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Wood RE, Gardner T. Forensic odontology in DVI-A path forward. J Forensic Sci 2023. [PMID: 37929668 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Dental identification is a pillar of disaster victim identification (DVI). Dental identification is accurate, efficient, inexpensive, and accepted in courts of law. The (known) antemortem (AM) dental charts and radiographic images acquired from the dentist of the missing person are evaluated, processed, and compared to post mortem (PM) findings present in the dentition or fragments of the dentition of the deceased individual. These comparisons evaluate and assess individuating restorative dental work, dental anatomical areas of concordance, spatial relationships of teeth one to another, and occasionally calculate the degree of "uniqueness" of either or both of the AM and PM dentition compared to known population databases. In a multiple fatality incident, odontologists may utilize age stratification to assist other means of identification. Computer comparison algorithms using recorded data can indicate possible matches between AM and PM data sets. Following clinical assessment, collection of post mortem tooth specimens for DNA profiling generation may be undertaken. This paper will highlight modern and efficient use of these tools. The framework for how dental identification in these incidents is currently managed is presented. The authors propose a change to this approach that moves away from interpretive subjective assessment toward comparisons based largely on objective data. The aim of this paper is to highlight the benefits of minimizing subjective decisions and maximizing objective data in the dental DVI process while simultaneously reducing risk to clinical personnel and minimizing costs by reducing the number of clinicians required onsite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Wood
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taylor Gardner
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Forensic odontology with digital technologies: A systematic review. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 74:102004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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de Boer HH, Blau S, Delabarde T, Hackman L. The role of forensic anthropology in disaster victim identification (DVI): recent developments and future prospects. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 4:303-315. [PMID: 32002489 PMCID: PMC6968550 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1480460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensic anthropological knowledge has been used in disaster victim identification (DVI) for over a century, but over the past decades, there have been a number of disaster events which have seen an increasing role for the forensic anthropologist. The experiences gained from some of the latest DVI operations have provided valuable lessons that have had an effect on the role and perceived value of the forensic anthropologist as part of the team managing the DVI process. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which forensic anthropologists may contribute to DVI with emphasis on how recent experiences and developments in forensic anthropology have augmented these contributions. Consequently, this paper reviews the value of forensic anthropological expertise at the disaster scene and in the mortuary, and discusses the way in which forensic anthropologists may use imaging in DVI efforts. Tissue-sampling strategies for DNA analysis, especially in the case of disasters with a large amount of fragmented remains, are also discussed. Additionally, consideration is given to the identification of survivors; the statistical basis of identification; the challenges related to some specific disaster scenarios; and education and training. Although forensic anthropologists can play a valuable role in different phases of a DVI operation, they never practice in isolation. The DVI process requires a multidisciplinary approach and, therefore, has a close collaboration with a range of forensic specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans H. de Boer
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Soren Blau
- Department of Forensic Services, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia
| | | | - Lucina Hackman
- Centre for Anatomy and Human ID (CAHID), University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Gorza L, Mânica S. Accuracy of dental identification of individuals with unrestored permanent teeth by visual comparison with radiographs of mixed dentition. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:337-343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ohtani M, Oshima T, Mimasaka S. Extra-oral dental radiography for disaster victims using a flat panel X-ray detector and a hand-held X-ray generator. THE JOURNAL OF FORENSIC ODONTO-STOMATOLOGY 2017; 35:28-34. [PMID: 29384734 PMCID: PMC6100224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forensic odontologists commonly incise the skin for post-mortem dental examinations when it is difficult to open the victim's mouth. However, it is prohibited by law to incise dead bodies without permission in Japan. Therefore, we attempted using extra-oral dental radiography, using a digital X-ray equipment with rechargeable batteries, to overcome this restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS A phantom was placed in the prone position on a table, and three plain dental radiographs were used per case: "lateral oblique radiographs" for left and right posterior teeth and a "contact radiograph" for anterior teeth were taken using a flat panel X-ray detector and a hand-held X-ray generator. The resolving power of the images was measured by a resolution test chart, and the scattered X-ray dose was measured using an ionization chamber-type survey meter. RESULTS The resolving power of the flat panel X-ray detector was 3.0 lp/mm, which was less than that of intra-oral dental methods, but the three extra-oral plain dental radiographs provided the overall dental information from outside of the mouth, and this approach was less time-consuming. In addition, the higher dose of scattered X-rays was laterally distributed, but the dose per case was much less than that of intra-oral dental radiographs. CONCLUSION Extra-oral plain dental radiography can be used for disaster victim identification by dental methods even when it is difficult to open the mouth. Portable and rechargeable devices, such as a flat panel X-ray detector and a hand-held X-ray generator, are convenient to bring and use anywhere, even at a disaster scene lacking electricity and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ohtani
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - T Oshima
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - S Mimasaka
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
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Andrade VM, Stibich CA, de Santa Martha PM, de Almeida CAP, Vieira ADCD. Identification of a Carbonized Body Using Implanted Surgical Plates: The Importance of Computed Tomography. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:1374-1378. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Moreira Andrade
- Forensic Odontology Service; Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute; Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 300 Centro, CEP 20220-310 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Christian Abreu Stibich
- Forensic Odontology Service; Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute; Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 300 Centro, CEP 20220-310 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Paulo Maurício de Santa Martha
- Forensic Odontology Service; Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute; Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 300 Centro, CEP 20220-310 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Casimiro Abreu Possante de Almeida
- Forensic Odontology Service; Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute; Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 300 Centro, CEP 20220-310 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
- Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry; Forensic Dentistry Service; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Prédio do CCS, Bloco K, 2° andar, Sala 56, Ilha da Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Andrea de Castro Domingos Vieira
- Department of Pathology and Oral Diagnosis; Radiology Service; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Prédio do CCS, Bloco K, 2° andar, Sala 56, Ilha da Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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Eliášová H, Dostálová T. 3D Multislice and Cone-beam Computed Tomography Systems for Dental Identification. Prague Med Rep 2017; 118:14-25. [PMID: 28364571 DOI: 10.14712/23362936.2017.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
3D Multislice and Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in forensic odontology has been shown to be useful not only in terms of one or a few of dead bodies but also in multiple fatality incidents. 3D Multislice and Cone-beam computed tomography and digital radiography were demonstrated in a forensic examination form. 3D images of the skull and teeth were analysed and validated for long ante mortem/post mortem intervals. The image acquisition was instantaneous; the images were able to be optically enlarged, measured, superimposed and compared prima vista or using special software and exported as a file. Digital radiology and computer tomography has been shown to be important both in common criminalistics practices and in multiple fatality incidents. Our study demonstrated that CBCT imaging offers less image artifacts, low image reconstruction times, mobility of the unit and considerably lower equipment cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Eliášová
- Department of Anthropology, Biology and Physiodetection, Institute of Criminalistics, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Taťjana Dostálová
- Department of Stomatology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Curi JP, Beaini TL, Silva RHAD, Melani RFH, Chilvarquer I, Crosato EM. Guidelines for reproducing geometrical aspects of intra-oral radiographs images on cone-beam computed tomography. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 271:68-74. [PMID: 28068573 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human identification requires comparison of individual traits of a person, depending on the availability and reproduction of antemortem (AM) records. If there is no presumed identity or AM exams are not available for comparison, the production of postmortem (PM) records is impaired. The purpose of this research is to describe and test standards to enable the comparison of antemortem periapical radiographs to images extracted from the manipulation of postmortem CBCT exams in multiple identification simulations in a randomized blind study. In a simulation, 20 CBCT images from dry skulls were used as PM records and 3 periapical radiographs (total of 60) that were randomized and blinded from the first examiner. In each case, an intentional incidence error of 10° was added in four different directions. Three points were selected in the AM radiograph, and the angle, linear measurements and proportion between these distances were collected. The AM data were used to mathematically find similar image geometry on a CBCT maximum intensity projection. Possible identification by superimposition was achieved in all cases, and statistical analysis proved the success in the reproduction of angular and length proportion using CBCT incidence manipulation. Significant reproducibility was also observed on intra- and inter-observer tests. In conclusion, the images extracted from CBCT could be compared to any periapical radiographs by superimposition, providing acceptable evidence to establish human identification. The application of this protocol is suitable for forensic practices with the high level of reproducibility and could be used as PM record when no AM records are available at the time of the exam.
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Abstract
Digital dental radiography, intraoral and extraoral, is becoming more popular in dental practice. It offers convenience, such as lower exposure to radiation, ease of storing of images, and elimination of chemical processing. However, it also has disadvantages and drawbacks. One of these is the potential for confusion of the orientation of the image. This paper outlines one example of this, namely, the lateral inversion of the image. This source of confusion is partly inherent in the older model of phosphor storage plates (PSPs), as they allow both sides to be exposed without clue to the fact that the image is acquired on the wrong side. The native software allows digital manipulation of the X-ray image, permitting both rotation and inversion. Attempts to orientate the X-ray according to the indicator incorporated on the plate can then sometimes lead to inadvertent lateral inversion of the image. This article discusses the implications of such mistakes in dental digital radiography to forensic odontology and general dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher-Lin Chiam
- Specialist Forensic Odontology, General Dental Practitioner, Australia
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Berketa JW. Maximizing postmortem oral-facial data to assist identification following severe incineration. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013; 10:208-16. [PMID: 24158682 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper reviews the literature for methods of maximizing the postmortem oral-facial information available for a comparison to be made for identification following an incident resulting in incineration. METHOD A search was initially instigated utilizing PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, with further library searches and correspondences among peers around the world leading to a comprehensive review of the literature. CONCLUSION Maximizing postmortem dental evidence in a severe incineration event requires correct recognition and recording of dental data. Odontologists should attend the scene to facilitate this recognition. The information should be documented, photographed, and stabilized before retrieval. Wrapping, padding, and further support of the remains during transportation to the examination mortuary will aid this process. Examination at the mortuary requires further photography, complete charting, and radiographic examination of any dental material available, as well as awareness of other possible medical evidence, to enable identification of the human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Berketa
- Forensic Odontology Unit, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia,
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Pinchi V, Norelli GA, Caputi F, Fassina G, Pradella F, Vincenti C. Dental identification by comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental radiographs: Influence of operator qualifications and cognitive bias. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 222:252-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Forrest AS. Collection and recording of radiological information for forensic purposes. Aust Dent J 2012; 57 Suppl 1:24-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2011.01658.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lake AW, James H, Berketa JW. Disaster victim identification: quality management from an odontology perspective. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2011; 8:157-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-011-9286-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Forensic odontology involvement in disaster victim identification. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2011; 8:148-56. [PMID: 21952930 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-011-9279-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victims of mass casualty events. Forensic odontology is involved in all five phases-Scene, Postmortem, Antemortem, Reconciliation and Debrief. Forward planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardization are essential to guarantee an effective response. A Standard Operation Procedure should be utilized to maximize quality, facilitate occupation and health issues, maintain security and form a structure to the relief program. Issues that must be considered in the management of the forensic odontology component of disaster victim identification are given in "Appendix 1". Each stage of the disaster, from initial notification to debrief, is analyzed and a comprehensive checklist of actions suggested.
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