Scope and Application of Forensic Dentistry

Abstract

Identification of deceased persons is the most common role of the forensic dentist. Forensic physical comparison of ante mortem and post-mortem dental data is used to establish that a found body and a missing person are one and the same to high degree of certainty. Teeth are amongst the hardest structures of human body which are resistant to adverse conditions. It is also valuable source of DNA as other parts of body get destroyed or degraded in mass disasters. The unique composition of teeth and their location in jaw bone provide additional protection to DNA compared to bones making them preferred source of DNA in many cases. This article overviews the role of forensic dentistry in identification of missing or deceased persons.