Dr Catherine Storer

Current Research:

I am currently an PhD (Dentistry) candidate in the specialist field of forensic odontology, supervised by Dr. Denice Higgins and Dr. John Berketa.

My research, Improving Scientific Validity of Antemortem Dental Data Transcription looks at the antemortem phase of dental identification. Accuracy in the interpretation and transcription of antemortem dental data is paramount as it is compared to the postmortem dental data to reconcile an identity.

The aim of my research is to improve the objectivity in transcribing dental data while reducing the influence of human error and interpretation. An evaluation of the variation in antemortem data transcription using current methodology will be undertaken, followed by the develop a standardised, computer aided transcription procedure which will then be tested and the variation results compared to those of the original methodology.

Previous Research:

My research component for my Graduate Diploma in Forensic Odontology (2015), Tooth Wear and other Dental Characteristics in Aboriginal Australian Skulls, Narungga, Yorke Peninsula, SA, studied a specific population of Aboriginal Australian skulls. The aim was to narrow the gap in knowledge of the oral condition of pre-contemporary Narungga by documenting various types of tooth wear and other infectious, degenerative, developmental and genetic conditions and analysing their significance within the population. The documentation of tooth wear and other dental conditions has shown the Narungga had a similar dental condition to that of previously studied pre-contact Aboriginal Australian populations, however, in some cases with differing incidence and prevalence. Previous studies have also reported that while there is a general dental pattern for hunter-gatherer populations there is variation between the tribes that reflect culture differences and male and female role variations.