Dental identification
Comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental records to establish or exclude identity.
Forensic odontology · Kentucky
Forensic dental analysis and case consultation
Dental identification, bite mark analysis, age estimation and case review for attorneys, coroners, medical examiners and investigative agencies in Kentucky.
Services
What Dr. Shields is retained for
Bite mark analysis
Evaluation of patterned injuries, with an explicit statement of what the evidence does and does not support.
Dental age estimation
Age assessment from dental development where chronological age is unknown or disputed.
Forensic dental photography
Documentation of dental evidence to standards that hold up on cross-examination.
Mass disaster response
Dental identification support in multiple-fatality incidents requiring coordinated victim identification.
Case review
Records assessment and review of another examiner's conclusions for attorneys evaluating dental evidence.
Who retains a forensic odontologist
Most people who need this work need it once
Attorneys retain a forensic odontologist to review dental evidence, assess the strength of an identification, or evaluate another expert's conclusions. Coroners and medical examiners request dental comparison when remains cannot be identified by other means. Law enforcement agencies engage dental expertise on unidentified remains and cold cases. Dental practices occasionally find their own records subpoenaed and need to understand what is being asked of them.
If you are not certain whether a matter calls for dental analysis, say so in the inquiry and Dr. Shields will tell you.
Qualifications
Dr. Mary K. Shields
Dr. Shields earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2011 and holds a Master of Public Health. She has practised dentistry in Louisville since 2012.
Her forensic training began during dental school under Dr. Mark Bernstein. She assists in the identification of remains and provides legal consultation in Kentucky.
Case inquiries
Submit a matter
Describe the matter in general terms. Do not send case materials, images or identifying details through this form.
On the live site this routes to mary@marykshields.com. In this preview it does not send.
Continuing education
A live course for dentists is in preparation
Dr. Shields teaches an introduction to forensic odontology for dentists, hygienists and the dental team. Dates, credit hours and registration will be posted here. To be told when the next session opens, write to mary@marykshields.com.