Forensic Dental Evidence: An Investigator's Handbook by C. Michael Bowers. Hard Bound, 7" x 10".
Elsevier Academic Press, 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, California 92101-4495, USA. Publication Date 2004. xx + 211 pages, ISBN 0-1212-1042-1. Price $59.95
Official Site: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/702219/description
For an exclusive interview with C. Michael Bowers, the author of this book, please click here.

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C. Michael Bowers  Mike Bowers is a 1975 graduate of University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He is currently a voluntary faculty member teaching students at the Union Rescue Mission, the Mobile Clinic and supervising USC Dental Health Fairs throughout Los Angeles. He acquired a law degree in 1992 and is also a member of the California Bar. He is regularly consulted in dental evidence matters by law enforcement agencies, the defense bar, and has assisted in investigations throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Readers wishing to contact Dr. Bowers may want to click here.

This book's title is perhaps the best review possible for this wonderful text. "Forensic Dental Evidence An Investigator's Handbook" by C. Michael Bowers will show the crime scene investigator the complete scope of forensic odontology. A host of notable experts in the forensic sciences are listed as contributing authors and photographic contributors. The graphic illustrations provided in this book are excellent. The book begins by reviewing the history of forensic odontology. Dr. Bowers then describes who is qualified to render opinions on dental evidence. After the first chapter is completed the reader is well versed on basic forensic odontology, tooth numbering systems, and basic tooth morphology.

Chapter two moves into dental evidence and analysis involved in human identification cases. The reader will understand the need to carefully recover dental evidence at crime scenes. Dr. Bowers explains how dental identifications are accomplished. He also explains the need for accurate and diagnostic antemortem records to be supplied by a dentist who has treated a missing person.

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As the pages turn we learn techniques in bite mark analysis. Dr. Bowers asserts the necessity of obtaining DNA samples from tissue damaged by possible bite marks. He carefully explains DNA sampling techniques and the rational behind them.

Next, the forensic odontologist's role in mass disasters is reviewed. The reader is enlightened as to the real work done in mass fatality incidents. Examples of past mass fatality responses are examined.

...This book is a valuable tool to be used by the budding odontologist or any investigator trying to gain knowledge in the field of forensic odontology. I would highly recommend this book for library additions in any Medical Examiner's office, police department, forensic nursing station, law office or any agency that would use the services of a forensic odontologist...

Digital imaging is covered in Chapter seven. The most current hardware and software references are given. Courtroom admissibility of digital imaging is explained. Techniques acceptable by the courts are discussed.

Chapter eight combines Dr. Bowers dental and legal expertise to show the reader the legal precedence that forensic odontology case have set in the courts. He outlines the evidence rules for the different states and explains their implications. The entire book is written with the investigator in mind, bringing him or her up to speed with new developments in forensic odontology.

This book ends with an explanation of digital photography and correction methods used for different photographic distortions. This book is a valuable tool to be used by the budding odontologist or any investigator trying to gain knowledge in the field of forensic odontology. I would highly recommend this book for library additions in any Medical Examiner's office, police department, forensic nursing station, law office or any agency that would use the services of a forensic odontologist.

-Bryan Chrz Dr. Bryan Chrz is an independent Medical Examiner for the Workers' Compensation Court of the State of Oklahoma, and consults for Kenyon International Emergency Services. He received numerous certificates of recognition for his activities during the Alfred P. Murrah bombing including a proclamation from the Governor of Oklahoma and a certificate from the U.S. Department of Treasury and U.S. Customs. He was honored by the Oklahoma Dental Association with the Benjamin Franklin Scroll Award for his contributions to the ODA Journal. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Chrz is a diplomate and officer of the American Board of Forensic Odontology. He also acts as an expert witness in criminal and civil trials. He is on the Board of Editors of Anil Aggrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.

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