Forensic odontology can be defined as the application of “tooth science” to the legal system, or in other words, the examination and evaluation of dental evidence that is then presented in court.  Most people associate forensic dentistry with identification however other aspects of the discipline are just as important, including:

• cranio-facial trauma analysis including the degree of force required to produce injuries

• age estimation – for both living and deceased individuals

• dental manifestations of child abuse

• bite mark analysis

• human identification (including mass fatality victim identification).

• dental malpractice/insurance fraud investigations

• superimposition including photographic or digital methods.

Odontologists assist in 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 fulfil this vital function.

Forensic odontology experts work across the medico-legal spectrum and work closely with forensic pathologists, clinical forensic medical practitioners, forensic anthropologists, and forensic scientists.  Forensic odontology practitioners require formal qualifications and ongoing training in order to satisfy the evidence based needs of the courts and the justice system.

Forensic anthropology is the examination and analysis of differentially preserved human remains. Anthropologists determine information about an individual’s ancestry, sex, age at death, stature, and the circumstances and manner of their death. This information assists police in the initial stages of missing person investigations. In addition, the forensic anthropologist advises on the most suitable sample for DNA analysis.

Our anthropologists may attend a scene to assist in the search for, and recovery of, surface and buried human remains and associated evidence. They work with police to locate and investigate anomalies to confirm or deny the presence of human remains. In cases where human remains are located, the forensic anthropologist plays an important role in the professional recovery of the remains ensuring all skeletal elements and associated evidence is collected.

Initial assessments made by the forensic anthropologists include whether the material is osseous (bone) or non-osseous, and in cases where the remains are skeletal, whether the skeletal remains are of human or non-human origin. Remains are then examined to determine evidence of trauma and whether a determination can be made as to the timing and mechanism of trauma. Interpretation of trauma may have relevance to the understanding the circumstances around the death.