From the Case Files of ... Forensic Odontology Revealed

Thursday, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Classroom:  Solana H&I

This course provides an inside look at working as a forensic odontologist in a large municipal agency, emphasizing practical application through real case files from Dr. Kenneth W. Aschheim, Assistant Chief Forensic Odontologist at the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Participants will explore the identification process, from photographing dental evidence to analyzing records and interpreting radiographs, while learning terminology, understanding the distinction between contextual and non-contextual identification, and examining the role of dental records in various forensic contexts, including high-profile cases and the development of standards by the ADA and ISO.

Learning Objectives
- Understand the role of forensic odontology in age determination, dental identification, and mass disaster scenarios by explaining processes such as age estimation, data transfer, and victim identification in forensic investigations.
- Analyze and apply dental records and radiographs for identification by requesting, interpreting, and comparing antemortem and postmortem data to confirm identity or exclusion.
- Evaluate the legal and practical aspects of forensic odontology in civil litigation and high-profile cases by applying techniques to real cases, understanding the impact of findings, and navigating the use of contextual and non-contextual evidence.