FORENSIC DENTISTRY

Forensic dentistry Forensic dentistry is an investigative aspect of dentistry that analyzes dental evidence for human identification. The forensic dentist plays an important role in our justice system. This field of dentistry is divided into forensic odontology and jurisprudence (the science of law). Forensic odontologists study and identify teeth, jaws, prostheses, dental appliances, bite marks, dental injuries, and dental records in the interest of justice.

Forensic dentistry is one of a number of forensic sciences. Other forensic sciences are listed below: 1. FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY examines and interprets skeletal evidence with methods used by archaeologists and with knowledge of human biological variation. This evidence includes bones, teeth, hair, clothing, artifacts, and scene analysis. The examination considers time of death, age, sex, race, body size and weight, individualization, and the cause and manner of death.

2. FORENSIC PATHOLOGY AND BIOLOGY utilizes autopsy, tissue study, and review of medical records in the investigation of injury or death as a result of accident, homicide, or suicide. Legal responsibility usually resides with a medical examiner or coroner. The criteria for death is irreversible cerebral function. The forensic pathologist attempts to determine and report on the (a) cause, (b) manner (homicide, suicide, accident, or unknown), and (c) mechanism of death.

3. CRIMINALISTICS includes fingerprints, ballistics, tool marks (chisel, hammer, etc.), and scene investigation to identify and analyze physical evidence in order to reconstruct the crime and to connect or eliminate suspects and victims. 5. FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY examines and testifies about the aspects of legal sanity, human motivation, and possible personality profile. 4. TOXICOLOGY utilizes chemistry, photography, and biology to identify harmful substances within a body. These include medications, poisons, and illegal drugs.

6. FORENSIC ENGINEERING uses engineers to investigate incidents such as airplane crashes, auto accidents, and structural collapse. 7. QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS TECHNICIANS study and report about printing, typewriting, handwriting, ink, paper, and other features of documents.

8. GENERAL FORENSICS involves other specialists who are qualified to analyze specific evidence such as designers, photographers, and technical experts. They might report, for example, in a case of product liability associated with death or injury. 9. FORENSIC JURISPRUDENCE involves criminal and civil lawyers using the earlier described specialists, reports, and testimony to pursue their case in our system of justice.

Notes: forensic dentistry судебная стоматология homicide убийство suicide самоубийство; суицид coroner следователь, производящий дознания в случаях насильственной или скоропостижной смерти.

What is forensic dentistry?

Forensic dentistry is an investigative aspect of dentistry that analyzes dental evidence for human identification.

What examines forensic anthropology?

FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY examines and interprets skeletal evidence with methods used by archaeologists and with knowledge of human biological variation.