Abstract

FERNANDES, MM. et al. The role of forensic odontology in the quantification of dental and facial aesthetic impairment. A case report from the civil jurisprudence. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2017, vol.23, n.1-2, pp.41-45. ISSN 1988-611X.

Despite uncommon in the scientific literature, the quantification of aesthetic impairment (AI) figures among the procedures performed by forensic dentists in Court. During this procedure, the dentist (as expert witness) must be able to provide a scientific report with forensic evidences to support legal decisions, such as towards indemnifications or not. The present study aims to report a case adjudicated in the civil jurisprudence involving a plaintiff with dental and facial AI that underwent forensic examination with a forensic dentist. A lawsuit founded on financial indemnification was demanded by an adult male against a county in South Brazil. The plaintiff claimed AI after falling with his bicycle into a hole in the asphalt. The expert witness’ report provided to the civil Court indicated dental loss and several maxillofacial lesions observed through the physical exam. The quantification of these lesions suggested substantial severity of AI. After considering all the aspects involved in the case, the civil Court ruled against the county, establishing indemnification of nearly $5,000.00. The present study highlights the important role of dentists as expert witnesses in the civil scenario. Forensic training must be encouraged to enable optimal performances in Court.

Keywords : Impairment; Aesthetics; Teeth; Face; Forensic odontology.

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