Odontology

Forensic odontology is a sub-discipline of dental science which is involved with the relationship between dentistry and the law. Forensic Odontology is involved in the identification of deceased persons, facial trauma analysis, bite-mark analysis, facial approximation / constructions, superimposition and Disaster Victim Identification. The Odontology section is within Human Identification Services (HIS) based at the VIFM.

The VIFM has utilized the services of consultant forensic odontologists on a regular basis for the last twelve years. The discipline of odontology has been recognised as a separate sub-discipline of dental science for many years, being utilized for the purpose of identification of unknown deceased persons as far back as the charity bazaar fire in Paris in 1897. In modern times, the VIFM utilizes forensic odontologists in a number of capacities.

Identification of the deceased

First and foremost is the identification of deceased persons who are unable to be visually identified for a variety of reasons. The effects of fire, putrefaction, fragmentation, and/or a combination of the above, preclude the possibility of identification by viewing of the remains, and so a more rational scientific approach is required in order to fulfill this vital function. The use of dental record comparison for the purpose of identity confirmation has been proven to be a rapid, cheap, and reliable method.

Facial trauma analysis

Secondly odontologists are consulted in matters of analysis of facial trauma and bone fracture, especially when this involves the oro-facial skeletal structures. In this situation odontologists are able to provide information regarding the degree of force required to produce such injuries, and occasionally to aid in the determination of the weapon used.

Analysis of bitemarks

Thirdly, odontologists are playing an increasing role in the analysis of bitemark injuries inflicted during assaults upon people, by both humans and animals. To this end, much research is being done to enhance the evidentiary value of this difficult analytical problem to further aid the legal authorities in the quest for truth and justice.

Disaster Victim Identification

Fourthly, odontologists perform an integral role in the provision of disaster victim identification services in the event of a mass fatality incident. This was very apparent in the recent Bali tragedy, where odontologists from the VIFM played a vital role in the identification of many of the victims of this act of terror.

Facial Approximation / Reconstruction

Fifthly, when only skeletal elements remain, the technique of sculpting facial features over the cranium, mandible and associated dentitions utilising clay or artistic skills may be used. The techniques used rely on the assumption that the facial features are determined by the underlying hard skeletal elements.

Superimposition

Sixthly, superimposition methods are based upon overlaying an antemortem image of a known individual over an unknown image of a recovered cranium and mandible to determine if concordant points are evident. The process may be achieved using simple photographic superimposition or video superimposition, but in the future, digital and computerised techniques will be employed.

Expertise

The head consultant forensic odontologist has twenty years experience in forensic case work, mass disaster incidents in Bali, Thailand and Indonesia, and in teaching odontology in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Nepal. The other members of the odontology team are committed in their endeavours to further develop the provision of forensic services to Victoria, and to educate others as to the benefits odontology can bring to death investigation throughout Australia and the world. There is currently a Master student and a PhD student working in the field of forensic odontology investigating aging methods in Victorian population demographics.