Creating Awareness Regarding Forensic Odontology Among Non-Forensic Persons for Successful Dental Identifications

H.  Pandey; E.  Nuzzolese

doi:10.18311/jfds/12/2/2020.579

Authors

H. Pandey Forensic Odontology and Human Identification Laboratory, Department of Forensic Medicine, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel East, Parel, Mumbai– 400012, Maharashtra
E. Nuzzolese Human Identification Laboratory, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10124 Torino TO

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jfds/12/2/2020.579

Keywords:

Forensic Odontology, Ante mortem data collection, identification, missing persons, awareness campaign

Abstract

Visual Identification by next of kin is the most common method of identifying unknown bodies in India. However, this technique is unscientific and unreliable, especially if the remains recovered are decomposing, skeletonized, charred, mutilated, saponified. Primary identifiers recommended by higher authorities for scientific identification of unknown bodies include comparison of fingerprints, DNA, odontology or unique medical records such as implants. Forensic Odontology has played a major role in identifying victims of mass disasters around the world, and few examples of successful application of dental data in DVI situations include the South Asian Tsunami, 2004, Black Saturday bushfires, 2009, Australia, Christchurch earthquake, 2011, etc. However, the application of forensic odontology for positive identifications is extremely limited. A major reason for this is the unavailability and inaccessibility to quality dental records and ante mortem data. To improve the collection of ante mortem data, it is urgent that we create awareness among local on-ground investigating agencies, and stakeholders. For this purpose, an awareness campaign iDENTifyme from the University of Turin, Italy was launched in India in local languages, and has since successfully assisted in collection of ante mortem data for positive identification.

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References

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