between them. However, the difference is explainable by continued treatment and no absolute inconsistency is present.

Absolute Inconsistency

A significant difference between restorations or teeth in the antemortem and postmortem radiographs are presented that are not explainable by continued treatment. In fact, they are found to represent an impossibility in treatment.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE DENTAL IDENTIFICATION

Classification is the last and most important step in the dental ID process. Five classifications can be used to establish identity.

Positive Identification

The forensic dentist is positive they have determined the identity of the individual. Radio- graphic comparisons have been used in the ID process.

Positive Identification by Charting

Only The forensic dentist feels confident in identifying the individual, but radiographic comparisons have not been used in the ID process. The ID is based solely on the written dental record. This category of ID leaves open the possibility that errors in the written dental record may be present and could affect the ID process.

Consistent with a good probability is the remains are those of the suspect individual. However, the findings are such that the forensic dentist is not confident enough to certify the remains. In this situation there is usually a deficiency in either the antemortem or postmortem evidence with which to make a comparison. It may also be because of a lack of similarities or because of the presence of too many discrepancies.

Exclusion

Absolute inconsistencies are present. The remains cannot be those of the suspect individual.

Unidentified

No sufficient evidence exists to determine the identity of the remains. While it could possibly be the suspect individual, it could just as easily not be the individual. Additional information, either antemortem or postmortem, is required before an identification can be established.

MANAGEMENT OF MASS CASUALTY OPERATIONS

Although each mass casualty operation is unique in many ways, some basic principles are common to all such missions. First and foremost is recognition that these operations require a team effort by all participating parties. Figure 10-9 shows the forensic team receiving a victim to start the ID process.

While many specialty areas may be represented, all must work together and exchange information if the operation is to be a success. For our purposes, we will divide the participants into members of command/ support elements or members of identification elements. The command/support elements consist of the following:

Commander

Facilities support

Public affairs

Communications

Storage/handling

Registar

Mortuary affairs

Data processing

Security

Graves registration

Recovery/transportation

The identification elements consist of the following:

In processing

Photographic

Personal effects

Finger/foot print

Medical radiology

Dental

Medical exam/lab

Anthropology

Facial reconstruction

THE DENTAL TEAM IN MASS CASUALTY OPERATIONS

Like the other elements of the operation, the different sections of the dental team work together with a common goal. The basic steps in forensic dental identification are (1) postmortem examination and

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