Review Article
Year : 2016 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 2 | Page : 53 - 57
Forensic Odontology ‐ “Dentist as a Third Eye”
Nikhil Raj, Jeena Sebastian, GK Shakunthala, B Siva, P Shibu1
From the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Chalakkara, Puducherry, 1
Department of Oral Pathology, Pariyaram Dental College, Pariyaram, Kerala, India
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Nikhil Raj, E‐mail: nikkies87@gmail.com
Abstract
Forensic odontology plays a key role in the identification of those individuals who cannot be identified visually or by other means. Forensic odontology involves the management, examination, evaluation, and presentation of dental evidence in criminal or civil proceedings, all in the interest of justice. The unique nature of dental anatomy and placement of custom restorations ensure accuracy when the techniques are correctly employed. Forensic odontologist must also have the basic knowledge of the role of a forensic pathologist and the methods used in autopsy, as dental evidence is the most valuable and reliable method. Dental professionals play a major role in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognize malpractices, negligence, and child abuse and also identify an individual. In this article, we will discuss such evolvement of the subject. This review is based on the information collected from standard research articles and literature from textbooks. Data were thoroughly evaluated and formatted.
Key Words: Age estimation, bite mark analysis, dental records, forensic odontology, mass disaster, sex determination
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
How to cite this article:
Raj N, Sebastian J, Shakunthala GK, Siva B, Shibu P. Forensic odontology - "Dentist as a third eye". Int J Forensic Odontol 2016;1:53-7.
