CDE1851 - Forensic Odontology in Mass Disasters and Civil and Criminal Investigations
Course Description
This lecture offers dental professionals a focused exploration into the vital role of forensic odontology in both mass disaster response and legal investigations. Drawing on the unique expertise of dentists in dental anatomy, radiography, and record-keeping, the session highlights how these skills are instrumental in identifying victims when other methods are compromised—such as in aviation crashes, natural disasters, and large-scale accidents. Attendees will gain insight into the protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration required during disaster victim identification (DVI), including the use of antemortem and postmortem dental records, digital imaging, and emerging technologies like 3D scanning and AI-assisted matching. The lecture also covers the application of forensic odontology in civil and criminal cases, including bite mark analysis, age estimation, and the presentation of dental evidence in court. Real-world case studies will illustrate the impact of dental expertise in securing justice and humanitarian outcomes. This session is designed to empower dental professionals with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to forensic teams, whether as consultants, responders, or expert witnesses.
Learner Outcomes
Upon course completion, the participant will:
- Apply clinical knowledge in dental anatomy, radiography, and record-keeping to forensic scenarios by identifying their role in victim identification and legal investigations.
- Describe and evaluate standard protocols and emerging technologies—including digital imaging, 3D scanning, and AI tools—used in forensic odontology and mass disaster identification.
- Recognize the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in forensic casework and articulate the dental professional’s contribution to team-based victim identification processes.
- Interpret and assess real-world forensic case studies to identify best practices and common challenges in the legal use of dental evidence.
- Demonstrate preparedness to participate in legal and forensic contexts by understanding the ethical responsibilities and procedures for serving as a forensic consultant or expert witness.
Notes
Presenter:
Dr. Shirley Lewis
Shirley Lewis earned her dental degree from Mangalore University, India, and went on to complete a pediatric dentistry residency and a master’s in dental public health at Boston University, Massachusetts. She further specialized in forensic odontology through a fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Currently, a Clinical Associate Professor at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas she is also actively involved in consultancy and pro bono work with various organizations at the state, national, and international levels. Beyond her academic and clinical commitments, Dr. Lewis is passionate about the arts and humanities. She enjoys exploring the works of musical artists, experimenting with abstract painting, and delving into both fiction and non-fiction literature. Her curiosity extends to philosophical reflections on truth, and she finds inspiration in nature through travel and hiking.