth of unidentified bodies. This is especially useful when the body is
decomposed, burned, or otherwise unrecognizable.
Estimating Age
Children and teenagers: By analyzing the growth and eruption patterns of teeth, forensic
odontologists can determine the age of deceased people, especially those who were children or
teenagers.
Adults: Wear patterns, periodontal recession, and other age-related changes in the teeth can all
be used to estimate an adult's age.
Bite Mark Analysis
Crime Scene Evidence: Bite marks left on victims, food, or objects at a crime scene can be
analyzed and compared to the dental profiles of suspects. The shape, size, and pattern of the
bite mark can provide valuable evidence. This is considered as the most Controversial
Evidence. Bite mark analysis has faced criticism in recent years due to concerns about its
accuracy and the potential for wrongful convictions. However, it has historically been used in
numerous criminal cases.
Investigation Procedure Involving Dental Evidence:
1. Collection of Post-Mortem Dental Evidence:
○ Recover dental remains from the crime scene or disaster site.
○ Document and photograph the dental structures, ensuring accurate records.
○ Preserve dental remains to prevent further degradation.
2. Comparison with Ante-Mortem Records:
○ Obtain ante-mortem dental records from the deceased's dental care provider.
○ Compare post-mortem dental findings with ante-mortem records focusing on:
■ Tooth morphology (shape, size, and structure of teeth)
■ Restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.)
■ Pathologies (dental diseases or conditions)
■ Missing teeth and wear patterns
■ Crowding, rotations, and other anomalies
3. Identification Using Unique Dental Features:
○ Identify individuals based on unique dental characteristics such as:
■ Color and position of teeth
■ Variations in tooth shape and size
■ Peculiar dental anomalies (e.g., extra teeth, fused teeth)
4. Use of Dental Evidence in Absence of Ante-Mortem Records:
○ Estimate the age of the deceased by examining tooth development and wear.
○ Determine the sex of the individual based on specific dental traits.
○ Infer race or ethnicity by analyzing dental and skeletal structures.
○ Identify habits or occupations through wear patterns or dental modifications.
5. Documentation and Reporting:
○ Prepare detailed reports of dental findings and comparisons.
○ Include all relevant dental charts, photographs, and X-rays.
○ Provide a comprehensive analysis of the dental evidence, including any
limitations.
6. Legal Considerations and Expert Testimony:
○ Ensure that all procedures and findings meet legal standards for admissibility in
court.
○ Present findings as expert testimony, explaining the significance of dental
evidence.
○ Address any potential limitations or challenges in the identification process.
Conclusion:
Forensic odontology is a critical tool in forensic science, offering valuable insights for identifying
individuals, analyzing injuries, and linking suspects to crimes. Despite its importance, the field
has faced challenges, particularly in the area of bite mark analysis, leading to ongoing
discussions about its role in the justice system.The identification of deceased soldiers through
dental records during World War II further advanced the field. Dental evidence became
increasingly important in mass casualty situations. Today, forensic odontologists play a critical
role in forensic investigations around the world, applying their expertise in cases involving
identification, bite mark analysis, and more.
