The jurisprudence of forensic odontology in criminal cases has become increasingly contested in the use of criminal court cases. Dental evidence can be used in quite a few ways.

First, there is age determination, which can be made through the size and shape of the teeth, the dentition, or the transparency of tooth roots. Age determination is often used when human remains are uncovered at archaeological sites.

Second is identification. Forensic odontology is especially helpful in cases of mass disasters or when facial recognition is inconclusive, as the teeth are one of the hardest substances in the human body, and can withstand chemicals, fire, or other substances that further the deterioration of the human body. In cases of mass disaster, identification can be made through missing persons databases and ante mortem dental databases. The Haiti earthquake in 2010 left a number of victims, not all of who were easily identified. By looking at the victims’ teeth and creating an age estimation, it was easier to identify the victims. Carbon-14 dating also allowed for experts to pinpoint the age of the victims at the time of death, leading to accurate identification (this is the same practice that allows for age estimation of remains found on archaeological sites). Tsunamis in Japan and Thailand have also made up a large percentage of cases where victims were identified through forensic odontology. However, the need for forensic odontology in identifying victims of mass disasters could easily be avoided through disaster planning and missing person databases.

Internet: <www.dental.umaryland.edu> (adapted).