According to the article, homicide investigators should always include forensic specialists on investigative teams. Forensic odontologists can be particularly useful when human remains are burned, mutilated, or decomposed. Using x-rays and medical records, odontologists can analyze dentition and jaw bones to provide information on the age of deceased persons, their general facial characteristics, their race, their socioeconomic grouping, and their habits or occupation. Teeth are one of the most effective means available for positive identification of unidentified deceased persons. Bite marks with direct bearing on the course of violent crimes can also be thoroughly investigated. The examination of skeletal remains by physical anthropologists can also furnish the investigator with basic classifications for the deceased, such as age, sex and race. Individual characteristics such as height, right or left handedness, weight structure, build, and prior bone injuries can also be determined. Such information makes a general description of the deceased possible. In certain cases, the cause of death can also be ascertained. Facial reconstruction from the skull is a method sometimes used in forensic anthropology to identify skeletal remains. The technique of forensic sculpture combines the science of anthropology with artistic judgment based on anatomical knowledge and experience. Reconstructions using this technique to recreate an identity from skeletal remains are usually employed as a 'last ditch' effort of law enforcement agencies but nevertheless, prove to be successful in up to 70 percent of the cases. Illustrations are supplied.