A Dental Perspective on the Successes and Limitations of the Disaster Victim Identification Response to the Nepal Earthquake

Abstract

This article describes the forensic odontological analysis of the events of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. It identifies the problems encountered in the aftermath, lessons learned, and prospective future advances aimed at reducing the subjectivity in disaster victim identification (DVI). During a crisis, dental practitioners, particularly forensic odontologists, can make a substantial contribution to DVI, as highlighted in this article. It also promotes best practices in forensic dentistry that may be used by anyone in situations with few resources or people to deal with comparable scenarios.

Collaboration between forensic odontology and forensic pathology is crucial in Disaster Victim Identification

“…The "Disaster Victim Register" method must be implemented in the event of a major catastrophe. For purposes of comparison, please fill out the yellow AM form and the pink PM form independently (Dahal et al, 2022). To assist in the identification of the victim roster in digital format, Plass Data (Plass Data Software A/S, Taastrup Moellevej 12A, 4300 Holbaek, Denmark) developed the "DVI System International" program (Kaur Ekampreet et al, 2022).…”

Analysis of smiling photograph; Operation US–Bangla Air Crash

“…Identifying human skeletal remains is difficult and requires a multidisciplinary approach. [1][2][3] Along with traditional methods of identification such as fingerprints, DNA matching and dental examination, sex, age, stature and individualisation factors may have to be considered depending on the nature of the disaster and the availability of the antemortem data. 2 Some cases may lack or have an incomplete dental treatment record, necessitating the search for antemortem data from personal belongings.…”

“…[1][2][3] Along with traditional methods of identification such as fingerprints, DNA matching and dental examination, sex, age, stature and individualisation factors may have to be considered depending on the nature of the disaster and the availability of the antemortem data. 2 Some cases may lack or have an incomplete dental treatment record, necessitating the search for antemortem data from personal belongings. 3,4 Of the many types of personal information that can be retrieved, smiling photos are easier, reliable and fairly common.…”

Broadening the Application of Forensic Science in an Era of Standardization

“…We believe that this illustrates the global resonance and recognition of the importance of forensic science being adopted by the humanitarian sector. Also impressive is that despite this breadth, geographic, and cultural variation, all articles demonstrate methods or models that promote the dignification of victims and their families: be it innovative techniques in constrained circumstances and with open-source software [ 18 ], active family and community engagement [ 3 , 9 , 11 ], advocating models that better demonstrate stakeholder carec, or calling for greater international collaboration on common problems [ 10 , 19 , 20 ]. We believe that forensic scientists do what they do because they love science.…”