Forensic Odontology - Principles and Practice

Forensic odontology refers to the science and practice of dentistry which may be applied to help solve litigation in both criminal and civil cases. This book is an introduction to forensic odontology for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as practitioners who wish to gain or maintain their credentialing status as odontologists. Responding to the needs of newly created criteria for practicing forensic odontologists who are now required to follow a new set of best practice guidelines, this book provides a basic forensic odontological background. It describes the practical techniques such as personal identification, dental ageing, bitemark analysis and others, as well as the scientific background that these rest upon. This text is aimed at the experienced dentist wishing to gain experience or pursue a career in forensic odontology. Written by experienced practitioners in the field it covers the scope of practice of the speciality and current best practice. The text aims to introduce the various topics and discuss underpinning philosophies without being an exhaustive historical treatise. Appropriate case studies are used to highlight points and excellent references are provided to stimulate further reading and research.