dental identification in multiple Fatality incidents 255
the actual time of service helps with this transition and is essential to the
well-being of workers.
12.7 Odontology Section
The classic dental section model included antemortem, postmortem, and
comparison sections, but response to large incidents in recent years has
resulted in more modern dental morgue operations.^6 These operations have
taken advantage of technological advances, and that the classic model has
changed somewhat. The details of those changes will be discussed below.
The tasks, in general, have not changed. Postmortem section members still
examine , photograph, and take radiographs of the victims. Antemortem
section members remain responsible for locating, interpreting, and archiving
antemortem records. With the advent of instantaneous digital information
from the postmortem section, these same antemortem team members will
often also compare antemortem and postmortem data. Commonly, the
postmortem section will be very busy for the first part of the operation.
As postmortem examination rates slow or are completed on all victims, the
postmortem team members can be transferred to the antemortem section
to assist with antemortem duties and make comparisons. The overall odon-
tology section is headed by the chief odontologist. This position can rotate
among designated individuals over extended operations. Operations in the
odontology section are under the authority of the chief odontologist and all
dental identifications are reviewed and approved by the chief.
Pr ior pla n ni ng is essent ia l. The post mor tem tea m requ i res autopsy i nst r u-
ments, personal protective equipment, radiography equipment, clerical equip-
ment, and sundries. A cache of equipment must be assembled along with an
accurate inventory. After each activity the inventory must be refreshed and
repacked. Any adjustments to the cache can be done during operations, but
need to be noted and corrected in the inventory. The antemortem team will
also require a cache of equipment to allow them to accomplish their assign-
ments. These items have been listed many times in several publications. The
reference listing at the end of this chapter will have most of the articles and
equipment lists. There are many suggested equipment lists, but the most
important thing is that there is one that is consistent with the training and
needs of that team. A manual prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice
entitled Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Human Forensic Identification
(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij) details the needs of each part of an MFI operation.^2
Each operation has its unique needs, and adjustments to these required
inventories can be made. It is also wise to list all outside resources available
for help with disposables and other sundries.^7