With the extensive records keeping done in orthodontics inclusive of photographs, radiographs, study casts, case history files, these records can serve as detailed ante- mortem records. Is there a requirement of a centralised national database for these records that may prove useful for forensic odontology purposes?
Actually not really.., since our dental records don't match between pre-orthodontic treatment and post orthodontic treatment, therefore it would be more confusing for forensic odontology records than to be helpful, imagine a classII division I angle malocclusion with 9mm overejet who was treated by extraction of 4 first upper and lower premolars will be very different after becoming a classI angle malocclusion at the end of his or her orthodontic treatment! therefore his/her previous dental records can't identify his/her new forensic profile identity and vice versa.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this particular topic. But I am just giving food for thought. Forensic odontologists have done ample amount of studies on rugae pattern that remains unfazed by growth or orthodontic treatment and their stability, uniqueness and post mortem resistance makes them potential adjuncts in forensic identification. Orthodontists have a wide database of occlusal photographs and study models that if collected in a centralized manner for national database, can provide a huge record base for forensic identification. Need more inputs on this......
You are always welcomed. The field of forensic dentistry is very broad; however I just mentioned my personal opinion. Thanks , God Bless.
You have been kind enough to show interest and your views are most welcome.
Dr Hamid: u r correct ante-mortem and post-mortem records might not match if orthodontic intercession is there... its just when Dr Priyanka gave her input that we can have centralized data bank (digital ceph and photographs)..
This data can be quantified and structured according to stage and outcome of treatment... which can be re-used as n when obligatory by forensic expert in civil and criminal matter..
So above algorithm is uncomplicated and just accentuate the need of central data pool to be present.. which is quite simple if initiated as orthodontist do take pains and thoroughness of taking and keeping records so as to plan and analyze the treatment.
You can check out this out of the ordinary case … this might transform your outlook towards this topic..
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/dpjo/v16n2/en_a07v16n2.pdf
Regards
Thank you so much Dr Aman and Dr Hamid for the interest generated in this topic...I think we need to rationalize and use our orthodontic records for forensic identification as well..... Need more inputs and views....
Orthodontists are welcome in Forensic Science. Virtually all knowledge can contribute to solving crimes. Especially this specialty of dentistry that can bring important information about lifestyle, malformation and pre-existing disease, allowing the identification of corpses. In addition, the possibility of identifying the bite changes for orthodontic treatment can tip alibis, eg
You have raised very relevant points Dr Garrido....Also in addition to the bite, orthodontists are trained to assess dental and skeletal age of the patients. Need more views on requirement of centralised database of orthodontic records at national level for forensics...
By the way the DNA test is the most reliable and convenient solution, than any other records for forensic medicine or dentistry, when in doubt we can go for it..., GOOD LUCK
In mass disaster cases to establish identity of individuals, all kinds of data like teeth rugae , who have post mortem resistance are taken as identification tools, age estimation tools.....I sincerely feel forensic odontologists have a greater role t o play in current times...
They definitely have a role to play in forensic odontology with records that can describe palatal rugae and morphology of teeth. Although some occlusion characteristics may alter, some individual traits would be useful. A significant advancement has been made on this topic in recent years.