NCJ Number
174835
Editor(s)
P G Stimson,
C A Mertz
Date Published
1997
Length
316 pages
Annotation
Identifying unknown individuals and determining their age, race, and sex are among the most important functions of forensic dentistry, and forensic examination of dental evidence has been used throughout history to make difficult identifications.
Abstract
Other essential applications of forensic dentistry are used in mass disaster investigations, the evaluation of bite marks and bite mark evidence in death investigations, child abuse investigations, and the evaluation of oral or temporomandibular injuries related to accidents in civil litigation. The book explains forensic dentistry procedures in a comprehensive way and describes the proper handling and evaluation of dental evidence. The book's broad coverage provides important information for legal and police science professionals who must properly evaluate and present dental findings. The coverage also includes historic cases that illustrate the importance of dental evidence; living forensic examinations for rape, murder, and child abuse cases; and the examination of bite marks on both the victim and the accused. The book examines scientific methods of investigation, DNA identification, forensic anthropology, buried crime scene evidence, and forensic photography. Appendixes contain further information on bite mark citations, bite mark photographs, and sample exhumation release and retainer agreement forms. References, notes, figures, and photographs