Reliability of ameloglyphics in forensic identification: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biometrics
• Odontology

Background:

• Teeth possess unique enamel rod patterns, analogous to fingerprints, making them valuable for individual identification.
• Ameloglyphics, the study of these enamel patterns, utilizes the distinctiveness of tooth prints for forensic applications.
• The uniqueness of tooth prints can serve as a significant biometric tool in forensic identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy and reliability of ameloglyphics as a method for forensic identification.
• To systematically review existing research on the application of ameloglyphics in individual identification.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted using keywords such as Ameloglyphics, tooth prints, and enamel rod end patterns.
• Data sources included Google Scholar, PubMed, Proquest, Europe PMC, and Scopus.
• Studies were appraised for quality using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies.

Main Results:

• A total of 475 articles were initially retrieved, with 18 studies ultimately selected for qualitative synthesis.
• The review found that a meta-analysis could not be performed due to data heterogeneity among the included studies.
• The data from the 18 selected studies were systematically reviewed.

Conclusions:

• Ameloglyphics is an emerging technique with a growing body of research supporting its use in individual identification.
• The findings suggest that ameloglyphics is a useful adjunct for forensic identification purposes.
• Further research may be warranted to address data heterogeneity and solidify its role in forensic science.