Age estimation in adults by canine teeth: a systematic review of the Cameriere method with meta-analysis on the reliability of the pulp/tooth area ratio.

The age estimation of an adult using methods accessible to the forensic routine is a goal pursued by forensic experts. Cameriere, Ferrante and Cingolani (2004) proposed the use of the pulp/tooth area ratio of canine teeth as a promising variable, but its reliability has shown conflicting results in the scientific literature. This article aimed to carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis to verify whether the pulp/tooth area ratio of canine teeth includes a variable that can be used alone to estimate dental age in adults. A systematic search was carried out in six databases using keywords related to the theme in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The study selection process followed pre-established eligibility criteria. Assessments were carried out regarding risk of bias and publication bias of selected studies, and meta-analysis was carried out considering Pearson's correlation coefficient between pulp/tooth area ratio and chronological age as effect measure. Most selected studies showed low risk of bias; no publication bias was found when all studies were considered, and potential publication bias was found when outliers were removed. Despite the high heterogeneity among studies and the need for more research, it could be observed that the pulp/tooth area ratio has strong negative correlation with chronological age, and the pulp/tooth area ratio could be derived from both periapical radiographs and orthopantomographs. Therefore, it is suggested that there is scientific evidence that the pulp/tooth area ratio obtained from canine teeth is reliable for dental age estimation in adults.

Forensic parameters and allele frequency distributions of 16 STR in a Paraguayan population.

Paraguay is a Latin American country located in the central zone of South America. There is no official data on the ethnic composition of its population. The European colonization and the wars through which the country crossed were fundamental for its current genetic composition. Here, we analyzed sixteen short tandem repeats (STRs) used in the CODIS system in 259 Paraguayan individuals.

Evaluation of data collection bias of third molar stages of mineralisation for age estimation in the living.

Age assessment of the living is a fundamental procedure in the process of human identification, in order to guarantee fair treatment of individuals, which has ethical, civil, legal, and medical repercussions. The careful selection of the appropriate methods requires evaluation of several parameters: accuracy, precision of the method, as well as its reproducibility. The approach proposed by Mincer et al. adapted from Demirjian et al. exploring third molar mineralisation, is one of the most frequently considered for age estimation of the living. Thus, this work aims to assess potential bias in the data collection when applying the classification stages for dental mineralisation adapted by Mincer et al. A total of 102 orthopantomographs, of clinical origin, belonging to individuals aged between 12 and 25 years ([Formula: see text] = 20.12 years, SD = 3.49 years; 65 females, 37 males, all of Portuguese nationality) were included and a retrospective analysis performed by five observers with different levels of experience (high, average, and basic). The performance and agreement between five observers were evaluated using Weighted Cohen's Kappa and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. To access the influence of impaction on third molar classification, variables were tested using ordinal logistic regression Generalised Linear Model. It was observed that there were variations in the number of teeth identified among the observers, but the agreement levels ranged from moderate to substantial (0.4-0.8). Upon closer examination of the results, it was observed that although there were discernible differences between highly experienced observers and those with less experience, the gap was not as significant as initially hypothesised, and a greater disparity between the classifications of the upper (0.24-0.49) and lower third molars (>0.55) was observed. When bone superimposition is present, the classification process is not significantly influenced; however, variation in teeth angulation affects the assessment. The results suggest that with an efficient preparation, the level of experience as a factor can be overcome. Mincer and colleague's classification system can be replicated with ease and consistency, even though the classification of upper and lower third molars presents distinct challenges.

Technical note: RP Atlas-an unprecedented proposal for a Brazilian population dental development chart based on the London atlas.

Age estimation methods through developmental atlases are simplified by image comparison using radiographs. Atlas-based methods have been utilized to create population-specific charts addressing population diversity. To tackle the absence of a dedicated atlas for the Brazilian population, the objective of the present study was to create a new atlas for dental development in Brazil based on the London Atlas chart. The new atlas (RP Atlas) is based on the median of tooth development, eruption, and resorption in individuals aged 5 to 23. The sample (567 individuals) was divided between females (n = 290) and males (n = 277). The RP Atlas was handcrafted, scanned, colored, and clustered in two atlases divided by sex. The development of a specific atlas for the Brazilian population has the potential to enhance the accuracy of age estimation in forensic scenarios, notably in a mixed country like Brazil. Further research is needed to assess the suitability of the newly developed atlas for the Brazilian population.

Ancestry estimation in forensic anthropology: accuracy of the AncesTrees software in a Brazilian sample.

The objective of this study is to analyze the accuracy and applicability of the AncesTrees software with respect to a set of cranial measurements of a Brazilian sample consisting of 114 identified skulls from two osteological collections, predominantly composed of European (n = 59), African (n = 35), and admixed individuals (n = 20). Twenty-four different craniometric measurements are performed and input to AncesTrees via two algorithms, one of which is used in three configurations, with different ancestral groups integrated in the model. The software exhibits superior performance in the estimation of European individuals, reaching 73% accuracy, compared with 66% in the African individuals. Those individuals classified as admixed produce a variety of ancestral classifications, mainly European. Overall, the most accurate combination of AncesTrees is obtained using ancestralForest with only the European and African groups integrated into the algorithm, where the accuracy reaches 70%. The applicability of this software to a specific population is fragile because of the high admixing load, making it necessary to create a more representative anthropometric database of the Brazilian people. Key points: Ancestry estimation methods are seldom validated in Brazil.AncesTrees performed poorly on our sample, with a maximum accuracy of 70%.Brazil's highly mixed population hinders ancestry estimation.Mixed individuals (pardos) are predominantly classified as Europeans.The insertion of Brazilian metric data into the AncesTrees database would produce better results.

Age estimation in humans through the analysis of aspartic acid racemization from teeth: A scoping review of methods, outcomes, and open research questions.

Teeth are considered the most resistant structures in the human body. In forensic odontology, teeth are useful for human identification, especially when dental age estimation is necessary. Despite numerous studies, there is no consensus regarding the best methods for dental age estimation. The analysis of aspartic acid racemization, however, has shown promising results. This scoping review aimed to present a descriptive synthesis of the current literature regarding dental age estimation through aspartic acid racemization. Four electronic databases were screened: PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus. Cross-sectional studies published before April 2021 were selected. From 206 articles found, 26 met the eligibility criteria. Several experimental protocols and laboratory settings were detected, but the different protocols did not seem to significantly reduce error rates in dental age estimation. The analysis of aspartic acid racemization in human dental tissues produced accurate and potentially reliable results for age estimation. Aspartic acid racemization stands out especially in the adulthood - age category in which other methods struggle to deliver proper performances. Studies with larger samples, independent testing, and standardized laboratory procedures are necessary. Equator-like reporting guidelines are encouraged to enable future systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Can a spontaneous smile invalidate facial identification by photo-anthropometry?

PURPOSE: Using images in the facial image comparison process poses a challenge for forensic experts due to limitations such as the presence of facial expressions. The aims of this study were to analyze how morphometric changes in the face during a spontaneous smile influence the facial image comparison process and to evaluate the reproducibility of measurements obtained by digital stereophotogrammetry in these situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three examiners used digital stereophotogrammetry to obtain 3-dimensional images of the faces of 10 female participants (aged between 23 and 45 years). Photographs of the participants' faces were captured with their faces at rest (group 1) and with a spontaneous smile (group 2), resulting in a total of 60 3-dimensional images. The digital stereophotogrammetry device obtained the images with a 3.5-ms capture time, which prevented undesirable movements of the participants. Linear measurements between facial landmarks were made, in units of millimeters, and the data were subjected to multivariate and univariate statistical analyses using Pirouette® version 4.5 (InfoMetrix Inc., Woodinville, WA, USA) and Microsoft Excel® (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), respectively. RESULTS: The measurements that most strongly influenced the separation of the groups were related to the labial/buccal region. In general, the data showed low standard deviations, which differed by less than 10% from the measured mean values, demonstrating that the digital stereophotogrammetry technique was reproducible. CONCLUSION: The impact of spontaneous smiles on the facial image comparison process should be considered, and digital stereophotogrammetry provided good reproducibility.

Radiographic assessment of third molar development in a Russian population to determine the age of majority.

OBJECTIVE: To test the applicability of "Gleiser and Hunt dental staging system modified by Kohler" (GHK) to assess third molar (3 M) development in a Russian population in order to determine the age of majority. DESIGN: The sample consisted of 918 panoramic radiographs from Russian females (n = 551) and males (n = 367) within the age interval between 8 and 23 years. On each radiograph, 3 M development was classified based on the GHK technique. Statistics tested the data for normality. Mean age and standard deviation were described for each 3 M position. Ordinal logistic regression tested the performance of the technique to classify individuals below or above the 18-year threshold. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used. RESULTS: The mean ages and standard deviation (SD) for apex closure in females were 21,11 (SD = 1,47), 21,11 (SD = 1,43), 21,24 (SD = 1,39), and 21,29 (SD = 1,28) years for the teeth #18, 28, 38, and 48, respectively. Among males, the same teeth showed mean closure ages of 20,57 (SD = 1,69), 20,64 (SD = 1,76), 20,68 (SD = 1,68), and 20,81 (SD = 1,62) years, respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.904 and 0.915 for classifying females and males below or above the 18-year threshold. CONCLUSION: The GHK technique was able to describe 3 M development in a Russian population. The statistic model was able to classify individuals below or above the 18-year threshold. However, the outcomes must be carefully interpreted, especially in borderline cases (17-19-year spectrum).

Forensic study of mechanical properties of dental restoration after burial in mangrove environment.

Conducting research in the field of forensic sciences with methodologies that simulate situations found in the day-to-day practice of a given field of expertise is relevant insofar as this approach can produce results that are as close as possible to reality. In this context, the present study provided situations based on burial in a mangrove environment to estimate the changes in the mechanical properties (Knoop microhardness, roughness and color) of dental restorations utilizing silver amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer cement over the time of burial. The silver amalgam showed a significant increase in surface roughness and a reduction in Knoop microhardness. Composite resin showed a statistically significant increase in color variation, and the glass ionomer cement showed significant increases in color variation and Knoop microhardness. These results allowed us to conclude that teeth restored with silver amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer cement submitted to burial in mangrove environments produce different changes in surface roughness, Knoop microhardness and color properties depending on the time of burial to which the victims were submitted. These proprieties could help the forensic sciences to estimate time intervals for burial in mangrove environments.

Case-specific characteristics of pink teeth in dental autopsies - A systematic review.

The cadaveric alterations that derive from the decomposition of the human body are often investigated and examined in medical autopsies together with any other evidence of thanatological interest. This study aimed to systematically review case-specific characteristics of dental autopsies that reported the pink tooth phenomenon (PTP). The review was performed in October/2018 and followed PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Seven databases were searched as primary study sources (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, Web of Science, Science Direct and Embase) and three (OATD, Open Grey and Open Thesis) were searched for "grey literature". Only descriptive studies were collected, namely case reports and case series. The risk of bias among the studies was assessed with The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. From each case, the sex and age of the victims were registered, together with the place of body recovery, time of death, cadaveric status, cause of death, and number and position of pink teeth. Additionally, a supplemental quantitative analysis was conducted within a sampled subgroup. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to analyze relative risks of presenting pink teeth according to age and tooth position. Eleven studies out of 1004 were eligible. In total 71 cases of cadavers with pink teeth were reported. Two (2.81%) victims had unknown sex, while 17 (23.95%) were females and 52 (73.24%) were males. The victims were aged between 4 and 85 years (mean age 31.13 ±â€¯13.32). Dental autopsies registered 331 pink teeth (163 anterior, 87 premolars and 81 molars). The age did not influence on presenting an additional pink tooth, regardless of tooth position (p > 0.05). Forensic dentists must be aware of pink teeth in dental autopsies. This is an unspecific phenomenon and must not be misinterpreted in medico-legal investigations.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Maxillofacial Injuries in Brazil, a 5-year Retrospective Study.

AIM: The etiology and epidemiology of maxillofacial injuries varies widely in different regions of the world due to socioeconomic status, cultural aspects in addition to road traffic and drug consumption. The aim of this study is to determine major causes and epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial trauma in a 5-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reports of corporal trauma (n = 25,632) from 2007 to 2011 in the Department of Forensic Medicine were analyzed as to the presence of maxillofacial injuries. Data were submitted to Chi square test and to multivariate Poisson regression. RESULTS: 3262 reports referred maxillofacial trauma. The majority were men (55.8%), single (68.9%), most of them white (75.7%). The average age was 28.9 years (SD = 8.42), and victims with age between 16 and 30 years old were the most affected (48.0%). Women comprised 44% of total sample, 67.8% (971) were single, 76% (1.076) white and 46% (691) aged between 16 and 30 years old. Middle third injuries were associated after adjustment with females (PR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.11), non-white subjects (PR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.12) and physical aggression (PR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.13). Injuries in the oral region was more prevalent in men (PR 1.24; 95% CI 1.09-1.41), in those aged between 16 and 30 (PR 1.97; 95% CI 1.48-2.61) and in subjects with injuries caused by traffic accident (PR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.44). The presence of injuries in the lower third of face remained associated in the final model only with traffic accident (PR 1.75; 95% CI 1.43-2.15). CONCLUSION: Health care practitioners must recognize vulnerable population and most prevalent sites of lesion to identify cases of violence.

Can in vivo surface dental enamelmicrobiopsies be used to measure remote lead exposure?

Measuring lead in the surface dental enamel (SDE) using biopsies is a rapid, safe, and painless procedure. The dental enamel lead levels (DELLs) decrease from the outermost superficial layer to the inner layer of dental enamel, which becomes crucial for the biopsy depth (BD) measurement. However, whether the origin of lead found in SDE is fully endogenous is not yet established. There is also controversy about the biopsy protocol. The aims of this study were to investigate if DELLs are altered by extrinsic contamination (A) and to evaluate the real geometric figure formed by the erosion provoked by biopsy procedure and the respective BD in SDE (B). To accomplish the aim A, lead from 90 bovine incisor crowns lead was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer as a function of exposure time and lead concentration. Two biopsies were performed in each tooth, before and after lead exposure. Six 15-tooth groups differed by exposure time (1 or 30 min) and lead concentrations (A. 0 mg/L-placebo, B. 0.01 mg/L-standard for drinking water, or C. 0.06 mg/L-concentration found in contaminated groundwater). Phosphorus was determined by an inductively coupled plasm optical emission spectrometer to quantify the enamel removed. To compare intakes/losses of lead in SDE among the groups, values of DELL differences between before and after lead exposure were compared by ANOVA (p < 0.05). To attain the objective B, one extracted human permanent tooth was studied by confocal Raman microscopy. Lead measurements and the surface profile were determined. There was no difference in DELL among the groups (p = 0.964). The biopsy bottom surface area, analyzed by microscopy, showed an irregular area, with regions of peaks and valleys, where areas with depth ranging from 0.2 (peaks) to 1.8 µm (valleys) (± 0.1 µm) could be found. BD carried out in vivo is commonly calculated using the cylinder height formula. The real BD was shown to be very similar to already published data. In conclusion, the SDE of erupted teeth does not seem to be susceptible to environmental lead intake, being thus reliable to measure remote exposures to lead.

Age estimation using Olze's method in an adult Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVES: Age estimation is important to set an anthropological profile in human remains, as well as in legal issues where the suspect or victim doesn't have documents that prove the real age. The age estimation, in adults, is a challenge, and it can be analyzed through some dental stages. This study aimed to test Olze's method in a Brazilian sample composed by adults, aged between 20 and 70 years old, both sex. METHODS: For experiments, 306 orthopantomography from Brazilian individuals between 20 and 70 years were selected. The dental involution through four different dental parameters were classified and the correlation between chronological age and the estimated age was examined by means of a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that up to 41 years old, the correlation between real age and the interval obtained was considered strongly positive (R = 0.8-1), and the percentage of matching was 78.78% for men and 71.21% for women. From 42 years old up, the correlation between real age and the estimation was considered null (R = 0) for both sex, and the percentage of matching was 17.24% for men and 6.89% for women. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the method is effective for age estimation up to 41 years old, but has limitations to be used over this age in Brazilian people.

Levantamento dos conteúdos específicos em provas objetivas de concursos públicos para o cargo de perito odontolegista e de perito criminal (área: Odontologia) no brasil / Data survey of specific contents in objective tests for the Forensic Odontologist and Criminal Expert (Dentistry) occupation in Brazil

A Odontologia Legal é uma das especialidades da Odontologia e um dos seus campos de atuação, a carreira como perito oficial, especificamente no cargo de Perito Odontolegista ou, ainda, como Perito Criminal, é vinculada à realização de concurso público. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar um panorama dos conteúdos mais recorrentes nas provas objetivas de concursos públicos para o cargo de Perito Odontolegista e de Perito Criminal (quando realizada prova específica na área de Odontologia). Foram analisadas 18 provas realizadas entre os anos 2003 e 2019, especificamente para o cargo de Perito Odontolegista e Perito Criminal (área: Odontologia), em território nacional. Um total de 776 questões da área específica de Odontologia Legal foram divididas em 13 classes: Antropologia Forense; Balística; Código de Ética Odontológica; Datiloscopia; Desastre em Massa; Documentos Odontolegais; Genética Forense; Lei 5081/1966; Marcas de Mordida; Peritos e Perícias; Reconstrução Facial Forense; Tanatologia Forense; e Traumatologia Forense. Verificou-se que os conteúdos de Antropologia Forense (187 questões) e de Peritos e Perícias (158 questões) foram os de maior prevalência, seguidos por Traumatologia Forense (108 questões) e Genética Forense (66 questões). Conteúdos como Datiloscopia (12 questões), Desastres em Massa (18 questões) e Reconstrução Facial Forense (7 questões) foram os menos explorados nos concursos. Conclui-se que o cirurgião-dentista que pretende se candidatar a carreira pericial que envolva Odontologia deve ter total conhecimento de todo o amplo espectro da Odontologia Legal e sua interface com as Ciências Forenses, mas conteúdos como Antropologia e Peritos e Perícias possuem predominância na distribuição das questões em concursos.

Forensic Odontology is one of the specialties in Dentistry and a career in Forensic Sciences, specifically in the criminal issues in Brazil, is related to the position of Forensic Odontologist or Criminal Expert, and it is linked to the holding of a public tender. The objective of this study was to present an overview of the recurring contents in the objective tests of public tenders for the position of Forensic Odontologists and Criminal Expert (when a specific test for dentists is performed). Twenty Brazilian public contests carried out between 2003 and 2019 were analyzed. A total of 853 questions in the specific area of Forensic Odontology were divided into 15 categories related to Forensic Odontology and Forensic Sciences in general. It was found that questions about Forensic Traumatology (171 questions) and Forensic Anthropology (122 questions) were the most frequent, followed by Deontology, Diceology and Professional Liability (71 questions). Contents such as Fingerprints (13 questions), Mass Disasters (15 questions) and Forensic Facial Reconstruction (7 questions) were the least explored in all tenders. As a conclusion, Forensic Traumatology and Forensic Anthropology presented a significantly higher occurrence of questions than other categories. Nevertheless, the dental professional who intends to prepare for a future career as a Forensic Odontologist or Criminal Expert must understand and master all other topics involved in the survey, since they have a reasonable occurrence in public tenders and are of equal importance for his or her career and training.

A odontologia legal no contexto de ensino da FORP-USP: um levantamento histórico / Forensic Dentistry in the teaching context of the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto ­ University of São Paulo: a historical survey

A Odontologia Legal (OL) é uma especialidade da Odontologia que teve seu surgimento associado a anseios sociais relacionados à identificação humana. Logo se percebeu a contribuição que poderia fornecer no atuar profissional, especialmente se inserida no currículo acadêmico. Esse artigo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento histórico dos componentes curriculares da área de OL da Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FORP-USP) e analisar o desenvolvimento de suas ementas disciplinares. Foi realizada uma pesquisa documental com abordagem descritiva e qualitativa dos dados da estrutura curricular do curso de graduação da referida instituição entre os anos de 1962 e 2019. Assim, a coleta das informações deu-se utilizando livros e sítios eletrônicos que continham as ementas disciplinares. A disciplina de OL esteve presente no ensino da FORP-USP desde que se tem registro (1962), quando era denominada "Odontologia Legal, Legislação e Ética Profissional". A área manteve-se vigente, apesar das modificações que culminaram na criação e extinção de determinadas disciplinas. A Odontologia Legal é fundamental na orientação das condutas éticas e legais da profissão e, dessa forma, esteve presente no curso de graduação da FORP-USP desde os primórdios da instituição, e vem sendo trabalhada e desenvolvida com o passar dos anos. Conclui-se que foi possível determinar a trajetória, cronologia e arranjo das alterações das disciplinas relacionadas com a área de Odontologia Legal da FORP-USP a partir de 1962, o que permitiu observar a evolução da área, sobretudo no que diz respeito às metodologias e conteúdos, bem como a diversificação de material bibliográfico utilizado no ensino.

Ensino da odontologia legal nos cursos de graduação em odontologia: um estudo transversal da região sudeste brasileira / Forensic Odontology teaching in Dentistry undergraduate courses: a cross-sectional study in the southeast of Brazil

Introdução: Para atender aos aspectos éticos e legais da prática odontológica, faz-se necessário o ensino de conteúdos da área de Odontologia Legal (OL) nos cursos de graduação em Odontologia. As instituições de ensino superior (IES) têm papel fundamental, na condição de fornecedoras das ferramentas e conhecimentos necessários para a atuação responsável do futuro profissional. Objetivo: Verificar se os cursos de Odontologia de faculdades reconhecidas pelo Ministério da Educação na região sudeste brasileira apresentam a disciplina de OL em sua grade curricular e avaliar características curriculares da disciplina. Material e Método: Estudo transversal de base documental, na qual foram analisadas as matrizes curriculares dos cursos de Odontologia das IES localizadas na região sudeste brasileira e que disponibilizavam acesso às grades curriculares via ferramentas on-line. Resultados: Das 176 faculdades, 144 foram incluídas, sendo 125 (86,8%) IES privadas e 19 (13,2%) públicas. A disciplina está presente nas matrizes curriculares de 79,1% das IES. Sobre as características curriculares, majoritariamente a disciplina é ofertada como obrigatória (99%). Em relação à metodologia de ensino empregada, a disciplina é predominantemente teórica (95%). Poucas instituições (5%) ofertam disciplinas teórico-práticas, sendo que IES públicas ofertam mais que IES privadas (p=0,0158). A carga horária média da disciplina é de 50,05h, abaixo da carga horária mínima de 60h recomendada pela Associação Brasileira de Ética e Odontologia Legal. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo possibilitaram estabelecer um panorama da inserção da OL nos planos curriculares das IES da região sudeste do Brasil, demonstrando que quando ofertada a disciplina é predominantemente obrigatória e teórica.

Editorial A vida foi tão bela/ Então todos ficamos bloqueados / LIFE WAS SO BEAUTIFUL/ THEN WE ALL GOT LOCKED DOWN

sse editorial vem com um clima diferente... E não faz sentido ficar aqui repetindo muita coisa que tem sido falada em meio à pandemia da COVID-19. Mas antes de falar do novo número da RBOL ­ Revista Brasileira de Odontologia Legal, a ideia é levantar pontos para reflexão com esse cenário que estamos vivenciando e que afeta a todos, incluindo a nossa Odontologia e, é claro, nossa especialidade, a Odontologia Legal. Então, com começamos com música no título... Seguimos com música! Agora, vamos de Legião Urbana!

Editorial - E A PANDEMIA SEGUE / EDITORIAL - AND THE PANDEMIC FOLLOWS

Mas será que segue mesmo? Ou você, assim como eu, tem a sensação de "será que só eu ainda percebo que estamos em meio a uma pandemia? ". Afinal... aqui no Brasil, pico virou platô... Isolamento virou flexibilização... O número de mortes que chocava em terras estrangeiras, virou lugar comum por aqui... Mas, o futebol voltou... Então... Então, vamos falar de RBOL! Em meio a pandemia de COVID-19, a RBOL ­ Revista Brasileira de Odontologia Legal também atingiu um pico. Sim! Tivemos um recorde de submissão de novos artigos científicos nos últimos meses. Uma verdadeira "pandemia" de trabalhos em Odontologia Legal (mas essa pandemia é das boas). E, nesse cenário, chegamos a um novo número, uma verdadeira "vacina" para quem tem pouco acesso à informação em Odontologia Legal (e essa vacina é brasileira ­ nada de produção russa, chinesa ou outras). Desculpem os trocadilhos com o momento, mas o bom humor não precisa ficar distante socialmente, ainda que nesse singelo editorial, não é mesmo?! Ops! De novo o trocadilho!

Editorial: Mais um ano que se vai / Editorial: ANOTHER YEAR GONE

E logicamente um ano que vem... E apesar de ser apenas a passagem de um dia para outro, o momento se reveste de esperança. Sempre foi assim! E com 2020 então... esse sentimento deve ser muito mais presente. Afinal, 2020 foi um ano desafiador (e não que em 2021 isso acabe por um toque de mágica), mas em se tratando de Odontologia Legal, seguimos firmes! Aqui na Revista Brasileira de Odontologia Legal ­ RBOL também seguimos firmes e nesse começo de dezembro, fechamos o ciclo de edições da revista esse ano e, assim, fica o agradecimento a todos que tornaram isso possível: editores, autores, revisores e leitores. A RBOL é uma conquista de todos nós e estamos certos que 2021 será um ano ainda melhor, como novos desafios e novos voos.

Análise de processos de responsabilidade civil envolvendo cirurgiões-dentistas de três munícipios do estado de São Paulo em período de cinco anos / Analysis of liability lawsuits involving dentists in different cities of São Paulo State (Brazil) over a period of 5 years

A atuação profissional do cirurgião-dentista está sujeita ao cumprimento do conceito de responsabilidade civil, já que existe a possibilidade de um paciente acionar judicialmente seu cirurgião-dentista por atos cometidos em sua prática clínica. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento dos processos de responsabilidade civil envolvendo cirurgiões-dentistas em três diferentes municípios do interior do estado de São Paulo (Araçatuba, Bauru e Piracicaba), em um período de cinco anos (de 2014 a 2018), a fim de verificar se há crescimento constante da quantidade de demandas judiciais, bem como peculiaridades acerca de indenizações pleiteadas e sentenciadas e sobre a atuação de peritos e assistentes técnicos. Realizou-se uma busca nominal no site do Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo, onde foi possível ter acesso a essas demandas judiciais. Foram encontrados 33 processos iniciados no período determinado, com uma tendência ao crescimento contínuo em dois dos três municípios analisados, sendo que em apenas cinco das demandas havia sentença promulgada no momento da pesquisa. Por meio da análise descritiva dos documentos, observou-se que, nos municípios analisados, é habitual que valores sentenciados sejam menores do que valores pedidos de indenização em todas as categorias de dano. Quanto à atuação de peritos, nota-se a presença em peso e a importância de sua atuação nesses processos, discordante da quantidade de assistentes técnicos presentes nessas lides