Forensic Dentistry
VIDEO: Forensic Dentistry
What is Forensic Dentistry?
Forensic dentistry, or forensic odontology, is a branch of forensic anthropology that uses dental analysis in a legal context.
Dr. Spears’ Journey to Forensic Dentistry
“I grew up on Law & Order, CSI and Forensic Files binges with my mom, spurring an interest in solving mysteries and puzzles of all kinds. In dental school, I had a very brief lecture on forensic dentistry and a brochure was given out for a week-long course on the topic. Being a broke college student, I couldn't afford it so I shelved the brochure. That brochure ended up graduating with me from UNC, moving with me to my first job as a dentist in a public health dental office and then again to my private practice. About six years ago, I came across that brochure and it spurred that same longing I'd had when it was given to me; I had to do it. Unfortunately, at the time, that particular program was held every other year and I was in the "off" year. I spent some time researching different programs and networking, trying my hardest to find a mentor of some sort.
I dove into hours and hours of online courses in forensic dentistry and ended up attending the American Board of Forensic Odontology Workshops in Anaheim, CA. It was there I met like-minded forensics-loving individuals who provided me a wealth of information on how to become the forensic dentist I so desired to be. I eventually completed a Fellowship in Forensic Dentistry at Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine, in Knoxville, TN; over 500 hours of continuing education which included training in human identification, assessment of human biologic profile including dental age assessment, bitemark analysis and comparison, clandestine grave recovery, and expert witness testimony.”
4 Main Areas of Forensic Dentistry
Human Identification
Identifying dead people (decedents) usually by their teeth and other oral structures utilizing antemortem (before death) dental x-rays and comparing them to postmortem (after death) dental x-rays. We use medical x-rays as well, to identify objects that are not dental related, such as spinal fusion appliances, hip replacements, and internal fixation appliances, to name a few, that can be compared radiographically to identify someone.
Age Assessment
We use the development of a person's teeth to provide a legal entity an estimate of their age. For example, someone commits a crime and claims they are 17 so they will be tried as a juvenile. A lot of times, people do not have birth certificates, especially if they are from another country. There are multiple methods we use to assess the person's teeth and provide an age range to law enforcement as to the probability that that person is/was 17 at the time of the crime. This would prevent a child from going into an adult jail population and an adult from being placed in a juvenile population. Another example would be if an immigrant needs a license but has no birth certificate. Or, if we have an unidentified decedent and no idea who they are, we can give an age estimation so officials can survey the community to see if anyone in that specific age range is missing.
Bitemark Analysis & Comparison
We analyze suspicious patterned injuries to determine if it is/isn't a bitemark and if it's human/nonhuman. We use bitemark comparison to determine if an injury is opined to be a bitemark and a legal entity would like it compared to the dentition of suspects. This type of analysis commonly occurs in assaults, rapes, domestic violence, abuse cases and homicides.
Expert Witness Testimony
We are called upon when the prosecution or defense needs a professional to provide an expert opinion. This can be in a criminal or civil case. Most of the cases Dr. Spears trained with were malpractice-type cases where a dentist was being sued for malpractice and she had to assess the case for failure to establish standard of care and offer her opinion in court.
Currently, there are about 80 active ABFO (board) certified forensic dentists internationally and zero in all of North Carolina. Ultimately, Dr. Spears seeks to be Board Certified and become the forensic dentist for all of NC. Six years in the making, she plans to apply in 2025 and sit for her boards in 2026.
Professional Leadership
Dr. Spears serves as the Secretary of the Odontology Consensus Body in the Academy Standards Board, a branch of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the group that creates consensus based forensic science standards. She has also started and directs a Forensic Dentistry course at her alma mater (UNC Adams School of Dentistry) for the 3rd and 4th year dental students.
Serving Our County
She currently serves as a Medical Examiner for our county, helping bring families closure and be able to have memorial services for their loved ones in a timely manner. She is called upon to inspect the bodies of deceased people to determine the probable cause of death, their identity and their time of death. She is also on call (as a forensic dentist) for missing persons and unidentified remains for anyone who needs these services. In this role she has worked with ME offices in Tennessee, Texas, Georgia and Alabama. Most recently, she has worked with Mecklenburg ME, a NCME office. In this capacity, she works to help resolve issues such as criminal investigations, insurance settlements, and military proceedings. As a forensic dentist, Dr. Spears can also help families and friends of missing and unidentified people find closure.
Serving the Country
Most of her forensic expertise can be offered remotely, so she welcomes Medical Examiners and Law Enforcement Agencies in other states to connect with her if they need a forensic dental consultant.
We can’t wait to meet you
Call 704-873-2141 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.