Forensic dentistry in human identification: A review of the literature

Abstract

An update is provided of the literature on the role of odontology in human identification, based on a PubMed-Medline search of the last 5 years and using the terms: “forensic dentistry” (n = 464 articles), “forensic odontology” (n = 141 articles) and “forensic dentistry identification” (n = 169 articles). Apart from these initial 774 articles, others considered to be important and which were generated by a manual search and cited as references in review articles were also included. Forensic dentistry requires interdisciplinary knowledge, since the data obtained from the oral cavity can contribute to identify an individual or provide information needed in a legal process. Furthermore, the data obtained from the oral cavity can narrow the search range of an individual and play a key role in the victim identification process following mass disasters or catastrophes. This literature search covering the last 5 years describes the novelties referred to buccodental studies in comparative identification, buccodental evaluation in reconstructive identification, human bites as a method for identifying the aggressor, and the role of DNA in dental identification. The oral cavity is a rich and noninvasive source of DNA, and can be used to solve problems of a social, economic or legal nature. Key words:Forensic identification, DNA, forensic dentistry, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, saliva.

Sex Estimation by Odontometric Study of the Maxillary Canine Teeth using Discriminant Function Analysis

“…teeth) is first to identify the sex. The correct prediction of the sex simplifies the identification process as only one sex (the sex of the missing individual) need to be considered [16].…”

Esthetic Reformation of Traumatically Fractured Anterior Tooth Using Prefabricated Fiber Post and Core in Uncooperative Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

“…These rugae are present throughout an individual's life; nevertheless, they undergo some changes, in their number or height, which might complicate the identification of an individual based only on rugae analysis [4,57,58,59,60,61]. Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints' elevations and depressions used to identify an individual.…”

“…Human bites are different, due to the specific teeth anatomy and their different alignments within the dental arches [11,34,56]. According to class characteristics, the marks of incisors are rectangular; canines are triangular or rectangular; premolars and molars are spherical or point-shaped, and their individual features such as dental rotations, spacing or even the presence and type of fractures, make every bite mark unique [4,11,56]. In female victims, bites are frequently found on breasts and legs, secondary to sexual aggression; in male victims, bites are mainly found on shoulders and arms [28,49].…”

“…Defined by Keiser-Neilson in 1970, forensic dentistry is the -the branch of forensic medicine which in the interest of justice deals with the proper evaluation, examination, treatment and presentation of the results of dental evidence‖ [4,5,6]. In addition, forensic dentistry applies the art and science of dentistry to assist legal authorities through the evaluation and presentation of dental evidence, accepted by the court and the general scientific community, to resolve legal issues and contribute scientific and objective data to legal processes [7,8,9,10,11].…”

“…Dental records should never contain references to the patient's financial status, or to the dentist's personal opinions. In addition, the records must be maintained for 7-10 years, with secure, controlled-access storage to ensure patient privacy [4,8,28,32,34,35]. Because dentists develop and maintain solid dental records, they become valuable members of the legal team when an individual must be identified [36,37,38,39].…”