166 Forensic dentistrylimits of already challenged medical examiner and coroner budgets. DNA
analysis has also become a valuable tool used in conjunction with bitemark
identification analysis (see Chapter 14). By providing efficient, accurate, and
cost-effective human identification, forensic dentists play important roles in
death investigation.9.2 History of Dental IdentificationThe oldest known example of the identification of an individual confirmed by
teeth was reported by the Roman historian Cassius Dio (c. 165–c. 235 A.D.).
Aggripina the Younger, wife of Emperor Cassius and mother of future
Emperor Nero, contracted for the killing of a perceived rival, Lollia Paulina.
In his account Dio reported, “She did not recognize the woman’s head when it
was brought to her; she opened the mouth with her own hand and inspected
the teeth, which had certain peculiarities.”^4 Additional historical informa-
tion on the development of forensic dental identification can be found in
Chapter 2.9.3 Philosophy and Legal Basis for Dental IdentificationThe confirmation of the decedent’s identity serves several important purposes.
Bringing closure to a tragic or unexpected event will often give some
peace and closure to the immediate family members in their time of grief.
The anguish of not knowing is difficult for families. Although confirmation
of death may be terrible, it ultimately leads to the possibility of resolution of
a difficult time for family members.
For the legal settlement of estates, a death certificate is usually required.
A death certificate cannot be issued without confirmation of identity.
Payment of life insurance policy benefits also requires verification of death.
The cause and manner of death may be very important items of information
for life insurance companies and to the decedent’s family. Increased benefits
for accidental death or clauses precluding payment for deaths from suicide,
acts of war, or engaging in dangerous activities often mean that these cases
are decided in courts of law.
In multiple fatality incidents, identification of decedents is often difficult
and commingling of remains may occur. In these situations great care must
be taken to correlate all body fragments to the appropriate decedent. Dental
identification may provide an identified fragment to which other unknown
fragments can be compared. Even if no antemortem DNA profile is available
for that individual, fragments with the same DNA profile can be associated.
The combined use of DNA and dental comparison can help to ensure that all