ODONTOLOGY AND MASS DISASTERS
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Authors
Rivamonte, Andrew Alido
Issue Date
2004
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
Odontology or forensic dentistry is the application of the art and science of dentistry to questions in the law. This paper analyzes the use of odontology in cases of mass disaster victim identification and attempts to answer the question of whether dental evidence can be used as a sole elon for positive identification in mass disasters. Additionally, the roles and composition of dental identification teams are examined to determine whether identification can be made when using dental evidence.
Mass disasters occur when numbers exceed the capacity of the local jurisdiction responsible for victim identification and has eight or more victims. Nineteen mass disasters are reviewed for this study. Results indicate that dental evidence cannot be used as a sole tool for identification in mass disasters and that the roles and composition of dental identification teams determine whether identification can be made when using dental evidence.