Forensic Odontological Parameters as Biometric Tool: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Odontology
• Biometrics
• Human Identification

Background:

• Dental identification is increasingly vital, serving as a primary method when conventional biometrics like fingerprints are compromised.
• Forensic odontology, the study of dental evidence, offers unique identification capabilities.
• Oral and paraoral structures provide reliable data for identification, even in extreme scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of forensic odontology parameters as biometric tools.
• To emphasize the significance of dental characteristics in human identification.
• To explore various dental biometric techniques for forensic applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on forensic odontology and dental biometrics.
• Analysis of techniques including ameloglyphics, radiography, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, and tongue prints.
• Discussion of dental parameters used for individualization (sex, age, race, stature).

Main Results:

• Dental features like tooth prints and palatal rugae patterns are valuable biometric identifiers.
• Forensic odontology provides crucial data for determining specimen type, population affinity, and individual characteristics.
• Comparative dental identification using biometric systems is effective in mass casualty incidents.

Conclusions:

• Dental biometrics offer a reliable and unique method for human identification.
• Forensic odontology plays a critical role in legal and disaster victim identification.
• Further integration of dental biometrics can enhance identification accuracy and efficiency.