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John Berketa

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Papers by John Berketa

Disaster Victim Management: Role of Forensic Odontology

Elsevier eBooks, 2024

Forensic odontology involvement in disaster victim identification

Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, Sep 28, 2011

Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victim... more Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victims of mass casualty events. Forensic odontology is involved in all five phases-Scene, Postmortem, Antemortem, Reconciliation and Debrief. Forward planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardization are essential to guarantee an effective response. A Standard Operation Procedure should be utilized to maximize quality, facilitate occupation and health issues, maintain security and form a structure to the relief program. Issues that must be considered in the management of the forensic odontology component of disaster victim identification are given in ''Appendix 1''. Each stage of the disaster, from initial notification to debrief, is analyzed and a comprehensive checklist of actions suggested.

The use of incinerated pig head in dental identification simulation

PubMed, Dec 1, 2015

Purpose: The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to al... more Purpose: The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to allow training in documentation of postmortem incinerated remains and reconciliation of dental data. Method: Varying number of restorations were placed in ten pig heads. The teeth and restorations were charted, with the restorations radiographed and documented, creating an ante-mortem data set. The following day the heads were cremated. Following cooling and recording they were transported for a post-mortem examination by trained specialist odontologists who were not involved in the initial antemortem phase. Recordings included the charting of teeth, restorations, lost teeth, and radiographs to simulate a post-mortem examination. A reconciliation of postmortem to antemortem information was attempted. Results: There was an unacceptable amount of error in the postmortem examination of the heads. The errors related mainly to avulsed teeth and incorrect opinion of which charted surfaces the restorations were placed upon. Also noted were a considerable number of root fractures occurring beneath the crestal bone. This observation does not mimic the evidence observed in human incinerated teeth where the crowns tend to fracture off the roots at the dentin-enamel junction. Conclusion: The use of incinerated pig (Sus Scrofa) heads is not an ideal model for forensic odontology training in disaster victim identification. Differences in both anatomy and behavior following exposure to heat were shown to hamper documentation and subsequent comparison to antemortem data.

Stabilisation of dental structures of severely incinerated victims at disaster scenes to facilitate human identification

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Oct 1, 2017

Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accide... more Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accident related incineration, leave victims with limited prospects of being accurately identified. Due to their morphology and anatomical position teeth are uniquely protected in incineration cases and via comparison to dental records often provide the only scientifically valid means of identification. However, extreme heat and direct exposure to flame can render the teeth extremely fragile and vulnerable to damage and loss especially during collection and transportation to the mortuary. Here we highlight the advantages of forensic odontology assistance at the scene of such events and discuss techniques and protocols applied to actual cases in which these processes were used to facilitate the identification of incineration victims.

Under the Lens: A Report on Global Dental Morphology Modules

International Journal of Morphology

Dental morphology (DM) is the first introduction of dental graduates towards the identification o... more Dental morphology (DM) is the first introduction of dental graduates towards the identification of tooth; hence it is an important component of the dental curriculum. Traditionally, it is taught by manual carving of wax blocks, but the limitations of this method have been highlighted. There is a need to adopt innovative teaching methodologies to invigorate the concepts of dental anatomy (DA) and reduce the stress in teaching and learning with a proposal in standardization of training methodologies worldwide. Methods: A three-phased project was designed with an aim to collect global data related to teaching dental morphology within the dental curriculum. One dental professional actively involved in university teaching of DM subject was invited from 11 countries. The present study involved compilation of data from phase 1 questionnaire responses, followed by its discussion and analysis, and generation of preliminary report. Results: It is universally acknowledged that acquiring dental morphology knowledge by dentists is a prerequisite before they commence clinical practice. Our data points that no uniformity in DA course modules exists throughout the world and globally the subject requires curriculum redesigning. Conclusions: Consensus should be achieved amongst academicians in DM teaching and learning context. Innovative and standardized DM modules with component of computer-based and remote learning techniques should also be introduced.

Disaster Victim Management: Role of Forensic Odontology

Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2016

Forensic odontology is the branch of dentistry that applies dental science to the law. Legal inve... more Forensic odontology is the branch of dentistry that applies dental science to the law. Legal investigation involving dentistry may include human identification, oro-facial trauma, and dental malpractice. In many countries identification of the deceased is both a legal requirement to progress estate management and a social obligation to allow closure for relatives. In single and multiple fatality incidents odontology can assist authorities assigning identity to deceased persons. This chapter outlines the basis for dental involvement in identifying the dead and presents key concepts for each stage of the dental identification process.

Dental identification practices across Australia

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2021

The utilization of small amounts of residual endodontic material for dental identification

The Journal of forensic odonto-stomatology, 2019

Dental information is one of the three scientific methods of identifying a deceased person. Howev... more Dental information is one of the three scientific methods of identifying a deceased person. However, when an investigator is faced with dental ante-mortem information that indicates the deceased has had all his teeth extracted, it may be assumed that the dental information will not be useful, especially if no retained roots are visible in the post-mortem triage. The following case report highlights that careful examination including radiography, may reveal specific detailed information which was useful for identification to be established. Two small radiopaque objects were located in the apical area where the upper left canine root apex would have been. The radiopacities size, location, positioning to both each other and to the left maxillary sinus corresponded to ante-mortem radiographs. This case reveals an unusual use of extruded root canal material being of evidential value even though the tooth was extracted.

Maximisation of postmortem information for identification of severely incinerated victims

Thesis (Ph.D.) (Research by Publication) -- University of Adelaide, School of Dentistry, 2016.

The use of gelling agents to preserve burnt teeth within the dental alveoli for dental human identification – a study utilising sheep mandibles

Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, 2021

Abstract Dental comparison is one of the primary methods of scientific identification of severely... more Abstract Dental comparison is one of the primary methods of scientific identification of severely incinerated human remains. However, due to the fragile nature of the remains dental structures may be lost or damaged during recovery and transportation, limiting the amount of evidence available for examination. In addition to protecting the head, stabilization of the oral structures with an adhesive substance that will not interfere with the dental examination is ideal. A number of materials have been described in previous studies, however, no optimal method has yet to be indicated. Many of these materials contain petrochemicals, which have been shown to be a contamination risk. Wheatpaste solution has been demonstrated to be a viable alternative but has demonstrated handling issues and is not optimal in some environments. This study explores the stabilization of burnt teeth utilizing gelatin and agar solutions as alternatives to wheatpaste. Like wheatpaste solution, these materials are inexpensive, simple to use and are free from petrochemicals. Anterior sections of sheep mandibles were incinerated and subsequently solutions of agar, gelatin or wheatpaste were applied. The jaw fragments were then subjected to vibration and the number of teeth retained within the bone was recorded and compared to untreated incinerated jaw fragments. Although agar solution demonstrated serious handling issues, gelatin solution provided stabilization equivalent to that of wheatpaste. Gelatin also performed well at lower temperature conditions under which wheatpaste has been shown to perform poorly.

Is human identification by dental comparison a scientifically valid process?

Science & Justice, 2020

A case of Jack Russel Terrier scavenging: Images and three dimensional models for forensic interpretation

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2019

Distinguishing between ante-mortem and post-mortem domestic dog injuries is fundamental in order ... more Distinguishing between ante-mortem and post-mortem domestic dog injuries is fundamental in order to correctly find the cause of the death. Although fatal aggressions are chiefly perpetrated by pit bull-type dogs, small dogs are responsible for a significant share of animal bites and can cause high-degree injuries. On the other side, indoor and outdoor scavenging can hinder forensic investigation, consuming parts of the body where crucial forensic features like bruises and wounds have been inflicted. In the case we present, a man died after falling down his house stairs because of a traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. His dog, a Jack Russel Terrier, scavenged a significant portion of his facial superficial and deep tissues, suggesting to the investigators the hypothesis of a brutal aggression. In this paper, we showed how the application of advanced 3D processing and modelling techniques can give a crucial contribution to detect the injuries certainly caused by animal teeth.

Dentures in dementia: the oral health management of patients in institutional care

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015

Stabilisation of dental structures of severely incinerated victims at disaster scenes to facilitate human identification

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2017

Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accide... more Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accident related incineration, leave victims with limited prospects of being accurately identified. Due to their morphology and anatomical position teeth are uniquely protected in incineration cases and via comparison to dental records often provide the only scientifically valid means of identification. However, extreme heat and direct exposure to flame can render the teeth extremely fragile and vulnerable to damage and loss especially during collection and transportation to the mortuary. Here we highlight the advantages of forensic odontology assistance at the scene of such events and discuss techniques and protocols applied to actual cases in which these processes were used to facilitate the identification of incineration victims.

The use of incinerated pig head in dental identification simulation

The Journal of forensic odonto-stomatology, 2015

The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to allow train... more The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to allow training in documentation of postmortem incinerated remains and reconciliation of dental data, Method: Varying number of restorations were placed in ten pig heads. The teeth and restorations were charted, with the restorations radiographed and documented, creating an ante-mortem data set. The following day the heads were cremated. Following cooling and recording they were transported for a post-mortem examination by trained specialist odontologists who were not involved in the initial antemortem phase. Recordings included the charting of teeth, restorations, lost teeth, and radiographs to simulate a post-mortem examination. A reconciliation of postmortem to antemortem information was attempted. There was an unacceptable amount of error in the postmortem examination of the heads. The errors related mainly to avulsed teeth and incorrect opinion of which charted surfaces the restorations were pl...

Locard's Principle of Exchange, Dental Examination and Fragments of Skin

Journal of forensic sciences, Jan 19, 2015

The transfer of materials between victim and perpetrator was first reported by Locard in the nine... more The transfer of materials between victim and perpetrator was first reported by Locard in the nineteenth century. While in recent years DNA testing has been very successful in matching biological material from crime scenes to perpetrators, the following cases demonstrate that other more time-honored methods remain useful. Two cases of lethal assault are reported where the victims had bitten their assailants resulting in fragments of the perpetrators' skin being wedged between their teeth which were discovered during post mortem oral examinations. As the fragments were able to be matched to injuries in the perpetrators, identification was established prior to confirmatory DNA testing. In case 1 a criminal conviction for manslaughter resulted, and in case 2 the identity of the assailant was confirmed. Examination of a properly exposed and illuminated oral cavity may provide useful evidence in assault cases. These cases represent an unusual dental variant of Locard's principle.

Sifting Through the Ashes: Odontology and Anthropology Aspects of Identifying Incinerated Individuals

Incinerated human remains present additional challenges to forensic odontology and anthropology p... more Incinerated human remains present additional challenges to forensic odontology and anthropology practitioners. Since other methods of identification such as facial recognition (visual identification), fingerprint examination and DNA analysis are compromised by the effects of heat, identification of these individuals normally occurs through reconstructing fragmented pieces of teeth and bone and comparing features against ante-mortem records. Craniofacial prostheses offer excellent identification potential but may be difficult to recognise and locate within the ashes. Effective recovery of the remains at the scene, stabilisation of the remains for transportation, and examination at the mortuary often involve multi-disciplinary efforts, including Police, Pathologist, Coroner, Odontologist and Anthropologist. Recent experimental work and case examples from South Australia will be presented to highlight the difficulties surrounding these identifications.

The utilization of a commercial gloss spray in stabilization of incinerated dental structures

Journal of forensic and legal medicine, 2015

Incinerated human remains may require dental comparison to establish identity. The remains are of... more Incinerated human remains may require dental comparison to establish identity. The remains are often fragile and minor forces can damage teeth and facial bones, disrupting anatomical relationships, and impairing the ability to compare with antemortem records. This study evaluated the ability of a commercially available gloss spray to stabilize teeth in incinerated remains. Lower anterior teeth of scavenged sheep mandibles were incinerated in a furnace at a temperature of 500 °C for 35 min. Before a series of vibration tests, the left side of each sample was treated with the spray, with the right side acting as a control. Significant retention of dental data was achieved utilizing the spray in comparison to the non-stabilized sides. This study showed that a commercial clear gloss spray did not affect the ability to document or perform radiographic assessment of restorations, and statistically improved the stability and anatomical relationships of incinerated dental remains in scaveng...

The utilization of incinerated hip and knee prostheses for identification

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015

The aim of this study was to test various methods of retrieving number data from hip and knee imp... more The aim of this study was to test various methods of retrieving number data from hip and knee implants from cremated human remains and to validate our findings by cross referencing our results with the national joint replacement registry. Implants were collected from the remains of individuals who had donated their bodies to science following routine planned cremation. A number of different chemical and physical methods to expose the implant numbers on cremated implants to the point that they were legible were tested. The retrieved data on the implants was referred to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry to identify the individuals, and the names were cross-referenced from the original list of donors. It was possible to retrieve sufficient data from cremated implants to track the name of the recipient of implants if they were placed following the formation of the registry. Both wet and dry paper (1200 size and without moisture), and fine grade steel wool (used in antique restoration), were successful in removing the oxidized layer from implants. With hip implants, it was discovered that the best area to retrieve clear readable information is inside the ball head or at the end of the neck as this area is protected from oxidation during incineration. Incinerated or cremated hip and knee implants may be used to assist in the identification of a decedent following careful treatment, in conjunction with national joint revision registries and company data.

Use of a non-volatile agent to stabilize severely incinerated dental remains

Forensic science, medicine, and pathology, Jan 15, 2015

The aim of this study was to identify volatile-free products that would be suitable for stabilizi... more The aim of this study was to identify volatile-free products that would be suitable for stabilizing incinerated dental remains at the scene of an incident, and that would not compromise any postmortem examination. The anterior mandibles of sheep were incinerated, sprayed unilaterally with stabilizing agents, vibrated for 30 s, and assessed. The effect of the stabilizing solutions on radiographic examination was also recorded. Tests for volatility and the effect on human mandibles were also conducted. A flour/water mixture of one part flour to two parts water, and a paste mixture of one part Clag™ glue to one part water both produced significant stabilization results. The flour mixture left an opaque layer on the samples that it was applied to, which still allowed dental examination, but the glue paste mixture resulted in a clearer layer. Both solutions allowed radiographic examination and were free of volatiles. Diluted Clag™ paste, when sprayed on to incinerated remains, assists in...

Disaster Victim Management: Role of Forensic Odontology

Elsevier eBooks, 2024

Forensic odontology involvement in disaster victim identification

Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, Sep 28, 2011

Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victim... more Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victims of mass casualty events. Forensic odontology is involved in all five phases-Scene, Postmortem, Antemortem, Reconciliation and Debrief. Forward planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardization are essential to guarantee an effective response. A Standard Operation Procedure should be utilized to maximize quality, facilitate occupation and health issues, maintain security and form a structure to the relief program. Issues that must be considered in the management of the forensic odontology component of disaster victim identification are given in ''Appendix 1''. Each stage of the disaster, from initial notification to debrief, is analyzed and a comprehensive checklist of actions suggested.

The use of incinerated pig head in dental identification simulation

PubMed, Dec 1, 2015

Purpose: The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to al... more Purpose: The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to allow training in documentation of postmortem incinerated remains and reconciliation of dental data. Method: Varying number of restorations were placed in ten pig heads. The teeth and restorations were charted, with the restorations radiographed and documented, creating an ante-mortem data set. The following day the heads were cremated. Following cooling and recording they were transported for a post-mortem examination by trained specialist odontologists who were not involved in the initial antemortem phase. Recordings included the charting of teeth, restorations, lost teeth, and radiographs to simulate a post-mortem examination. A reconciliation of postmortem to antemortem information was attempted. Results: There was an unacceptable amount of error in the postmortem examination of the heads. The errors related mainly to avulsed teeth and incorrect opinion of which charted surfaces the restorations were placed upon. Also noted were a considerable number of root fractures occurring beneath the crestal bone. This observation does not mimic the evidence observed in human incinerated teeth where the crowns tend to fracture off the roots at the dentin-enamel junction. Conclusion: The use of incinerated pig (Sus Scrofa) heads is not an ideal model for forensic odontology training in disaster victim identification. Differences in both anatomy and behavior following exposure to heat were shown to hamper documentation and subsequent comparison to antemortem data.

Stabilisation of dental structures of severely incinerated victims at disaster scenes to facilitate human identification

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Oct 1, 2017

Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accide... more Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accident related incineration, leave victims with limited prospects of being accurately identified. Due to their morphology and anatomical position teeth are uniquely protected in incineration cases and via comparison to dental records often provide the only scientifically valid means of identification. However, extreme heat and direct exposure to flame can render the teeth extremely fragile and vulnerable to damage and loss especially during collection and transportation to the mortuary. Here we highlight the advantages of forensic odontology assistance at the scene of such events and discuss techniques and protocols applied to actual cases in which these processes were used to facilitate the identification of incineration victims.

Under the Lens: A Report on Global Dental Morphology Modules

International Journal of Morphology

Dental morphology (DM) is the first introduction of dental graduates towards the identification o... more Dental morphology (DM) is the first introduction of dental graduates towards the identification of tooth; hence it is an important component of the dental curriculum. Traditionally, it is taught by manual carving of wax blocks, but the limitations of this method have been highlighted. There is a need to adopt innovative teaching methodologies to invigorate the concepts of dental anatomy (DA) and reduce the stress in teaching and learning with a proposal in standardization of training methodologies worldwide. Methods: A three-phased project was designed with an aim to collect global data related to teaching dental morphology within the dental curriculum. One dental professional actively involved in university teaching of DM subject was invited from 11 countries. The present study involved compilation of data from phase 1 questionnaire responses, followed by its discussion and analysis, and generation of preliminary report. Results: It is universally acknowledged that acquiring dental morphology knowledge by dentists is a prerequisite before they commence clinical practice. Our data points that no uniformity in DA course modules exists throughout the world and globally the subject requires curriculum redesigning. Conclusions: Consensus should be achieved amongst academicians in DM teaching and learning context. Innovative and standardized DM modules with component of computer-based and remote learning techniques should also be introduced.

Disaster Victim Management: Role of Forensic Odontology

Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2016

Forensic odontology is the branch of dentistry that applies dental science to the law. Legal inve... more Forensic odontology is the branch of dentistry that applies dental science to the law. Legal investigation involving dentistry may include human identification, oro-facial trauma, and dental malpractice. In many countries identification of the deceased is both a legal requirement to progress estate management and a social obligation to allow closure for relatives. In single and multiple fatality incidents odontology can assist authorities assigning identity to deceased persons. This chapter outlines the basis for dental involvement in identifying the dead and presents key concepts for each stage of the dental identification process.

Dental identification practices across Australia

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2021

The utilization of small amounts of residual endodontic material for dental identification

The Journal of forensic odonto-stomatology, 2019

Dental information is one of the three scientific methods of identifying a deceased person. Howev... more Dental information is one of the three scientific methods of identifying a deceased person. However, when an investigator is faced with dental ante-mortem information that indicates the deceased has had all his teeth extracted, it may be assumed that the dental information will not be useful, especially if no retained roots are visible in the post-mortem triage. The following case report highlights that careful examination including radiography, may reveal specific detailed information which was useful for identification to be established. Two small radiopaque objects were located in the apical area where the upper left canine root apex would have been. The radiopacities size, location, positioning to both each other and to the left maxillary sinus corresponded to ante-mortem radiographs. This case reveals an unusual use of extruded root canal material being of evidential value even though the tooth was extracted.

Maximisation of postmortem information for identification of severely incinerated victims

Thesis (Ph.D.) (Research by Publication) -- University of Adelaide, School of Dentistry, 2016.

The use of gelling agents to preserve burnt teeth within the dental alveoli for dental human identification – a study utilising sheep mandibles

Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, 2021

Abstract Dental comparison is one of the primary methods of scientific identification of severely... more Abstract Dental comparison is one of the primary methods of scientific identification of severely incinerated human remains. However, due to the fragile nature of the remains dental structures may be lost or damaged during recovery and transportation, limiting the amount of evidence available for examination. In addition to protecting the head, stabilization of the oral structures with an adhesive substance that will not interfere with the dental examination is ideal. A number of materials have been described in previous studies, however, no optimal method has yet to be indicated. Many of these materials contain petrochemicals, which have been shown to be a contamination risk. Wheatpaste solution has been demonstrated to be a viable alternative but has demonstrated handling issues and is not optimal in some environments. This study explores the stabilization of burnt teeth utilizing gelatin and agar solutions as alternatives to wheatpaste. Like wheatpaste solution, these materials are inexpensive, simple to use and are free from petrochemicals. Anterior sections of sheep mandibles were incinerated and subsequently solutions of agar, gelatin or wheatpaste were applied. The jaw fragments were then subjected to vibration and the number of teeth retained within the bone was recorded and compared to untreated incinerated jaw fragments. Although agar solution demonstrated serious handling issues, gelatin solution provided stabilization equivalent to that of wheatpaste. Gelatin also performed well at lower temperature conditions under which wheatpaste has been shown to perform poorly.

Is human identification by dental comparison a scientifically valid process?

Science & Justice, 2020

A case of Jack Russel Terrier scavenging: Images and three dimensional models for forensic interpretation

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2019

Distinguishing between ante-mortem and post-mortem domestic dog injuries is fundamental in order ... more Distinguishing between ante-mortem and post-mortem domestic dog injuries is fundamental in order to correctly find the cause of the death. Although fatal aggressions are chiefly perpetrated by pit bull-type dogs, small dogs are responsible for a significant share of animal bites and can cause high-degree injuries. On the other side, indoor and outdoor scavenging can hinder forensic investigation, consuming parts of the body where crucial forensic features like bruises and wounds have been inflicted. In the case we present, a man died after falling down his house stairs because of a traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. His dog, a Jack Russel Terrier, scavenged a significant portion of his facial superficial and deep tissues, suggesting to the investigators the hypothesis of a brutal aggression. In this paper, we showed how the application of advanced 3D processing and modelling techniques can give a crucial contribution to detect the injuries certainly caused by animal teeth.

Dentures in dementia: the oral health management of patients in institutional care

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015

Stabilisation of dental structures of severely incinerated victims at disaster scenes to facilitate human identification

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2017

Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accide... more Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accident related incineration, leave victims with limited prospects of being accurately identified. Due to their morphology and anatomical position teeth are uniquely protected in incineration cases and via comparison to dental records often provide the only scientifically valid means of identification. However, extreme heat and direct exposure to flame can render the teeth extremely fragile and vulnerable to damage and loss especially during collection and transportation to the mortuary. Here we highlight the advantages of forensic odontology assistance at the scene of such events and discuss techniques and protocols applied to actual cases in which these processes were used to facilitate the identification of incineration victims.

The use of incinerated pig head in dental identification simulation

The Journal of forensic odonto-stomatology, 2015

The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to allow train... more The aim of this exercise was to simulate a disaster victim identification scenario to allow training in documentation of postmortem incinerated remains and reconciliation of dental data, Method: Varying number of restorations were placed in ten pig heads. The teeth and restorations were charted, with the restorations radiographed and documented, creating an ante-mortem data set. The following day the heads were cremated. Following cooling and recording they were transported for a post-mortem examination by trained specialist odontologists who were not involved in the initial antemortem phase. Recordings included the charting of teeth, restorations, lost teeth, and radiographs to simulate a post-mortem examination. A reconciliation of postmortem to antemortem information was attempted. There was an unacceptable amount of error in the postmortem examination of the heads. The errors related mainly to avulsed teeth and incorrect opinion of which charted surfaces the restorations were pl...

Locard's Principle of Exchange, Dental Examination and Fragments of Skin

Journal of forensic sciences, Jan 19, 2015

The transfer of materials between victim and perpetrator was first reported by Locard in the nine... more The transfer of materials between victim and perpetrator was first reported by Locard in the nineteenth century. While in recent years DNA testing has been very successful in matching biological material from crime scenes to perpetrators, the following cases demonstrate that other more time-honored methods remain useful. Two cases of lethal assault are reported where the victims had bitten their assailants resulting in fragments of the perpetrators' skin being wedged between their teeth which were discovered during post mortem oral examinations. As the fragments were able to be matched to injuries in the perpetrators, identification was established prior to confirmatory DNA testing. In case 1 a criminal conviction for manslaughter resulted, and in case 2 the identity of the assailant was confirmed. Examination of a properly exposed and illuminated oral cavity may provide useful evidence in assault cases. These cases represent an unusual dental variant of Locard's principle.

Sifting Through the Ashes: Odontology and Anthropology Aspects of Identifying Incinerated Individuals

Incinerated human remains present additional challenges to forensic odontology and anthropology p... more Incinerated human remains present additional challenges to forensic odontology and anthropology practitioners. Since other methods of identification such as facial recognition (visual identification), fingerprint examination and DNA analysis are compromised by the effects of heat, identification of these individuals normally occurs through reconstructing fragmented pieces of teeth and bone and comparing features against ante-mortem records. Craniofacial prostheses offer excellent identification potential but may be difficult to recognise and locate within the ashes. Effective recovery of the remains at the scene, stabilisation of the remains for transportation, and examination at the mortuary often involve multi-disciplinary efforts, including Police, Pathologist, Coroner, Odontologist and Anthropologist. Recent experimental work and case examples from South Australia will be presented to highlight the difficulties surrounding these identifications.

The utilization of a commercial gloss spray in stabilization of incinerated dental structures

Journal of forensic and legal medicine, 2015

Incinerated human remains may require dental comparison to establish identity. The remains are of... more Incinerated human remains may require dental comparison to establish identity. The remains are often fragile and minor forces can damage teeth and facial bones, disrupting anatomical relationships, and impairing the ability to compare with antemortem records. This study evaluated the ability of a commercially available gloss spray to stabilize teeth in incinerated remains. Lower anterior teeth of scavenged sheep mandibles were incinerated in a furnace at a temperature of 500 °C for 35 min. Before a series of vibration tests, the left side of each sample was treated with the spray, with the right side acting as a control. Significant retention of dental data was achieved utilizing the spray in comparison to the non-stabilized sides. This study showed that a commercial clear gloss spray did not affect the ability to document or perform radiographic assessment of restorations, and statistically improved the stability and anatomical relationships of incinerated dental remains in scaveng...

The utilization of incinerated hip and knee prostheses for identification

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015

The aim of this study was to test various methods of retrieving number data from hip and knee imp... more The aim of this study was to test various methods of retrieving number data from hip and knee implants from cremated human remains and to validate our findings by cross referencing our results with the national joint replacement registry. Implants were collected from the remains of individuals who had donated their bodies to science following routine planned cremation. A number of different chemical and physical methods to expose the implant numbers on cremated implants to the point that they were legible were tested. The retrieved data on the implants was referred to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry to identify the individuals, and the names were cross-referenced from the original list of donors. It was possible to retrieve sufficient data from cremated implants to track the name of the recipient of implants if they were placed following the formation of the registry. Both wet and dry paper (1200 size and without moisture), and fine grade steel wool (used in antique restoration), were successful in removing the oxidized layer from implants. With hip implants, it was discovered that the best area to retrieve clear readable information is inside the ball head or at the end of the neck as this area is protected from oxidation during incineration. Incinerated or cremated hip and knee implants may be used to assist in the identification of a decedent following careful treatment, in conjunction with national joint revision registries and company data.

Use of a non-volatile agent to stabilize severely incinerated dental remains

Forensic science, medicine, and pathology, Jan 15, 2015

The aim of this study was to identify volatile-free products that would be suitable for stabilizi... more The aim of this study was to identify volatile-free products that would be suitable for stabilizing incinerated dental remains at the scene of an incident, and that would not compromise any postmortem examination. The anterior mandibles of sheep were incinerated, sprayed unilaterally with stabilizing agents, vibrated for 30 s, and assessed. The effect of the stabilizing solutions on radiographic examination was also recorded. Tests for volatility and the effect on human mandibles were also conducted. A flour/water mixture of one part flour to two parts water, and a paste mixture of one part Clag™ glue to one part water both produced significant stabilization results. The flour mixture left an opaque layer on the samples that it was applied to, which still allowed dental examination, but the glue paste mixture resulted in a clearer layer. Both solutions allowed radiographic examination and were free of volatiles. Diluted Clag™ paste, when sprayed on to incinerated remains, assists in...