Richard A. Weems, D.M.D., M.S., associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry, and director of Oral Radiology and the UAB Maxillofacial CBCT Imaging Center, is editor of the recently-published American Society of Forensic Odontology Manual of Forensic Odontology, Fifth Edition. The manual, which has been an important source of forensic dentistry information for more than 20 years, provides comprehensive and up-to-date information involving all facets of forensic dentistry and explores critical issues relating to the scientific principles supporting the field’s evaluations and conclusions. New information in the Fifth Edition includes new techniques and improved technologies for age estimation, as well as advances in bite mark evidence management and animal bite marks.
In addition to his work at UAB, Weems is a forensic dental consultant to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS), and he serves as the chief forensic dentist for the Jefferson County, Alabama, Chief Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office. Weems is the dental section leader of Region IV of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) and participated in DMORT’s response to the World Trade Center disaster, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike. In 2005, Weems received certification by the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO). He is a Fellow in the Odontology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and served as the Odontology Section Chair from 2010-2012.