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– A Case Report

Ed de la Vega, DDS ,Canoga Park, California

FORENSIC DENTISTRY: THE KEY TO UNLOCKING MANY MYSTERIES 

Teeth DNA Solves Court Cases 

(New York, NY – July 30, 2001) – New research showing that teeth are one of the best repositories for DNA in the human body is quickly setting a precedence in courtrooms across the nation. Using DNA dental technology, in conjunction with traditional means of body identification, has helped solve hundreds of cases in the past fifty years. Forensic dentistry is also one of the most valuable investigative tools available today to link crime suspects with their victims. 

With several high-profile missing persons cases in the news today, the topic of forensic dentistry is gaining importance and attention as investigators attempt to piece together several yet-unsolved puzzles. 

R. Tom Glass, DDS, PhD, will discuss the relevance of forensics to the dentistry practiced everyday by general dentists during the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) 49th Annual Meeting in New York City, August 2 – 5, 2001. A leading expert in the field of forensic dentistry, and director of the Forensic Sciences Graduate Program at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Glass will explain the importance of dental records in both criminal and civil actions. 

"From using bite mark analysis to prove your neighbor’s dog bit your child to the extreme cases of identifying bodies, forensic dentistry is an important part of dentistry that all dentists should know about," said Dr. Glass. 

Purposes of Identification 
Teeth provide investigators and forensic experts with an excellent resource for identifying people involved in catastrophic situations and missing persons cases. The protective qualities of the human tooth keep the inner pulp safe (where DNA is stored) and can preserve this tissue even under the most extreme external conditions. 

"Without dental records and the expert analysis provided by dentists, an incomplete picture would be painted in criminal and civil investigations, as well as in body identification," said Dr. Glass. "Forensic dentistry can provide the verification needed to achieve legal justice while providing emotional closure to those involved." 

In catastrophic cases, a dentist can help officials identify victims when no other identifiers are available. Dr. Glass played a leading role in identifying 77 percent of the victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing disaster using their dental records. Without proper identification of these victims, Timothy McVeigh would not have been charged with their murders under the writ of Habeas Corpus. 

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"The importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date dental records cannot be underscored enough," said Dr. Glass. "Without the benefit of accurate dental records, countless court cases and criminal investigations would flounder, leaving little recourse to those affected." 

Dr. Thomas Glass is one of more than 70 clinicians presenting the latest developments in oral health and technology at the Academy of General Dentistry’s 49th Annual Meeting, August 2 – 5, 2001 in New York City. Dr. Glass’ course "Forensic Dentistry: The Dentistry You Practice Everyday Whether You Know it or Not," will be held on August 2, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the New York Hilton and Towers in the Murray Hill A room. 

The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients oral health needs. 

This article provided by
www.HealthNewsDigest.com 

Last Updated October 2004

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