NCJ Number
217661
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 420-422
Date Published
March 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This survey of forensic dentists solicited information on their attitudes and practices regarding antemortem (prior to death) dental records reviewed for the purpose of dental identification.
Abstract
The author advises that opening a dialog among practicing forensic dentists regarding ways to manage suspicion of dental negligence or fraud discovered in antemortem dental records may lead to a set of recommendations by appropriate societies in the forensic dental community. The majority of respondents reported a considerable experience in dental identifications of deceased persons. Sixty-six percent reported practicing forensic dentistry for just over 15 years, with an additional 18 percent having over 10 years of experience. Over half of the respondents had completed more than 250 dental identification cases in their careers. Eighty-eight percent of the forensic dentists reported that the agency in charge of the investigation routinely made the official request for release of the dental records from dental offices. There were a wide range of practices regarding the return of the records after reviewing them. Regarding the question about whether the respondents had ever suspected dental negligence or fraud based on their review of dental records, two-thirds indicated such suspicions. Seventy-eight percent of those having such suspicions chose not to report them to appropriate authorities. Eighty percent of the respondents agreed with the following survey statement: "Antemortem records received for the purpose of dental identification are to be used only for that purpose.” 11 references