title: Mass disasters. Part 1. Role of the general dentist.
abstract: In this article, the first of two on the involvement of dentists in a mass disaster, the focus is primarily on mass disasters in general, some common characteristics and types of disasters, those agencies or individuals involved in the management of a disaster, the different phases of a disaster and the position of the forensic dental identification team (FDIT). Part 2 will deal with the functions, responsibilities and jurisdiction of the FDIT during the various phases of a disaster and more specifically immediately after the disaster.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, School for Oral Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch. devillec@mweb.co.za
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: de Villiers
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters / Q000145:classification; D005553:Forensic Dentistry / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D013019:South Africa