Forensic Dentistry, Second Edition

404 Forensic dentistry

procedures and protocols employed by the forensic dentist relative to a specific

case, it is hoped that crucial mistakes or omissions, potentially affecting any

legal outcome, can be avoided or detected and corrected. The odontologist

should ensure that all dental evidence was photographed and sketched prior

to collection, and that all collected evidence is accounted for. Any instru-

ments, tools, and work products utilized at the scene should be gathered and

inventoried for completeness. Critical issues should be addressed, such as

ensuring that the evidentiary search has encompassed all possible venues, all

essential documentation has been accurately completed, and no assumptions

were made that would prove to be incorrect in the future. If the above crite-

ria are satisfied at the final survey, it is recommended that exit photographs

be taken (and logged) depicting the final status of the search site, human

remains, etc. These images could prove to be invaluable in future claims

against the dentist for damages to persons or property purportedly as a result

of the odontological examination.

17.13 Release the Scene

In the case of forensic odontology, the odontologist is released from the

scene (or releases evidence previously turned in for dental analysis). Upon

completing all necessary odontological evidence collection and analysis

procedures, the forensic dentist’s role in the processing of said evidence is

terminated. The odontologist should ensure that lead investigators or refer-

ring professionals are aware of the completed collection/examination of the

dental evidence, giving them one final chance to revisit any omissions on

their part. There are not many legal alibis should something be overlooked

during the execution of a search warrant; thus, it’s best to get it right the

first time.

17.14 Summary

The aforementioned evidence management guidelines, while not being
all-inclusive, should provide an easy-to-follow framework for the forensic
dentist during most aspects of odontological examinations and analyses.
In practice, the twelve guidelines may occasionally be combined or adjusted
for field expediency, resulting in a user-friendly protocol set that will serve as
an adjunct to the existing evidence collection standards and practices in use
by most forensic odontologists.