SUNY Potsdam

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Potsdam Hosts Forensic Odontology Talk by Dentist Alumnus Randolph Mitchell '77

'When the Teeth Do the Talking': SUNY Potsdam Department of Chemistry Welcomes Alumnus Dr. Randolph Mitchell '77 for Forensic Talk

Potsdam, NY (04/07/2023) — SUNY Potsdam's Department of Chemistry will welcome Dr. Randolph Mitchell '77 for a public talk, "Forensic Odontology: When the Teeth Do the Talking," on Friday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to noon, in Stowell Hall Room 211.

Mitchell, who worked as a general family dentist for 36 years before his recent retirement, has been the forensic odontologist for the Monroe County (NY) Office of the Medical Examiner since 2009.

As one of the hardest and most durable structures in the human body, teeth can play a unique role in making a positive identification of a human body. Mitchell's public lecture will focus on the basic principles used in making a positive dental identification, illustrated with actual case presentations to show how the techniques are applied. The talk will help people understand the role that dentistry plays in the legal system.

Please note that this talk is appropriate for those who are interested in the forensic sciences, but the content is graphic and disturbing, due to the nature of the topic.

Over the course of his career, Mitchell has made close to 100 identifications, working on everything from fires to murder cases. After graduating from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in chemistry and biology, Mitchell went on to get his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine. As a general family dentist with a practice in Lyons, N.Y., he became interested in forensics after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Mitchell completed training in forensic dentistry and anthropology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and is a fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a member of the American Society of Forensic Odontology. He is on the faculty of the Penn School of Dental Medicine, and is an adjunct associate at SUNY Potsdam.

To learn more about SUNY Potsdam's programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, visit www.potsdam.edu/stem.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

###

Media Attachments

Forensic odontologist Dr. Randolph Mitchell ’77 will speak about his field on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m., in SUNY Potsdam’s Stowell Hall Room 211.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out