Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Forensic Identification

Section 4.6: Identification of Human Remains—OdontologyI. PreparationPrinciple. Dental identification is a scientificand legally accepted form of humanidentification. The creation of the forensicdental team before a mass fatality incidentis critical to a successful operation at theincident scene. The dental team leader isultimately responsible for the entire dentalteam. The dental team leader is also responsiblefor coordinating activities withother agencies (e.g., Disaster MortuaryOperational Response Team [DMORT],Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI],National Transportation Safety Board[NTSB]) and forensic identification disciplines(e.g., forensic anthropology, fingerprints,radiology).Procedure. The designated dental teamleader is expected to—A. Establish a forensic dental identificationteam that includes antemortem,postmortem/radiology, and comparison/computerteams.B. Create a dental organizational chartto ensure the proper scheduling andmanagement of the dental team.C. Establish sources of antemortem informationand liaison with the familyassistance center (FAC) (through theNTSB or another designated organization/agency)if available.D. Assign a team member to work withother forensic identification specialistsand update the missing persons masterlist.E. Select the proper (printed and electronic)forms:1. Use standard forms for the entireoperation (see appendix A for linksto the forms listed below):a. Domestic forms (e.g., WinID orVictim Identification Program[VIP]).b. International forms (e.g., DisasterVictim Information [DVI]).2. Consider computer software forstoring and comparing records andradiographs/x-rays (Digital Imagingand Communications in Medicine[DICOM]-compliant if possible).F. Determine required equipment/supplies:1. Establish arrangements with suppliers.Mobile equipment can greatlyincrease the flexibility of the dentalteam.Consider the Disaster Mortuary OperationalResponse Team (DMORT) as a source forequipment, supplies, and personnel following amass fatality incident (see appendix B for informationabout DMORT activation).2. Inventory the material assets thatare available onscene to the dentalteam.Summary. Preparation and training beforean actual mass fatality incident are recommended.Proper preparation can facilitatethe smooth and effective operation of thedental team.II. Collect and Preserve DentalEvidencePrinciple. In a mass fatality incident, bodiesmay be fragmented. Forensic odontologistsare valuable at the scene to assist inthe recognition, documentation, andpreservation during transport of dental37