The Incredible Reward of Providing Closure
For many dentists, the most rewarding part of the job is the relationships they develop with their patients, who often become like family. Unfortunately, there are times when dentistry does not involve a live patient at all, and a dentist’s expertise is needed to help identify deceased individuals. Forensic odontologists play a crucial role in identifying victims of mass disasters or crimes, and they help bring closure to the victims’ families so they can move forward and begin to heal. In my experience as a forensic odontologist, the gratification of providing this much needed closure can be just as rewarding as the chairside relationships I develop with my patients.
My fate as a forensic odontologist was sealed years ago after attending a course at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC. After many hours of hands-on courses and learning all aspects of forensic dentistry, I was hooked! Along with identifying victims, my responsibilities have ranged from age estimation, analyzing bite marks from crime or abuse, reviewing trauma from altercations, and providing expert opinions in court cases.
An Emotional Conclusion
One of the most notable experiences for me was helping to identify a murder victim 40 years after the crime was committed. I reviewed photographs of skeletal remains of the jaws and teeth, compared them to x-rays taken in 1975, and concluded that, in my opinion, there was a high probability this was the victim's remains. As a result, the body was exhumed and DNA helped confirm our suspicion, resulting in the positive identification of this victim.
It was very rewarding when the brother and sister of the victim, who was only 19 years old at the time of her death, tearfully expressed their gratitude for identifying their sister after all these years. This is just one example of the countless satisfying moments I've experienced as a forensic odontologist.
A Constant Learning Experience
I currently serve as a consultant to the Cuyahoga County, OH, Medical Examiner’s Office, and as a member of the Department of Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT)—a division of the federal government’s National Disaster Medical System. The main purpose of DMORT is to aid state and local authorities when a significant manmade or natural disaster occurs.
DMORT teams are comprised of forensic dentists and pathologists; anthropologists; funeral directors; DNA, x-ray, and fingerprinting experts; medical investigators; and many more individuals who work quickly to accurately identify victims and reunite them with their loved ones in a dignified, respectful manner. It’s truly a group effort with all team members working together to bring closure to the affected families. It’s a rewarding learning experience to talk with specialists from all different areas and walks of life, and I’ve been fortunate to learn about DNA, anthropology, fingerprinting, and several other fields.
Forensic odontologists have a dutiful commitment to bring closure to victims’ families, which is a very fulfilling experience. I am humbled and thankful for this ability to help people in a small yet meaningful way.
Kent Caserta, DDS, is a general dentist in Willoughby, OH, and a forensic odontologist who serves as a consultant to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office. As a member of DMORT, Dr. Caserta was part of the recovery team after the 9/11 tragedy in New York City, has worked in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters, and provides expert opinions in criminal and civil court cases, ultimately helping to bring closure to victims' families.