Dentistry & Odontology

Forensic dentistry is the application of dental knowledge and techniques to help solve legal issues. It is a subfield of forensic science that involves the examination, identification, and evaluation of dental evidence in order to provide information that can be used in a court of law. 

Forensic dentists may be called upon to examine dental records, teeth, and other dental evidence in order to identify individuals, establish cause of death, or determine the age or identity of an individual. They may also be asked to evaluate bite marks and other dental injuries in order to provide testimony in criminal cases. 

Forensic dentistry can be a valuable tool in a variety of legal cases, including criminal investigations, civil litigation, and identification of missing persons. Forensic dentists work closely with law enforcement agencies and other organizations to help solve legal issues and provide expert testimony in court cases.

Forensic odontology is a branch of forensic dentistry that involves the examination of teeth and other dental evidence in order to provide information that can be used in legal proceedings. Here is an example of how forensic odontology might be used: 

• Identification of human remains: When human remains are found and the identity of the individual is unknown, forensic odontologists may be called upon to examine the teeth in order to identify the person. They can use dental records, such as x-rays and photographs, to compare the teeth to known records and determine the identity of the individual. 

• Determining cause of death: In some cases, forensic odontologists may be asked to examine teeth and other dental evidence in order to determine the cause of death. For example, they may be able to identify fractures or other injuries to the teeth that could indicate trauma or other physical injuries. 

• Evaluating bite marks: Forensic odontologists may be asked to evaluate bite marks on a victim or on an object in order to identify the perpetrator of a crime. They can compare the characteristics of the bite marks to the teeth of a suspect in order to determine whether the suspect could have made the marks. 

• Age determination: Forensic odontologists may also be called upon to determine the age of an individual based on the development and wear of the teeth. This can be useful in cases where the age of an individual is in dispute or when the individual's age is unknown. 

Overall, forensic odontology is a valuable tool that can help to provide important evidence in a variety of legal cases.