Effectiveness of dental records in human identification

Salen Marchesi De Almeida,Juliana Aires Paiva De Azevedo,Suzana Papile Maciel Carvalho,Renata Kelly Trajano Nogueira,Flávio Pinheiro Falcão,Fábio Delwing

doi:10.1590/1981-863720150003000213017

Salen Marchesi De Almeida, Juliana Aires Paiva De Azevedo + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-863720150003000213017

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Abstract

Forensic dentistry, a branch of the forensic sciences, plays an important role within postmortem human identification, especially in cases of corpses that are charred, skeletonized or in an advanced state of decomposition. Identification of human remains via dental knowledge is done using a comparative technique, which is simple, inexpensive and reliable, the aim of which is to compare dental records and information recorded by dentists in clinical appointments made before an individual's death, with postmortem dental records obtained via forensic examination. In this context, the present study aims to demonstrate the importance of dental records and the effectiveness of forensic dentistry in human identification, illustrated by the report of a case that was conducted at the São Luis Coroner's Office in the Brazilian state of Maranhão. It may be concluded that dental records maintained by a dentist, when complete, properly structured and correctly archived, retain important personal information and are fundamental tools in the process of human identification.

Highlights

Forensic dentistry is a challenging branch of forensic science, which combines dentistry and law and is based on the application of dental knowledge in order to provide assistance to the justice system[1,2,3]
The present study aims to report on a case of identification of a body at an advanced stage of decomposition using forensic dentistry and thereby highlight the importance of dental records
The availability of antemortem dental records for comparison is required in order to ensure success

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Forensic dentistry is a challenging branch of forensic science, which combines dentistry and law and is based on the application of dental knowledge in order to provide assistance to the justice system[1,2,3]. Within the scope of forensic dentistry is its use in criminal law, encompassing the examination of whole or fragmented corpses in order to identify them This is done by dental surgeons who are forensic experts for the Coroner’s Office[3]. The most common means of determining an individual’s identity used by the Coroner’s Office are visual recognition (considered to be an empirical identification, subjective and lacking in scientific cogency5), fingerprint analysis, forensic dentistry and DNA analysis (the last three being characterized by the use of scientific techniques). It may even be possible to determine the individual’s socioeconomic status[19] In this context, the present study aims to report on a case of identification of a body at an advanced stage of decomposition using forensic dentistry and thereby highlight the importance of dental records.

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION