May 2008
Career | Web Exclusive

CSI: RDH

The dental hygienist’s role in forensic dentistry.

By Winnie Furnari, RDH, MS, FAADH

For the dental hygienist, forensic dentistry is not a career change, but a career enhancement. It comes about not as a result of career discouragement, but from a desire to incorporate other passions into the dental hygiene way of life. It is not, however, a 9-to-5 job.

Very few forensic dental professionals do their work on a full-time basis. Rather, participation in forensic dentistry is yet another way we use our skills, our education, and our expertise to aid the public through science.

This article will discuss what opportunities are available to the dental hygiene community in the area of forensic dentistry, and the type of special training and education required to practice in this arena.
get a clue

What exactly is forensic odontology/dentistry? Taking the title apart, we start with “forensic.” It doesn’t matter where you get a definition from, you will see that the word “law” or “suitable for a court of law, public debate or argument,” is always included. To put it succinctly, forensics is applying science to the law. Next, we look at the word “odontology” and we know that it is the study of teeth. Together, we see that “forensic odontology” is applying the science of studying teeth to the law.
Members of the dental hygiene and dental professions study teeth. Can we all apply this knowledge to the law? Without a doubt, our professions qualify us to use our knowledge and experience to further the science and advance our horizons.

the scope of science

Forensic dentistry covers a variety of issues and needs, including human abuse, bitemarks, and dental identification.

When it comes to abuse, we as dental hygienists are all mandated to report child abuse, and many of us are mandated to report other forms, such as elder, partner, or spousal abuse. We must stay aware, observe our patients, and report suspicions. We can become change agents and effect legislation in states that have not yet mandated reporting of elder/spouse/partner abuse. More importantly, we can stay updated and keep our colleagues aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities to identify victims. Even if we never partake in the other aspects of forensic dentistry, by virtue of our licenses, we stand as protectors of the public and play a valuable part in this element of forensic dentistry.

Bitemarks are another question that falls to forensic dental professionals—not just to identify a biter, but also to possibly rule out a suspect. In the studies of anthropology and archeology in the area of dental aging, types of restorative work and materials can assist in mapping out profiles of unidentified victims. In jurisprudence, our dental hygiene expertise can allow us to offer expert opinions on standards of practice and to testify in courts of law.

Dental identification has been the main area of forensic involvement for myself and other dental hygienists. We have performed these services as team members on local, state and federal levels. There are many reasons why identification must occur. There are the legal implications when crimes have been committed, as well as in accidents or acts of nature. The living must be able to claim loved ones, to claim death benefits and to face tragedies in a way that allows them to begin a healing process. When it comes to identification teams, dental hygienists have much to offer. I have had the opportunity to work on the New York City Team of the Chief Medical Examiner before, during, and after multiple fatality incidents. I am more than fortunate to have had the opportunity to share the satisfaction of making a difference for the families of victims.

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