NCJ Number
189836
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 3 Issue: 11 Dated: August, 2001 Pages: 1-3
Date Published
August 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This report examines preparing for the role of a dental team for a mass casualty situation as it pertains to forensic identification of victims.
Abstract
Successful dental forensic identification involves the collection, preservation, and scientific analysis of dental remains. Dental forensic identification of victims is initiated at the request of the medical examiner (ME), who may be a local medical pathologist or a part of a medical examiner team. The local dental team should be prepared either to support an augmentation team from the ME or to otherwise complete the mission as requested by the ME. Dental analysis may be one of several methods of identification available to the medical examiner. Dental analysis remains a rapid and reliable method of forensic identification but hinges upon the availability of antemortem records. Military dental records containing radiographs, charting, and treatment logs are ideal for this purpose. Inadequate and missing dental records have been noted to present problems to forensic missions. Postmortem examination of dental evidence should be recorded and labeled in a format that promotes ease of comparison with antemortem records. Written documentation of the forensic identification team results should be recorded and a copy submitted to the medical examiner along with a copy of the antemortem charting, a copy of the postmortem charting and a copy of the radiographs. Liaison must first be established within the dental staff. A list of experienced and interested dental personnel should be maintained and updated regularly. Liaison with the pathology department is essential. A point of contact with the mental health team should be established for psychological debriefs of the dental team as needed, based on the mission duration and extent. Stress has been identified as a problem area.