NCJ Number
59137
Journal
CALIFORNIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL Dated: (DECEMBER 1978) Pages: 29-36
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A NEW COMPUTERIZED IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY ODONTOLOGISTS IN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY (CALIF.) CORONER'S OFFICE SPEEDS CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFICATION BY COMPARING ANTE MORTEM AND POST MORTEM DENTAL RECORDS.
Abstract
OF 100 CRASH VICTIMS, 50 WERE IDENTIFIED SOLELY BY DENTAL MEANS, AND THE NEW FORENSIC DENTAL PROCEDURE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN CONFIRMING IDENTITY FOR ANOTHER 30. THE COMPUTERIZED MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION LED TO A CALIFORNIA LAW WHICH REQUIRES DENTAL INFORMATION AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION COLLECTED ON MISSING PERSONS. THE NEW DENTAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM IS DESCRIBED BRIEFLY. THE PROCEDURE HAS LEGAL SIGNIFICANCE BECAUSE LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS, ESTATE SETTLEMENTS, AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS CANNOT BE PAID WITHOUT IDENTIFICATION OF VICTIMS. MOREOVER, IDENTIFICATION OF MISSING PERSONS RELIEVES THE CITY OF HOSPITAL OR BURIAL EXPENSES. COLOR PHOTOS ILLUSTRATE THE ARTICLE, AND THE FORM USED FOR THE COMPUTERIZATION OF DENTAL RECORDS IS INCLUDED. (RFC)