Step-by-Step Template Demonstration for Accurate Forensic Dental Identification

Introduction and Purpose

Forensic odontologists operating within the UK medico-legal system are required to produce clear, accurate, legally defensible documentation when contributing to human identification. The quality of forensic dental documentation can directly influence coroner decisions, criminal investigations, court proceedings, and family outcomes.

This Knowledge Providing Task provides learners with a step-by-step demonstration of how to complete a Forensic Dental Identification Report used in criminal, medicolegal, and disaster victim identification (DVI) contexts. The focus is on practical completion of documents, decision recording, and compliance with UK forensic, legal, and professional standards.

Rather than academic explanation, this task models how a competent Level 7 practitioner would complete real working documents, showing what to write, how to write it, and why each section matters operationally.

Professional Context of the Demonstration

This template demonstration is based on a realistic UK forensic scenario:

• Unidentified human remains recovered following a fatal residential fire
• Identification requested by police and HM Coroner
• Visual identification not possible
• Fingerprints unavailable
• Dental evidence considered a primary identification method

The forensic odontologist is acting as an independent expert, and documentation must meet standards for:

• Coroner’s investigation
• Police disclosure
• Potential criminal proceedings
• Professional audit by the Forensic Science Regulator

Document Type Being Demonstrated

Document: Forensic Dental Identification Examination Report Used in:

• Criminal investigations
• Coroner identification
• Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
• Medico-legal death certification

This document must comply with:

• Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021
• Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice and Conduct
• Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR)
• Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996
• Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR)
• Coroners and Justice Act 2009

Step-by-Step Template Demonstration

(Practical Completion Guide)

Examiner and Case Identification Section

Purpose: Establish accountability, traceability, and legal validity

How to Complete (Example):

• Examiner Name: Full professional name (no initials only)
• Professional Role: Forensic Odontologist (Independent Consultant)
• Qualifications: Relevant forensic and dental qualifications only
• Instruction Authority: Police force / Coroner
• Case Reference Number: As provided by instructing authority
• Date and Location of Examination

Key Competency Demonstrated:

Professional accountability and chain of responsibility.

Common Errors to Avoid:

• Using informal job titles
• Missing case reference numbers
• Not identifying instruction source

Scope and Purpose of Examination

Purpose: Define exactly what you were asked to do and what you did not do

How to Complete (Example Narrative):

“This examination was conducted for the purpose of human identification through comparative dental analysis. The scope includes post-mortem dental examination and comparison with ante-mortem dental records provided by Greater Manchester Police. This examination does not include DNA analysis or anthropological assessment.”

Key Competency Demonstrated: Clear boundary setting and avoidance of scope creep.

Why This Matters: Protects the odontologist legally and professionally under CrimPR

Materials and Evidence Received

Purpose: Maintain transparency and disclosure compliance

How to Complete (Structured List):

• Post-mortem dental remains (partial maxilla and mandible)
• Post-mortem radiographs (digital panoramic reconstruction)
• Ante-mortem dental records (NHS practice, 2019–2024)
• Ante-mortem radiographs (bitewings and OPG)
• Dental treatment history notes

Best Practice Tip: Always record format, condition, and source of each item.

Key Competency Demonstrated: Evidence handling and CPIA disclosure readiness

Post-Mortem Dental Examination Findin

Purpose: Objectively record what is observed — not interpretation

How to Complete (Example Style):

• Teeth present and absent recorded using FDI notation
• Restorations described by material, size, and location
• Evidence of endodontic treatment noted
• Thermal damage described without assumption

Correct Language Example:

“Composite restoration observed on tooth 26, occlusal surface. Margins partially compromised due to thermal exposure.”

Incorrect Language to Avoid: “Looks like same filling as AM record” (interpretation belongs later)

Key Competency Demonstrated: Accurate factual recording

Ante-Mortem Dental Record Assessment

Purpose: Evaluate usefulness and reliability of AM records

How to Complete:

• Identify date range of records
• Assess completeness of charting
• Note quality of radiographs
• Identify distinctive dental features

Example Entry: “Ante-mortem records demonstrate consistent charting over a five-year period with radiographs of sufficient diagnostic quality to permit comparative analysis.”

Key Competency Demonstrated: Critical evaluation of record quality

Comparative Dental Analysis Section

Purpose: Core identification process

How to Complete (Structured Comparison):

• Tooth-by-tooth comparison
• Radiographic feature matching
• Concordant and discordant features listed
• Explanation of explainable discrepancies

Example Statement: “Concordant features include identical root canal morphology of tooth 36 and matching crown margins. No unexplainable discrepancies were identified.”

Key Competency Demonstrated: Applied forensic comparison skills

Evaluation of Identification Reliability

Purpose: Demonstrate professional judgement

How to Complete:

• State identification level (e.g. probable, established)
• Justify decision using evidence
• Acknowledge limitations

Example:

“The number and quality of concordant dental features support an identification being established. Limitations include thermal damage to anterior dentition.”

Key Competency Demonstrated: Balanced decision-making

Legal and Regulatory Compliance Statement

Purpose: Show awareness of UK forensic obligations

How to Complete: “This examination and report have been conducted in accordance with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice, the Criminal Procedure Rules, and the Data Protection Act 2018.”

Key Competency Demonstrated: Regulatory awareness

Conclusion and Opinion

Purpose: Provide a clear, defensible conclusion

How to Complete:

• Use professional, cautious language
• Avoid absolute certainty unless justified
• Clearly separate opinion from facts

Example:

“It is my professional opinion that the post-mortem dental findings are consistent with the ante-mortem records provided, and the identity of the deceased is established.”

Declaration and Signature

Purpose: Legal authentication

How to Complete:

• Signed declaration
• Date
• Professional title

Workplace Relevance and Competency Mapping

This template demonstration directly supports learners in:

• Producing court-ready forensic documentation
• Applying dental identification techniques correctly
• Working within UK medico-legal frameworks
• Demonstrating Level 7 professional autonomy
• Avoiding common documentation errors

Learner Task

Using the step-by-step template demonstrated above, learners must:

• Complete a mock forensic dental identification report
• Apply the structure to a provided or simulated case
• Demonstrate correct documentation language
• Show awareness of legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities

Learners should focus on how they record findings, not just what they conclude.

Submission Guidelines

• Format: Professional forensic report
• Indicative Length: 3,500–4,500 words
• Style: Objective, vocational, practitioner-focused
• Legislation: UK only
• Assessment Emphasis:
  • Practical documentation competence
  • Accuracy and clarity
  • Legal defensibility
  • Professional judgement