Aim: This study was undertaken to compare and analyze the significance of dermatoglyphics in predicting the susceptibility to develop dental caries in sikh and nonsikh population. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on the total of 400 subjects, 200 sikh and 200 nonsikh in the age group between 5-13 years and children with dental caries in 3 or more teeth based on the df and DMFT index were included in the study. The fingerprints were taken using stamp pad and Statistical analysis was performed. Results: 1.On calculation of caries index nonsikh population were more susceptible to develop caries. 2. predominant finger print pattern was loop in sikh population whereas it was whorl in nonsikh population. 3. Dental caries susceptibility of an individual increases with an increase in the incidence of whorl pattern. Conclusion: There was an increased frequency of the whorls in nonsikh population having caries. 

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics; Fingerprint pattern; Dental caries; Genetics.