Daguerreotype process
A legal document issued by authorities certifying the fact, date, and cause of someone’s death.
Death awareness
Death Announcement – The public announcement of a person’s death.
Death benefits
Death awareness – Being aware of the reality and inevitability of death.
- Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
- How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Death Care Industry
Death benefits/insurance claims – Financial benefits and insurance claims related to death.
Death care profession
Death Care Industry – The industry that provides products and services related to death and funerals.
- How Can I Find Out About Local Licensing Regulations for Funeral Directors? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
Death Certificate
Death care profession – The profession of providing care and services related to death and funerals.
- Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
- What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
- What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
Death Certificate Assistance
Death Certificate Assistance – Help with obtaining and processing a death certificate.
Death certificate fees
A plaster or wax cast of the deceased’s face used as a memorial or tribute.
Death certificate filing
Death certificate filing – The act of submitting the necessary paperwork to obtain a death certificate.
- What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Find Out About Local Licensing Regulations for Funeral Directors? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
- How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Death certificate issuance
Death certificate issuance – The act of officially issuing a death certificate.
Death Certificate Requirements
Death Certificate Requirements – The necessary information and documentation needed to obtain a death certificate.
Death education
Death education – Learning about the various aspects of death, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
Death investigation
The process of determining the cause and manner of a person’s death, often conducted by medical examiners or coroners.
Death mask
Personal items or mementos of the deceased that are displayed or distributed to attendees at the funeral or memorial service.
- Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
- Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
- Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
Death memorabilia
Photographs or paintings of the deceased used as a memorial or tribute.
Death Notice
A public announcement of a person’s death, often including biographical information and details about funeral services.
Death Notification Assistance
Services provided to help families notify friends, relatives, and other contacts of a loved one’s death.
Death portraits
The aesthetic choices made by the family regarding the funeral service, including the choice of casket, flowers, and decor.
Death positivity movement
A social movement that aims to promote open and honest conversations about death and dying.
Death rituals
The customs and practices surrounding death and mourning.
- Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
- Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
- How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
- What Strategies Should I Use to Ensure Proper Boundary Maintenance as a Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
- How Can I Become a Licensed Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
- Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
- What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Death taboos
The cultural beliefs and practices surrounding death that are considered taboo or forbidden.
Debts and taxes
Financial obligations that must be settled after a person’s death, such as outstanding debts and taxes owed.
Deceased
A person who has died.
- Mortuary Science: Death Certificate vs. Death Notice (Document Differences)
- Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
- Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
- Mortuary Science: Epitaph vs. Eulogy (Honoring the Deceased)
- Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
- Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
- Understanding Postmortem Photography vs. Memento Mori (Historical Practices)
- Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
- Understanding Funeral Mass vs. Memorial Service (Religious Considerations)
- What Information is Required on a Death Certificate? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
- Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
- Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
- Mausoleum vs. Crypt in Mortuary Science (Types of Burial)
- Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
- Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
- Understanding Funeral Sprays vs. Wreaths (Floral Choices)
- Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
- What Are the Best Songs to Play During a Funeral Service? (7 Core Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
- Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
- Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
- Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
- Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
- What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
- How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
- Mortuary Science: Autopsy vs. Necropsy (Purpose Clarified)
- What Are Some Unique Ways to Personalize a Coffin? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
- Understanding Funeral Pyre vs. Cremation (Fire-Based Practices)
- What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
- What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)
- How Can I Establish a Positive Reputation as an Undertaker? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
- What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
- What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Strategies Should I Use to Ensure Proper Boundary Maintenance as a Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
- Understanding Wake vs. Viewing (Event Definitions)
- Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
- What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
- What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Performing an Autopsy? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Gain Professional Experience for Embalming Certification? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Is Membership in a Funeral Directors Association Necessary for Becoming Licensed? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Find Out About Local Licensing Regulations for Funeral Directors? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Make More Money as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
- What Types of Antimicrobial Agents Are Used in Mortuary Services? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
Decedent
The deceased person.
- Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
- What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
Decomposition
The natural process of the body breaking down after death.
- Mortuary Science: Rigor Mortis vs. Livor Mortis (Postmortem Changes)
- How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)
- Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
- Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
- Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
- How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
- Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
- Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
- Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
- What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
- What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Decomposition inhibitors
Chemicals or substances used to slow down or prevent the natural process of decomposition.
Deed of ownership
A legal document that proves ownership of property or assets.
Deforestation
Delivery logistics
Delusion
A false belief or perception that is not based in reality.
Denial
A coping mechanism where a person refuses to accept the reality of a situation, such as the death of a loved one.
- Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
- Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
Depression
A mental health condition characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- Understanding Mourning vs. Grieving (Emotional Journey)
- Understanding Grief Counseling vs. Bereavement Support (Help Available)
Designated beneficiary
The person or entity named in a will or other legal document to receive the deceased’s assets or property.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
A type of therapy that helps individuals regulate emotions and improve interpersonal relationships.
Diamond memorialization
Different color schemes and themes
Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss
The emotional struggle that some people experience when faced with the death of a loved one.
Dignity
Treating the deceased with respect and honor, regardless of their circumstances or cause of death.
- What Strategies Should I Use to Ensure Proper Boundary Maintenance as a Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Establish a Positive Reputation as an Undertaker? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
- What Strategies Can Morticians Use to Facilitate Respectful Interactions? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Performing an Autopsy? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Is Membership in a Funeral Directors Association Necessary for Becoming Licensed? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- Mortuary Science: Decedent vs. Deceased (Terminology Explained)
- Mortuary Science: Last Rites vs. Extreme Unction (Sacramental Services)
- Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
- Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
- Understanding Thanatology vs. Mortuary Science (Study of Death)
Direct cremation
A funeral service where the body is cremated immediately after death, without a traditional funeral service or viewing.
- Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
- Mortuary Science: Eulogy vs. Obituary (Honoring the Deceased)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
- How Can I Find an Affordable Funeral Home Near Me? (8 Most Common Questions Answered)
- How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Direct cremation/burial
A funeral service where the body is cremated or buried immediately after death, without a traditional funeral service.
Dirge Song
Discharge from duties
Discharge from duties – The termination of employment or responsibilities.
Disease diagnosis
Disease diagnosis – The identification of a specific illness or medical condition.
Disinfection
Disinfection – The process of eliminating harmful microorganisms from surfaces.
- What Types of Antimicrobial Agents Are Used in Mortuary Services? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
- How Can I Become a Certified Embalmer Through an Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
- What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Strategies Should I Use to Ensure Proper Boundary Maintenance as a Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Shroud vs. Pall (Funeral Fabrics)
- Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
- What Resources Are Available to Help Pass Professional Examinations for Embalming Certification? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Disinterment
The act of removing a body from its burial place.
- Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
- Mortuary Science: Grave vs. Tomb (Resting Place Terminology)
- How Does Interment Function? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Displaying the urn or wearing the cremation jewelry as a keepsake
The options for showcasing or wearing urns or cremation jewelry as a remembrance.
Disposition of the Body
Disposition of the Body – The final resting place of the deceased’s body.
Dissimilarities
Dissimilarities – Differences between two or more things.
Distribution of assets
Distribution of assets – The process of dividing the deceased’s property and possessions among beneficiaries.
- Estate vs. Inheritance in Mortuary Science (Legalities Defined)
- Mortuary Science: Pallbearer vs. Honorary Pallbearer (Roles Explained)
- Understanding Preneed vs. At-Need (Planning Ahead)
DNA analysis
The examination and interpretation of a person’s DNA to determine their genetic traits and characteristics.
- Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
- How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
DNA testing
The analysis of a person’s DNA to identify their genetic makeup.
- Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
- What Information is Required on a Death Certificate? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Documentation
The written records and paperwork related to funeral arrangements and services.
- How Can Morticians Ensure Accurate Documentation of Autopsies Results? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Exhumation vs. Disinterment (Grave Disturbance)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral Home vs. Mortuary (Facility Differences)
- What Skills Will I Learn During a Mortuary Apprenticeship Program? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Understanding Embalmer vs. Mortician (Job Specifications)
- What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Do I Need to Know About Regulatory Compliance in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- How Can I Ensure Compliance with Professional Standards in the Death Care Industry? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Are the Requirements of the State-Mandated Curriculum for Funeral Directors? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Funeral vs. Memorial Service (Event Timing)
- Mortuary Science: Embalming vs. Cremation (Understanding Processes)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- How Can I Learn Facial Reconstruction Techniques as a Mortician? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
- What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Performing an Autopsy? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Training Do I Need To Become A Mortician? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Document Differences
Document Differences – Variations in legal documents related to funeral arrangements and estate planning.
Donations in memory of the deceased
Donations in memory of the deceased – Contributions made to a charitable organization in honor of the deceased.
Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders
Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders – Medical orders that instruct healthcare providers not to perform life-saving measures on the deceased.
Drainage
- How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)
- What Regulations Must Be Followed When Performing a Burial as a Funeral Director? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Requiem vs. Dirge (Music for Mourning)
- Wake vs Funeral in Mortuary Science (Event Order)
- How Does Embalming Affect the Appearance of a Deceased Person? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- What Types of Questions are on Funeral Director Licensing Exams? (10 Important Questions Answered)
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- Mortuary Science: Entombment vs. Interment (Burial Methods)
Drainage of bodily fluids
Drainage of bodily fluids – The process of removing bodily fluids from the deceased during embalming.
Drainage tubes
Drainage tubes – Tubes used to remove bodily fluids from the deceased during embalming.
- Mortuary Science: Burial vs. Interment (Clarifying Terms)
- How is Arterial Embalming Performed? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Dreaming
Dreaming – A phenomenon that occurs during sleep where the brain creates images and experiences.
Dress code for pallbearers
Dress code for pallbearers – The attire required for those who carry the casket during a funeral service.
Dressing/Attiring
Dressing/Attiring – The process of preparing the deceased for viewing or burial.
Dressing the body
The process of clothing and grooming a deceased person for viewing or burial.
- Understanding Mortician vs. Funeral Director (Roles Defined)
- Mortuary Science: Death Mask vs. Memorial Portrait (Remembrance Items)
- Open Casket vs. Closed Casket (Viewing Decisions)
- What Does A Mortician Do? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Drug overdose
Drug overdose – A cause of death that occurs when a person takes an excessive amount of drugs.
- Understanding Coroner vs. Medical Examiner (Role Clarification)
- What Information is Required on a Death Certificate? (10 Important Questions Answered)
Dual process model of coping with loss
Dual process model of coping with loss – A theory that suggests people alternate between grief and restoration processes when dealing with loss.
Durability
The ability of urns or cremation jewelry to withstand wear and tear over time.
- Casket vs. Coffin in Mortuary Science (Shape Matters)
- Cenotaph vs. Tombstone in Mortuary Science (Monument Types)
- Interment vs. Inurnment in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Place)
- Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
- Understanding Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation (Service Options)
- Mortuary Science: Vault vs. Liner (Casket Protection)
- What Types of Services Should I Outsource as a Funeral Director? (9 Simple Questions Answered)
Durability and longevity
Durability and longevity – The ability of a casket or urn to withstand time and elements.
- Columbarium vs. Mausoleum in Mortuary Science (Final Resting Options)
- Mortuary Science: Urn vs. Cremation Jewelry (Ashes Storage)
Durability standards
Standards for the strength and longevity of caskets and burial liners.
Durable power of attorney for healthcare
Durable power of attorney for healthcare – A legal document that designates someone to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the deceased.