ABFO
Definition
American Board of Forensic Odontology: the specialty certification body in the United States that examines and certifies forensic odontologists as Diplomates, and publishes the guidelines most widely cited in US courts and internationally.
- Founded
- 1976
- Location
- United States
- Primary role
- Certifies forensic odontologists and publishes methodological guidelines
Common questions
What is ABFO and who certifies forensic odontologists?+
ABFO is the American Board of Forensic Odontology, the main certification body in the United States for forensic dentists. It examines practitioners and awards them the title of Diplomate. ABFO also publishes guidelines on bite-mark analysis and dental identification that are widely cited in US courts and internationally.
How do forensic odontologists get ABFO certification?+
ABFO certifies practitioners through a two-part process: passing an examination and submitting a portfolio of case work for review. This ensures that certified odontologists have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in forensic dental work.
Why are ABFO guidelines important in forensic investigations?+
ABFO publishes the most widely cited standards for bite-mark methodology and dental identification used in criminal cases. Courts across the US and internationally rely on these guidelines to evaluate the quality and validity of forensic odontology evidence.
Related terms
- Bite-Mark Swab
- A DNA swab taken from a bite-mark wound on skin, capturing salivary DNA deposited by the biter, which can then be profiled...
- Dental Loupes
- Magnifying spectacles worn by dentists and forensic odontologists during examination, providing 2.5x to 4.5x magnification that makes fine details of restorations and...
- Digital Periapical Radiograph
- A dental X-ray image captured on a sensor rather than film, immediately available as a digital file that can be transmitted, stored,...
- Diplomate (ABFO)
- The certification grade awarded by the ABFO to forensic odontologists who meet its education, training, and examination requirements. In US courts, ABFO...
- DVI (Disaster Victim Identification)
- The systematic multi-agency process for identifying victims of mass-casualty events, governed by the INTERPOL DVI Guide 2018 revision. Organises work into five...
- DVI Pink Form
- The INTERPOL standardised Dental Identification Form used to record antemortem and postmortem dental findings in a format that supports reconciliation by a...
- Forensic Odontologist
- A licensed dentist with additional training in the application of dental science to legal questions, acting as an expert witness and consultant...
- Foundational Validity
- The requirement, articulated in the 2009 US National Academy of Sciences report and taken up by courts and reform bodies, that a...
- INTERPOL DVI
- The INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification process, governed by the INTERPOL DVI Guide (current edition 2018). Dental data are recorded on colour-coded forms:...
- IOFOS
- The International Organisation for Forensic Odonto-Stomatology, the global coordinating body that links national forensic-odontology associations and sets international standards, particularly for DVI...
- ISO 17025
- International standard for the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Covers management system requirements (document control, internal audits,...
- NAS Report 2009
- 'Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward,' published by the National Academy of Sciences. Found that fire investigation pattern...
Explained in these topics
- History of Forensic Odontology and Landmark CasesThe American Board of Forensic Odontology, founded in 1976, which certifies practitioners in the United States and publishes guidelines on dental identificatio...
- Standards and Accreditation: ABFO, DVI, ISOAmerican Board of Forensic Odontology: the specialty certification body in the United States that examines and certifies forensic odontologists as Diplomates,...
- The Forensic Dentist: Role, Team and ToolkitAmerican Board of Forensic Odontology, which certifies practitioners through examination and case-work portfolio review, and publishes guidelines on bite-mark...