Future-ready military healthcare: Forensic odontology training and digital dental records integration in the Indian...

Forensic odontology (FO) emerges as a critical discipline in conflict victim identification, particularly amid the challenges posed by war and calamities within the operational landscape of the Indian Armed Forces. FO plays an important role in improving the precision and efficacy of victim identification procedures in times of conflict. In the aftermath of wars and calamities, traditional identification methods may be rendered inadequate due to factors such as mass casualties, decomposition, or disfigurement. One particularly important area of forensic science is odontology, which uses radiography, dental records and distinguishing dental characteristics to establish the identity of victims. Application of advanced technologies, including digital imaging and dental databases, further amplifies the precision and speed of identification efforts. The abstract aims to highlight the significance of fostering specialized training programs for forensic odontologists within the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring their preparedness to confront the unique challenges of conflict victim identification. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary collaboration between forensic odontologists, pathologists and other forensic experts as essential for developing comprehensive and efficient identification protocols. Integration of FO into the operational protocols of the Indian Armed Forces, will contribute to the establishment of a robust framework for conflict victim identification during war and calamities. This proactive approach will not only aid in bringing closure to grieving families but also plays a crucial role in upholding human rights and international humanitarian standards amid the complexities of conflict scenarios.