Forensic Odontology

Forensic odontology is that branch of dentistry that deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in the interest of justice.1 This branch has been utilized for many years for the identification of victims and suspects in mass disasters, abuse and organized crimes.2 Forensic odontology embraces all dental specialities and forensic dental fieldwork requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of all dental specialities. The widely accepted classification of forensic odontology is based on the major fields of activity i.e. civil, criminal and research by Avon.3 More recently the author has published a new working classification for forensic odontology based on the relationship of various dental specialities with forensic odontology.4 The present review investigates in-depth each speciality and its relationship with forensic odontology.

Forensic odontology is that branch of dentistry that deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in the interest of justice.1 This branch has been utilized for many years for the identification of victims and suspects in mass disasters, abuse and organized crimes.2 Forensic odontology embraces all dental specialities and forensic dental fieldwork requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of all dental specialities. The widely accepted classification of forensic odontology is based on the major fields of activity i.e. civil, criminal and research by Avon.3 More recently the author has published a new working classification for forensic odontology based on the relationship of various dental specialities with forensic odontology.4 The present review investigates in-depth each speciality and its relationship with forensic odontology.