Forensic Dentistry, Second Edition

402 Forensic dentistry

17.10 Conduct a Detailed Search for

Forensic Dental Evidence

In cases where the odontologist is requested to respond to a field event, the
expertise inherent in being able to recognize dental structures and differ-
entiate them from background debris and nonhuman remains becomes an
invaluable search tool. This discriminatory eye for dental-specific evidence
is also a key component of differentiating pattern injuries from bitemarks
during a “search” of a human body. In either case, some basic tenets to con-
ducting an effective search are applicable:

1. Utilize a repeatable search pattern, avoiding purposeless, meander-
   ing movements.


2. Search in layers recognizing odontological evidence may be under
   other evidence.


3. Photograph all evidence items prior to collection (utilize a photo-
   graphic log).


4. Sketch all evidence items prior to collection.


5. All items collected by the odontologist should be entered on an evi-
   dence recovery log, witnessed by at least two individuals, and noted
   on a chain-of-custody document.


6. The most successful searches are typically the most difficult and
   time-consuming.


7. You cannot overdocument the collection of physical/ odontological
   evidence.

17.11 Record and Collect the Odontological Evidence

Once all forensic dental evidence is identified via a detailed search, it should
be collected for further odontological analysis. This again refers more to
field operations and less to a box of skeletal remains delivered to your office.
It is important to note that appropriate evidence collection and packaging
conventions, as listed below, may not have been followed by certain entities
dropping off the box of dental models, patient records, or skeletal remains
for forensic dental analysis. The odontologist would be well served to make
notes of any unusual or patently unacceptable packaging techniques, lack
of substantiating documentation (evidence log, chain-of-custody document)
regarding delivered evidence, or omissions of evidence with regard to any
lists or logs provided to the examiner.
Once evidence is photographed, sketched in place, and entered onto an
evidence recovery log by item number and detailed description (Table 17.3);