Adherence to Forensic Odontology Examination Standards at an Academic Dental Center

Background: Forensic odontology is a vital branch of forensic science that involves the analysis and management of dental evidence in legal investigations. It plays a crucial role in identifying victims when DNA and other means of recognition are unavailable, such as in cases of fire, mass disasters and crimes. Dental records, including radiographs, bite marks, dental impressions and unique oral structures, serve as reliable tools for personal identification. This study evaluates the adherence to forensic odontology documentation standards at an academic dental center. Methods: With two calibrated reviewers and a research protocol that was deemed exempt, we manually reviewed charts to compare documentation at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry with ideal forensic odontology standards. Results are shown in Table 1. Results: Our findings demonstrate strong compliance except in relation to intraoral (only 5% of charts) and extraoral photography (0%). This highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and standardized dental records for legal and investigative purposes. Conclusions: The research findings suggest that while radiographic documentation and dental notation are well-maintained, the lack of standardized intraoral and extraoral photographs remains a challenge. By improving forensic documentation practices, dental professionals can enhance their contribution to forensic investigations and legal proceedings.