Description:

Forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination, and analysis of dental and oral and maxillofacial remains for use in legal proceedings or by investigative agencies. Forensic dentists are asked to assist investigative agencies to identify recovered human remains from natural disasters to terrorist attacks, airplane crashes, earthquakes, fires and other catastrophic events. In addition, they are asked to examine bite marks for perpetrator, decedent or victim identification. Forensic dentists may also be asked to assist in determining age, sex, race, occupation, previous dental history and socioeconomic status of unidentified and missing humans. Identification is done by the comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental records including chart notes, radiographs, stone casts, and other information. In this course, we will discuss many of these facets of forensic odontology.

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Understand how an autopsy is performed and tissue analyzed.
2. Compare postmortem and antemortem data for decedent identification.
3. Know the importance of maintaining excellent dental records and in particular, charting.
4. Recognize the general organization of forensic services at the state level.
5. Document a forensic case and compose a forensic document for use by the legal profession.

Audience: All dental professionals

 Allen Samuelson, DDS is an associate professor in the Division of Craniofacial and Surgical Services at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Dr. Samuelson received his BA from North Carolina State University in 1986 and his DDS from the UNC School of Dentistry in 1992. He then completed a two-year general practice residency at UNC Hospitals in 1994 and a one-year internship in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 1995. He was hired full-time at the UNC School of Dentistry in 1995. Dr. Samuelson is director of the Special Care / Geriatric clinic and also attends at UNC Hospitals OR and dental service. He teaches in the undergraduate, AEGD and GPR programs. He is a master in the Academy of General Dentistry, fellow in the American Academy of Hospital Dentistry, fellow in the American College of Dentists, and a diplomate in Special Care Dentistry.

Conflict of Interest: In accordance with ADA CERP Standard V, everyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. This information will be made available to participants at the start of the course.

Association for Continuing Dental Education (ACDE)

The ACDE, of which the University of Louisville School of Dentistry's Office of Continuing Education (ULSD CE) is a member, brings together individuals who represent university-based continuing dental education programs associated with accredited dental schools in Canada and the United States.

The ACDE and 35 of its member schools are jointly providing this series of live webinars featuring university-based key opinion leaders.

Each lecture will be presented by a different member school's faculty member. By registering through this page, ULSD CE will provide your verification of attendance document. Similar to our other CE offerings, we will maintain a record of your attendance in our database, which you may always access through your personal ULSD CE account.

CE staff of participating schools declare that neither they nor any member of their family have a financial arrangement or affiliation with any corporate organization offering financial support or grant monies for this continuing dental education program, nor do they have a financial interest in any commercial product(s) or service(s) the speaker will discuss in the presentation, within the last 12 months that are relevant to this educational activity.