The Forensic Dentist-Solving Crimes And Bringing Closure To Grieving Families

Forensic dentists, also referred to as forensic odontologists, are trained in the identification of human remains and the sources of bite marks on victims in assault cases. Though they often have some of the same training as a practicing dentist like Bedich Joseph D DDS FAGD, their specializations have prepared them for a very different line of work. They are called when bodies are found in states of such advanced decomposition or destruction that they are unidentifiable except for dental remains. The identity of an attacker who leaves a bite mark on their victim can be verified by the unique characteristics of their bite and the skills of the forensic dentist.

Why do bodies need to be identified by forensic dentists?

There are legal, practical, and compassionate reasons why forensic dentists are called to identify bodies. Human teeth and tooth repair materials are the hardest components of the human body, and are often the only parts left when bodies are destroyed by fire or decompose over time.

Unlike fingerprint identification, which can draw from a huge database for possible matches, the forensic dentist must gather circumstantial evidence such as dental records of possible victims.

Forensic dentists are called for several reasons which include:

• Identification of human remains that are randomly discovered and cannot be identified by other means. Dental records of missing persons in the area will be matched with dental remains found at the scene.
• An event occurs such as a plane crash or building explosion in which there are mass casualties. The forensic dentist will use plane manifests or business employee information to gather dental records of possible victims. These will be used to match with partial dental remains found at the site.
• Verification of death for insurance or other legal claims.
• Identification of missing persons in order to bring closure to grieving families.

Bite mark analysis in criminal or abuse cases

Forensic dentists are often called to testify in cases where bite marks are present on victims. They analyze the bite radius and unique imprints of the bite marks and use this evidence to help to convict or exonerate the suspected attacker. 

One famous case of bite mark analysis resulting in prosecution was that of serial killer Ted Bundy. He bit some of his victims while sexually assaulting them and left bite marks which forensic dentists used to identify him as the perpetrator of the crimes. He was convicted and executed for his crimes.

Bite mark analysis is also used to help determine guilt or innocence in spousal or child abuse claims when the victim has sustained injuries from being bitten.

Forensic dentists have also been called to use their skills in civil court in cases of dental malpractice.

Although they can sometimes work from dental fragments or imprints given to them from crime scenes and accidents, forensic dentists must often work with badly decomposed bodies or at scenes of horrific carnage. Their work should be recognized for its difficulty and importance.