Odontology

Forensic odontology is a sub-discipline of dental science which is involved with the relationship between dentistry and the law. As such, odontologists work in a variety of jurisdictions, and report to organizations such as the Coronial Services Centre of Victoria, the Supreme Court, the County Court, and the Magistrates Court. In Victoria, odontologists are based at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), and are called upon to provide services in a variety of circumstances and deal with a number of widely differing situations

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.

Expertise

The head consultant forensic odontologist has twenty years experience in forensic case work, mass disaster incidents, and education, and is currently the inaugural chair of forensic odontology at the University of Melbourne. 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.