Description:
LOWELL LEVINE, DDS
DENTAL EVIDENCE IN HIGH-PROFILE CASES
Dental evidence has played a pivotal role in many high-profile criminal cases. As dental health care professionals possess the technical expertise to interpret this type of evidence, their role in the justice system can be significant. This course will explore how dental evidence is utilized effectively within legal proceedings, illustrated through real-world high-profile cases. The discussion will also cover how to develop and present a professional opinion as an expert witness.
MICHAEL BADEN, MD
FORENSIC FILES: CASE STUDIES IN CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH
This presentation examines several forensic case studies that highlight the critical role of forensic science in determining cause and time of death. Cases include an analysis of the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, exploring the forensic indicators used to establish timelines and causes. Additional topics include the role of emerging viral infections in unexplained deaths, the case of Miller Gardner and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, and the investigation into the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans found in the snow, ultimately attributed to illicit drug use. Attendees will gain insight into the application of forensic principles in both high-profile and medically complex deaths, and how such investigations inform public health and safety.
THOMAS HOLLAND, JD, PhD
ODONTOLOGY AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF WAR DEAD
The U.S. military has long recognized the critical role of dental records in the identification of fallen service members. Even in today’s era of advanced DNA analysis, forensic odontology remains a vital tool in human identification. This presentation will explore the history, methodology, and continued relevance of dental evidence in identifying war dead, highlighting real-world applications and case studies from past and present conflicts.
ZHONGXUE HUA, MD, PhD
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY: PATTERN INJURIES
Pattern injuries (such as age estimation, dental bite marks and dental identification, among others) are frequently encountered during daily practices for most forensic pathologists. During the past three decades, we received multiple consultation and assistance from several board-certified forensic odontologists.
IRA TITUNIK, DDS, DABFO - MODERATOR
THE ROLE OF BITEMARK EVIDENCE IN EXCLUDING SUSPECTS IN CRIMINAL CASES
Competent prosecutors and investigators consider all available evidence in a criminal investigation. Bitemark evidence, while controversial in some contexts, can serve a valuable role particularly in excluding individuals from suspicion. Forensic odontologists agree that when specific characteristics of a bitemark cannot be matched to a suspect, that indi-vidual can be excluded as the source of the injury. Features such as arch size, missing or rotated teeth, and unique tooth morphology may allow the examiner to form an opinion that a given individual could not have inflicted the injury. This exclusionary value is especially helpful in cases involving closed populations, such as institutional settings or small communities, where suspects can be quickly eliminated. Even when a suspect cannot be excluded, that information can still be useful for guiding an investigation. Pattern injuries, including bite- marks, are just one of many forms of evidence that contribute to building a comprehensive picture in crimin
ESI SHARON, DMD
TEETH DON’T LIE: TWO EXTREME CASES
This presentation highlights the critical role of forensic dental evidence in high-stakes identification scenarios. Through two compelling real-world cases one involving a severely charred body identified using only two teeth, and another centered on a widely publicized case of misassigned remains we will explore the reliability, speed, and precision of dental identification methods. These cases illustrate how dental analysis can deliver definitive answers when other forensic tools fall short. Special attention will be given to age estimation, postmortem accuracy, and the demands of rapid response under pressure.
