Forensic odontology in disaster victim identification

Trengrove, Hugh G.

doi:10.1002/9781118864418.ch9

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…This was perhaps the most prominent theme for participants in this study. These concerns resonate with the findings of previous studies [ 16 , 19 , 21 , 22 ]. The second theme of DVI management and processes reflects participants’ sentiments on the necessity of good management to facilitate a smooth process.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Reflecting experiences mentioned in previous literature [ 19 , 22 ], participants explained that from the moment they were asked to assist in a DVI operation, they were confronted by immediate logistical challenges , such as getting to the disaster location and working in the post-disaster environment:…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, following the 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, the hospital that housed the mortuary was damaged. The national DVI team, members of the New Zealand Defence Force, and private contractors established a temporary mortuary in the hangar of a nearby military camp [ 19 ]. Refrigerated storage for bodies and human remains can be another pressing issue—particularly in hot and humid climates—to prevent rapid decomposition [ 16 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Section: Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners

Adamovic,

Howes,

White

et al. 2023

Forensic Sciences Research

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Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is an important process in the aftermath of disasters to provide answers for the families and communities of victims. Australian forensic practitioners contribute to such processes internationally under difficult post-disaster circumstances. The aim of the study was to better understand the challenges experienced by forensic practitioners in international DVI operations. Participants (N = 20) included DNA analysts, fingerprint examiners, forensic odontologists, forensic pathologists, and mortuary technicians who had experience in DVI operations. Participants were interviewed about their experiences and perceptions of the challenges of DVI. The findings provide valuable insights into the types of DVI operations in which Australian forensic practitioners have been involved internationally. Thematic analysis of interview data resulted in five main themes: the post-disaster work environment; DVI management and processes; political and financial influences; teamwork in intercultural and interdisciplinary contexts; and confronting the emotional realities of DVI work. The analysis highlights the interrelated challenges associated with DVI operations in international contexts. Practitioners also provided suggestions for improvement, which generally aligned with the themes and reflected an ethos of learning and continuous improvement in DVI. Further research on education and training and capacity-development initiatives is warranted.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners

Adamovic,

Howes,

White

et al. 2023

Forensic Sciences Research

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“…Determining a victim's gender using human skeletal remains is regarded as the first stage in disaster victim identification [ 10 ]. It might not be possible to establish 100% accurate human identification in cases of mass disasters where the only remnants discovered are skeletal remains or fragments [ 11 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Age and Gender Identification Through Mandibular Parameters Using Orthopantomography: An Observational Study

Arthanari,

Senthilkumar,

Ramalingam

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Aim This study aims to examine five mandibular parameters: coronoid ramus height, condylar ramus height, projective ramus height, minimum ramus breadth, and gonial angle, using orthopantomography (OPG). Introduction The mandible, a crucial part of the human skull, demonstrates sexual dimorphism, which makes it an important tool for determining sex in forensic and anthropological investigations. Its form and structure are relatively resistant to significant changes after death. Among all skeletal components, the mandible stands out as a primary indicator of sexual differences. In forensic investigations, establishing the age and sex of an individual is considered a crucial initial step. This process can be particularly challenging in scenarios involving mass casualties, natural calamities, or extensively fragmented remains. Due to its responsiveness to growth patterns, the mandible is adept at accurately determining both age and sex. Materials and methods This study employed a sample size of 500 individuals, split equally between males and females, with 250 participants each. The age bracket chosen for this cohort ranged from 20 to 30 years, considering that bone growth characteristics within this range can assist in sex determination. The height of the mandibular ramus was assessed using Planmeca software, and subsequent data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Results When estimating age, the condylar ramus height exhibited the smallest standard error (0.010), whereas the maximum standard error for the gonial angle was 0.028. Positive t values were observed for the gonial angle (1.182), minimum ramus breadth (0.114), and coronoid ramus height (0.733). In terms of determining sex, the gonial angle, coronoid ramus height, and projective ramus height demonstrated positive coefficient functions, specifically 0.676, 0.090, and 0.286, respectively. Conversely, both the minimum ramus breadth and the condylar ramus height displayed negative values of -0.385 and -0.126, respectively. Conclusion Among the parameters evaluated, condylar ramus height emerges as the most suitable choice for estimating age, while gonial angle, coronoid ramus height, and projective ramus height are preferable for determining sex.

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“…The DVI process has had broad coverage in the literature. This has included detailed descriptions of the five phases that cover the time directly following the disaster up to the burial/cremation of the deceased [4]: In addition, the literature has covered the need for detailed AM data [7,8]; establishing temporary mortuaries to deal with DVI [9,10]; methods of packaging and preserving remains at the scene [11]; the development of quantitative decision support tools [12,13]; country specific approaches to DVI [14,15] together with numerous DVI case studies [16]; the politics associated with DVI [17]; the need for cultural sensitivity towards those victims and families [18,19]; preparation and training exercises [4,20,21], as well as the roles of various forensic specialists involved in DVI including the forensic pathologists [22], forensic odontologists [23][24][25], molecular biologists [26][27][28][29], forensic radiologists [30][31][32][33], and relatively recently, the forensic anthropologists [34,35].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of forensic anthropology in disaster victim identification (DVI): recent developments and future prospects

Boer

Blau

Delabarde³

et al. 2018

Forensic Sciences Research

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Forensic anthropological knowledge has been used in disaster victim identification (DVI) for over a century, but over the past decades, there have been a number of disaster events which have seen an increasing role for the forensic anthropologist. The experiences gained from some of the latest DVI operations have provided valuable lessons that have had an effect on the role and perceived value of the forensic anthropologist as part of the team managing the DVI process. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which forensic anthropologists may contribute to DVI with emphasis on how recent experiences and developments in forensic anthropology have augmented these contributions. Consequently, this paper reviews the value of forensic anthropological expertise at the disaster scene and in the mortuary, and discusses the way in which forensic anthropologists may use imaging in DVI efforts. Tissue-sampling strategies for DNA analysis, especially in the case of disasters with a large amount of fragmented remains, are also discussed. Additionally, consideration is given to the identification of survivors; the statistical basis of identification; the challenges related to some specific disaster scenarios; and education and training. Although forensic anthropologists can play a valuable role in different phases of a DVI operation, they never practice in isolation. The DVI process requires a multidisciplinary approach and, therefore, has a close collaboration with a range of forensic specialists.

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Forensic odontology in disaster victim identification

Cited by 6 publications

References 11 publications

Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners

Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners

Exploring Age and Gender Identification Through Mandibular Parameters Using Orthopantomography: An Observational Study

The role of forensic anthropology in disaster victim identification (DVI): recent developments and future prospects

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