Mini Case Study on Human Identification Using Dental Records

Introduction and Purpose

Forensic odontologists working in the UK are frequently required to assist in human identification where remains are compromised, documentation is incomplete, or timecritical legal decisions must be made. In such cases, the practitioner must demonstrate not only technical competence in dental comparison but also sound professional judgement, accurate documentation, and legal awareness.

This Knowledge Providing Task uses a mini case study approach to replicate the type of scenario encountered in criminal investigations, medico-legal death investigations, and disaster victim identification (DVI) contexts. The task allows learners to apply their professional knowledge of dental records, radiographic interpretation, and identification methodologies while reflecting on reliability, limitations, and legal accountability.

The guided questions are designed to support:

• Reflective thinking
• Applied analysis
• Justified decision-making
• Professional documentation standards

This task prepares learners for real-world forensic odontology practice, including working with police forces, coroners, and legal professionals in the UK.

Mini Case Study Scenario: Unidentified Human Remains Following a Transport Incident

Background Information

In February, a serious multi-vehicle collision occurs on a major motorway in England during adverse weather conditions. A vehicle catches fire following impact, resulting in the recovery of severely burned human remains. Due to the condition of the remains:

• Visual identification is not possible
• Fingerprint recovery is unsuccessful
• Personal effects are either destroyed or non-identifiable

The case is referred to the HM Coroner under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, and police initiate a formal identification process. You are instructed as a forensic odontologist to assist with human identification using dental evidence.

Available Forensic Dental Evidence

Post-Mortem Dental Findings

• Partial maxilla and mandible recovered
• 19 teeth present, some with thermal fractures
• Multiple restorations observed, including:
  • Composite restorations
  • One porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
• Evidence of previous endodontic treatment
• Post-mortem radiographs obtained (periapical and panoramic reconstruction)

Ante-Mortem Information Provided

Police investigators provide dental records believed to belong to a missing person linked to the incident, including:

• NHS dental records covering a 6-year period
• Handwritten and digital charting
• Bitewing radiographs taken two years prior
• Treatment notes referencing root canal therapy and crown placement

All documentation is supplied in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) and authorised for forensic use.

Professional Task Requirements (Assessor Context)

You are required to:

• Examine and compare ante-mortem and post-mortem dental records
• Use accepted UK forensic odontology methodologies
• Formulate a defensible identification opinion
• Document findings in a manner suitable for coroner review and potential court disclosure
• Acknowledge limitations and uncertainties in the evidence

Your findings may later be subject to:

• Disclosure under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996
• Scrutiny under the Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR)
• Professional review by the Forensic Science Regulator.

Guided Reflective and Analytical Questions

Assessment of Dental Records and Radiographs

• How would you assess the quality and completeness of the ante-mortem dental records provided?
• What features within dental charting and radiographs are most valuable for human identification in this case?
• How do thermal effects influence your interpretation of post-mortem dental findings?
• What steps would you take to minimise the risk of misinterpretation caused by post-mortem damage?

Application of Identification Techniques

• Which forensic odontology identification techniques are most appropriate in this scenario, and why?
• How would you structure a systematic tooth-by-tooth comparison between antemortem and post-mortem data?
• In what way does radiographic comparison strengthen or weaken the identification process?
• How does this case differ from a mass disaster identification scenario, and what procedures would change if it were part of a DVI operation?

Evaluation of Accuracy and Reliability

• How would you evaluate the reliability of dental identification in this case compared to other methods such as DNA analysis?
• What constitutes sufficient concordant features to support a positive identification under UK forensic practice?
• How would you address explainable versus unexplainable discrepancies in dental findings?
• What professional language should be used to express certainty, probability, or limitation in your conclusion?

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• What UK legislation governs the handling, storage, and use of dental records in forensic investigations?
• How do the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice influence how you conduct and document your examination?
• What are your responsibilities as a forensic odontologist if identification evidence is limited or inconclusive?
• How would you ensure your report meets the standards required for coroner proceedings or criminal court disclosure?

Documentation and Reporting Standards

• What key sections must be included in a professional forensic odontology identification report?
• How should findings be documented to maintain transparency, auditability, and legal defensibility?
• What is the importance of separating factual observations from professional opinion?
• How would you record limitations and uncertainties without undermining evidential value?

Competency Focus and Workplace Relevance

This mini case study assesses the learner’s ability to:

• Operate within UK forensic and medico-legal frameworks
• Apply dental and radiographic knowledge to real identification challenges
• Demonstrate professional judgement under evidential constraints
• Maintain high standards of documentation and ethical practice
• Communicate findings clearly to non-dental stakeholders (police, coroners, legal professionals)

The task reflects real occupational expectations of forensic odontologists working in the UK.

Learner Task

You are required to produce a structured professional response to the case study and guided questions.

Your submission should demonstrate:

• Applied forensic reasoning
• Clear identification methodology
• Awareness of UK legal and regulatory obligations
• Professional documentation standards
• Reflective evaluation of reliability and limitations

Responses must be written from the perspective of a practising forensic odontologist, not as an academic essay.

Submission Guidelines

• Format: Professional reflective report or case analysis
• Indicative Word Count: 3,000–4,000 words
• Writing Style: Formal, objective, practice-based
• References: UK legislation, professional guidance, and regulatory frameworks only
• Evidence Use: Explicit reference to case details provided
• Assessment Criteria:
  • Practical competence
  • Quality of professional judgement
  • Legal and ethical awareness
  • Clarity and accuracy of documentation