The Role of Forensic Odontology in Catastrophic Emergencies & Natural Disasters

Forensic Odontology has an important role in identifying individuals involved in a mass disaster or other tragedies. Forensic dentists have been used historically in victim identification and bitemark analysis. Emerging dental technology and changing methods in post-mortem identification have recently impacted this field.

After this lecture, attendees should be able to:

1. Understand the history, methodology, science, and recent advances in forensic odontology.
2. Be familiar with the dental role and dental equipment used in victim identification with regard to morgue settings, mass disasters, along with criminal cases.
3. Appreciate the importance of good record keeping in your own dental office in assisting the forensic odontologist.

Speakers:  

Robin Ainsworth, DDS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Comprehensive Dentistry and Biomaterials-Operative Dentistry