Tue-Sat 25-29 Oct, 2022

Wayne Co. Medical Examiner Office

dental.udmercy.edu/forensic

(313)494-6626

WCMEO.UDM Dental Forensic Odontology Course 2022

Course Overview

This five-day interactive seminar held at one of the largest medical examiners offices in the country will allow participants of all levels of knowledge and experience to interact with many forensic science disciplines. Participants who complete the five-day program will have enough hours in each area of Forensic Odontology to apply for full membership in the Odontology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Days 1 & 2 (Overview)

The first day includes an introduction to forensic odontology, including identification, mass disaster, bitemark recognition, forensic anthropology, and unidentified remains investigations. The second day will concentrate on investigating the cause and manner of death, toxicology, and the role of a medical-legal investigator. The highlight and culmination of the overview portion of the course include viewing forensic autopsies (pathology/odontology) and becoming familiar with the dental and anthropology laboratories.

Days 3, 4 and 5 (Advanced Training)*

The third through fifth days of this course is designed for those that have completed days one and two. The third day of the advanced training will include a discussion on recent advances in the science of forensic odontology, an overview of forensic photography (including hands-on opportunities), mass disaster victim and family management, and age determination from dentition. On Day 4, child endangerment and the Missing Children Clearinghouse will be discussed, and hands-on bitemark and age determination exercises will be held along with WinID training. Day 5 is a full day of an immersive mock mass disaster exercise.

*Participants of the advanced training are encouraged to bring a digital camera (DSLR preferred).

Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Compare antemortem and postmortem dental records in the identification of human remains
• Will be familiar with the WinId computer system, Dexis digital x-ray and Nomad handheld x-ray unit
• Have a better understanding of the other forensic science disciplines
• Be familiar with the dental response to a mass casualty situation
• Understand the recognition, preservation and documentation of bitemark evidence
• Be familiar with cause and manner of death
• Identify principles used in age, gender and race determination of skeletal remains
• Gain awareness of crimes against children
• Be familiar with research in forensic odontology