Forensic Odontology

Forensic dentistry primarily deals with identification, based on recognition of unique features present in individual’s dental structures. It plays a major role in identification in man-made or natural disasters –events that result in multiple fatalities that may not be identifiable through conventional methods such as fingerprints. The importance of teeth for identification is because of their highly mineralized composition, which makes them resistant to the influences of the external environment. With increasing awareness among general public of legal issues surrounding health care, in forensic purposes, and with the worrying rise in malpractice of insurance claim cases, a thorough knowledge of dental records is essential for any practitioner. The scope of forensic dentistry is broad & ever-challenging. Each case is different & even the seemingly routine case may test the dentist’s ingenuity in applying his dental knowledge. there is increased need for dental surgeons to have a good knowledge about forensic odontology as it is useful in identification of an individual and also discover abuse among all ages. Every dentist has to understand the forensic implications associated with their practice.