Abstract

ROLE OF DENTIST IN FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY: A REVIEW

*Dr. Avani Rijhwani, Dr. Nishan Patel, Dr. Rahul Patel, Dr. Nidhi Sabhaya, Dr. Jaysukh Santoki, Dr. Jaydeepa and Dr. Bantu Patel

Abstract

Objectives - Forensic Odontology is a branch of dentistry that utilizes the dentist‟s knowledge to solve the criminal and civil cases. It has established itself as an important indispensable science in medicolegal matters and in particular in identification of the dead and living individuals like refuges and incorrect birth records. Worldwide, dentists qualified in forensic science are giving expert opinion in cases related to human identification, bitemark analysis, craniofacial trauma and malpractice. Methods- 1. Visual 2. Personal or medical information: a) General information b) Specific information c) Radiological information 3. Clothing 4. Personal effects and documentation 6. Fingerprints 7. Feet 8. DNA profiling. Conclusion- Dental professionals have a major role to play in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognize malpractice, negligence, fraud or abuse and identify unknown humans. This article presents a literature review referring to the understanding the various methods employed in forensic odontology.

Keywords: Forensic Odontology, Dental Identification, Bite marks, medicolegal.