ABSTRACT
ME/C may augment their autopsy personnel with a forensic odontologist or use a contracted or volunteer forensic odontologist or dentist. Without board certification, the minimum qualifiers to practice forensic odontology are the completion of an accredited dental education, a DDS or DMD degree, or state licensure (requirements vary).† The main role of a forensic odontologist in MP/UP cases is to provide an opinion about comparisons of charts, records, and radiographs from a UD and the dental information of an MP. An investigative lead is usually necessary to establish a presumed identity for the UD. When an opinion is rendered, it should indicate one of four classifications: positive identification, possible identification, insufficient evidence, and exclusion.‡
The purpose of this chapter is to provide information about the functions of dentistry in UD/UHR investigations, including
• Role of the forensic odontologist • Environment in which the profession functions • Resources that support the forensic dentist or odontologist • Sufficient understanding of odontology to make strategy develop-
ment choices • Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
The CJIS initiated the National Dental Image/Information Repository (NDIR) in 2005.* NDIR may be accessed through Law Enforcement Online for agencies to upload dental information and images related to missing, wanted, and unidentified persons. The files are maintained to assist agencies with completing NCIC MP and UP reports; the NDIR files are stored and retrieved in folders that are assigned NCIC case numbers. An experienced odontologist reviews newly submitted records and compares them with extant NCIC records for accuracy and consistency.† All 18,000plus law enforcement agencies can use NDIR and NCIC for automated searching.
