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Positive identification through comparative dental analysis in mass disaster: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Rizky Merdietio Boedi1, Nikolaos Angelakopoulos2, Emilio Nuzzolese3
1Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia. rizkymerdietio@lecturer.undip.ac.id.
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology
|August 19, 2024
Summary
Comparative dental analysis (CDA) can identify about one-third of victims in mass disasters. Identification success is higher in closed disasters and in Europe and North America.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Odontology
- Disaster Victim Identification
Background:
- Mass disasters pose significant challenges for victim identification.
- Comparative dental analysis (CDA) is a crucial method in forensic odontology for identifying victims.
- Understanding the success rate and influencing factors of CDA is vital for disaster response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the probability of positive identification using comparative dental analysis (CDA).
- To identify factors influencing the success rate of CDA in mass disaster scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across six databases for relevant observational studies.
- Random-effect meta-analysis to determine the proportion of victims identified by CDA.
- Subgroup analyses based on disaster type, classification, and geographical region.
Main Results:
- 32 studies were included, with most showing a low risk of bias.
- The overall probability of victim identification through CDA was 0.32 (approximately one-third).
- CDA success was significantly higher in closed versus open disasters and in Europe/North America.
Conclusions:
- Comparative dental analysis identifies approximately 32% of victims in mass disasters.
- Teeth and forensic odontology play an integral role in victim identification frameworks.
- Disaster classification and region impact the effectiveness of CDA.
