Benefits Of Forensic Odontology

Forensic odontology is becoming a more ubiquitous method of human identification following gruesome deaths, disasters, and crimes. Usually, the first step in forensic odontology is the comparison of antemortem (before death) dental records and postmortem (after death) dental records (Source 1). Antemortem dental records are useful to match the victim with the cadaver; for instance, if a known person is missing and a body is found, forensic odontologists are able to examine the dental status of the cadaver and analyze any possible correlations to the dental conditions of the victim before death. Victims will not always have clear, accessible dental profiles. In that case, analysis begins with the observations of the cadaver to make identity deductions, enabling specialists to choose the information that best fits the characteristics of the deceased individual (Source 1). This method is called comparative identification. During the comparison process, the ultimate goal is to note

Forensic odontology procedures are regulated by the American Board of Forensic Odontology, or the ABFO. The primary purpose of the ABFO is to make sure that every forensic odontologist is qualified in expertise to serve the government’s needs in the judicial branch, for instance (ABFO website). This board sets a standard procedure to reach conclusions when identifying deceased individuals. The conclusions are categorized into four parts: positive identification, possible identification, insufficient evidence, and exclusion (Source 2). Positive identification is when there is a one hundred percent match between antemortem and postmortem data, whereas exclusion is when there is a vast inconsistency between the antemortem data and observations found. Possible identification and insufficient evidence lie between the two extremes, and it is then recommended to exercise other techniques to make solid