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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfo.0974.505X.13120.3

Abstract

Forensic odontology is proper handling, examination, and evaluation of dental evidences for people. The dental evidences are used for identification of a person to whom they may belong. The individual set of teeth which can be traced back to established dental records existing with the dental specialists are the highlight of forensic odontology as this can be helpful in finding missing individuals. The dental records in an Orthodontist’s office starting from case history form, dental casts and bite registration, various radiographs and imaging, photographsetc. can be used for comparative evaluation and are helpful in assessing rugae pattern, mandibular canine index, lip prints etc. and their superimposition. Race gender and age estimation are also possible with most of these records. Promoting pulpal stem cell banking can even aiding DNA analysis for personal identification.This review is intended to provide an outlook for orthodontists to understand the importance and value of the patient records, how they are utilized in the field of forensic odontology and their responsibility to society and remind them about their liability to provide ante mortem evidences i.e. dental records.

Corresponding Author : Teena Maria Wilson, Postgraduate student, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Goverment College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452001, India.