Abstract
Comparative dental analysis is the main role of a UK forensic dentist. It is undertaken to determine whether postmortem findings are in agreement with the provided antemortem data for an individual, in order to achieve a positive identification. It requires dentists to maintain accurate dental records and, when a confirmatory identification is required, to breach their confidentiality obligations to their patients. Several different dental records can prove helpful during the process, which are outlined in a novel checklist designed to guide both practitioners and law enforcement officers. It is supported by the UK Missing Persons Unit and the British Association of Forensic Odontology (BAFO) and is available to download in a PDF format from dentalidrecordchecklist.com. CPD/Clinical Relevance: All dental practitioners should be aware of forensic dentistry as a specialism and how they may be required to help during a human identification. Understanding the principles of comparative dental analysis should be attained, thus recognizing the importance of releasing dental records, preventing delays and uncertainty around breaching confidentiality obligations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
