Abstract
BackgroundForensic odontology (FO) is regarded in the literature as one of the most reliable and economical scientific methods for victim identification in mass disasters (MDs). The present paper systematically reviews the role of forensic odontologists in various global MDs.MethodA comprehensive search of the literature databases (PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar), along with cross-referencing published peer-reviewed articles, was conducted. The search included full texts, abstracts or titles, had no inclusion year limit (searched until September 2017) and was limited to the English language. Keywords included a combination of ‘Forensic odontology’, ‘Dental records’, ‘Victim identification’, ‘Natural mass disaster’, ‘Criminal mass disaster’, ‘Accidental mass disaster’ and ‘Victim disaster’.ResultsOf the included disasters (20), 12 (57.14%) were accidental, 5 (23.80%) natural and 3 (19.04%) were criminal. The maximum number of victims was associated with the Japan tsunami (15892), followed by the Thailand tsunami (4280) and the Estonia ferry disaster (852). A total of 23654 victims were reported, of which 20569 (86.96%) were positively identified. Reports from 17 MDs included the use of FO in victim identification [3025 (14.70%) cases]. In addition, 1094 victims (5.31%; from 7 papers) were identified using FO in combination with other methodologies. The highest percentage of victims was identified using FO following the Kentucky air crash (47; 100%), followed by the Newark air crash (38; 76%), the Nepal air crash (10; 71.42%), the France air crash (56; 65.88%), the Australian bushfire (14; 63.63%), and the Estonia ferry disaster (57; 60.63%).ConclusionFO has played a significant role in victim identification in several MDs around the world. The success of FO-based identification is heavily dependent on the availability of ante-mortem records from general dental practitioners. Hence, adequate knowledge about FO and appropriate dental record keeping among general dental practitioners are critical.
Highlights
Mass disasters (MDs) are sudden, violent, unexpected and indiscriminate events that are usually associated with a large number of casualties, and they require significant resources for management
Reports from 17 MDs included the use of Forensic odontology (FO) in victim identification [3025 (14.70%) cases]
FO has played a significant role in victim identification in several MDs around the world
Summary
Mass disasters (MDs) are sudden, violent, unexpected and indiscriminate events that are usually associated with a large number of casualties, and they require significant resources for management. Tsunamis, and train accidents belong to the open MD category In these disasters, the names of the victims are usually unknown. Forensic identification of the victims of these MDs is essential, for humanitarian reasons and for civil or criminal investigative needs. It is a very challenging task because dead bodies are often mutilated to such an extent that they cannot be identified by general physical examination alone [3]. In such situations, forensic anthropology, fingerprint analysis, forensic odontology (FO), radiology and DNA typing can be used for victim identification. The present paper systematically reviews the role of forensic odontologists in various global MDs
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