Question 1: What is the primary role of forensic odontology in criminal investigations?
- A. To analyze bite marks
- B. To identify human remains using dental records
- C. To determine the cause of death
- D. Both A and B
Answer
Answer: D. Both A and B
Explanation: Forensic odontology plays a crucial role in analyzing bite marks and identifying human remains using dental records. Dental evidence is often used in cases where traditional identification methods (e.g., fingerprints) are not possible, such as in mass disasters or decomposed remains.
Question 2: Which of the following is a key limitation of bite mark analysis in forensic odontology?
- A. Lack of uniqueness in human dentition
- B. Difficulty in obtaining dental records
- C. Subjectivity in interpretation
- D. Inability to analyze postmortem changes
Answer
Answer: C. Subjectivity in interpretation
Explanation: Bite mark analysis is often criticized for its subjectivity in interpretation. Factors such as skin elasticity, healing processes, and the angle of the bite can affect the appearance of bite marks, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.
Question 3: Which of the following dental features is most useful for identifying human remains?
- A. Tooth color
- B. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.)
- C. Number of teeth
- D. Tooth alignment
Answer
Answer: B. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.)
Explanation: Dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants, are highly unique and provide critical information for identifying human remains. These features are often documented in dental records, making them invaluable for forensic comparisons.
Question 4: What is the term for the study of dental wear patterns in forensic odontology?
- A. Dental anthropology
- B. Odontometrics
- C. Occlusal analysis
- D. Dental attrition analysis
Answer
Answer: D. Dental attrition analysis
Explanation: Dental attrition analysis is the study of dental wear patterns, which can provide information about an individual’s age, diet, and habits. This analysis is particularly useful in forensic cases involving skeletal remains.
Question 5: Which of the following techniques is used to create a 3D model of dental evidence for forensic analysis?
- A. Radiography
- B. Photogrammetry
- C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- D. All of the above
Answer
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Radiography, photogrammetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are all techniques used to create detailed 3D models of dental evidence. These models can be used for bite mark analysis, dental identification, and other forensic applications.
Question 6: What is the term for the unique pattern of ridges and grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth?
- A. Enamel prism pattern
- B. Occlusal morphology
- C. Dentin tubule pattern
- D. Cusp configuration
Answer
Answer: B. Occlusal morphology
Explanation: Occlusal morphology refers to the unique pattern of ridges and grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth. These patterns are highly individualistic and can be used to identify bite marks or match dental evidence to a specific individual.
Question 7: Which of the following is a key challenge in using dental records for identification in mass disasters?
- A. Lack of dental records for victims
- B. Fragmentation of dental remains
- C. Difficulty in accessing antemortem records
- D. All of the above
Answer
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Using dental records for identification in mass disasters is challenging due to the lack of dental records for some victims, fragmentation of dental remains, and difficulty in accessing antemortem records. These factors can complicate the identification process.
Question 8: What is the term for the process of comparing antemortem and postmortem dental records?
- A. Dental profiling
- B. Odontogram comparison
- C. Dental superimposition
- D. Dental charting
Answer
Answer: B. Odontogram comparison
Explanation: Odontogram comparison is the process of comparing antemortem (before death) and postmortem (after death) dental records to identify human remains. This involves analyzing dental features such as restorations, missing teeth, and unique anatomical characteristics.
Question 9: Which of the following is a key factor in determining the age of an individual using dental evidence?
- A. Tooth color
- B. Root development
- C. Presence of dental caries
- D. Tooth alignment
Answer
Answer: B. Root development
Explanation: Root development is a key factor in determining the age of an individual using dental evidence. The stage of root formation and eruption of teeth can provide accurate age estimates, particularly in children and adolescents.
Question 10: Which of the following is a common method for preserving bite mark evidence on skin?
- A. Photographic documentation
- B. Casting with dental impression material
- C. Swabbing for DNA analysis
- D. All of the above
Answer
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Bite mark evidence on skin is preserved using photographic documentation, casting with dental impression material, and swabbing for DNA analysis. These methods ensure that the evidence is accurately recorded and can be used for forensic comparisons.