On the forensic relevance of tattoos: distinguishing black inks with energy dispersive spectroscopy and backscattered scanning electron microscopy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze black tattoo inks by means of energy dispersive spectroscopy and backscattered scanning electron microscopy. METHODS: The sample consisted of five types of commercial tattoo pigments of the black colour (Easy Glow™, Electric Ink™, Iron Works™, Master Ink™, and Viper™). An Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) detector (Silicon Drift Detector - SDD - type) attached to a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) device (Tescan Vega3 LMU, Libusina, Czech Republic) was used. X-ray characteristic signs were detected for each tattoo ink in an interval between 0 and 2.5 keV. The electron acceleration potential in the microscope was 15 keV. Two regions were analyzed for each sample (n = 10). On each region, a micrography of backscattered electrons (BSE) was obtained. Means and standard deviations (SD) of the weight percentages (Wt%) were calculated. RESULTS: C and O were predominant, with a mean O/C ratio between 2.69 and 2.74 Wt%. Electric Ink and Master Ink were the most similar pigments, while Easy Glow was the most distinctive - with agglomerates of Al that had a concentration 25 × higher than other specimens. Other compounds detected in the sample were Cl and Cu. CONCLUSION: EDS and SEM were efficient to distinguish black tattoo inks. These are our preliminary outcomes on the use of EDS and SEM to analyze black tattoo inks. Thus, careful interpretation is necessary to avoid rash applications in human identification practice.

Diagnostic accuracy of the third molar maturity index (I3M) to assess the age of legal majority in Northern Brazil-population-specific cut-off values.

International guidelines for dental age assessment have recommended the use of methods based on available population-specific data. The Third Molar Maturity Index (I3M) was previously validated in several populations worldwide. This was the first study to evaluate the I3M in a northern Brazilian population and to test the diagnostic accuracy of the method to distinguish between minors and adults. The sample consisted of 1.070 panoramic radiographs retrospectively collected from females (n = 595) and males (n = 475) with ages between 16 and 22 years. I3M's original cut-off value of 0.08 was used to classify individuals below and above the age of 18. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the accuracy (ACC) of the method. In females and males separately, the overall ACC was 73.1% and 80%, respectively. The overall ACC for the combined sample was 76.1%. For northern Brazilian males, the best cut-off value remained 0.08, while for females, an adjustment to 0.12 showed optimal outcomes. The new cut-off value led to an ACC of 98.5% for females, which reflected an increase of 25.5% compared to the original cut-off value. The original cut-off value proposed by I3M was applicable to the present sample of northern Brazilian individuals. Adjustments to 0.12, however, may be encouraged to enhance the performance of the method among females.

Suicidal tandem bullets to the heart with subsequent embolization - a case report.

A tandem bullet phenomenon is a rare situation in which two bullets travel nose-to-base towards the target. In terminal ballistics, a classic feature of the tandem bullet phenomenon is the presence of a single entrance wound with two or more bullets inside the body. During the autopsy, the phenomenon may result in confusion, especially related to the dynamics of the shooting. The present study reports a case of suicide by tandem bullets to the heart with subsequent bullet embolization into the aorta. A 40-year-old Caucasian woman, with a previous history of suicide, shot herself in the chest with a 0.32 revolver. During the autopsy, a single entrance wound (one centimeter in diameter) was observed in the sternal region. The injury was a close-range shot. Internally, a single wound was detected in the right atrium of the heart. Two 0.32 S&WL lead bullets were found inside the descending abdominal aorta. The bullets fitted each other perfectly in a nose-to-base position. Both bullets were tracked back to a single firearm that belonged to the victim's father using forensic ballistics. The forensic report suggested a suicide. A multidisciplinary approach involving crime scene investigation, forensic pathology and forensic ballistics is necessary to investigate tandem bullet cases. Forensic experts must be aware of this phenomenon and, more importantly, they must be aware of its unusual manifestations, such as embolization, in order to come to optimal conclusions.

Human identification through the analysis of smile photographs.

The comparison between antemortem and portmortem data comprehends the basis of the dental identification process. High-tech devices allow for optimal manipulation of postmortem data. However, in especial situations, the victims do not have records of dental treatments, making necessary the search for antemortem data from personal belongings. Smile photographs are one of the most common sources of dental information detected from personal belongings. In this context, the present study reports a forensic case in which a charred body was positively identified through the application of 3 techniques for the analysis of smile photographs.

On the forensic value of tattoos for human identification ­ a literature review / Da importância forense das tatuagens para identificação humana ­ uma revisão da literatura

Disaster victim identification is structured according to international recommendations on the attempt to optimize forensic logistics. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) establishes primary and secondary methods for human identification. This study aimed to revisit the existing literature to address the forensic importance of tattoos. The scientific literature has shown advances in the forensic analyses of tattoos specially when it comes to the application of especial imaging techniques, namely photography with infrared light to visualize latent tattoo inks and cover-up tattoos, as well as the use of biochemical processing to distinguish components of the tattoo inks. Other relevant aspect is the fields dedicated to tattoo descriptions in software used worldwide for disaster victim identification, namely PlassData. Coding systems have been proposed as well to facilitate communication in the human identification process. The future of forensic analyses of tattoos is promising considering the increase of research in recent years. Forensic practice might benefit from it with more scientific evidence to support the utilization of tattoo analyses in casework

A identificação de vítimas de desastres em massa é estruturada de acordo com recomendações internacionais na tentativa de otimizar a logística forense. A INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) estabelece métodos primários e secundários para identificação humana. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisitar a literatura existente para abordar a importância forense das tatuagens. A literatura científica tem mostrado avanços nas análises forenses de tatuagens, especialmente no que diz respeito à aplicação de técnicas especiais de imaginologia, como a fotografia com luz infravermelha para visualizar tintas latentes de tatuagens e tatuagens de cobertura, bem como a utilização de processamento bioquímico para distinguir componentes das tintas de tatuagem. Outro aspecto relevante são os campos dedicados à descrição de tatuagens em softwares utilizados mundialmente para identificação de vítimas de desastres em massa, como o PlassData. Sistemas de codificação também foram propostos para facilitar a comunicação no processo de identificação humana. O futuro das análises forenses de tatuagens é promissor considerando o aumento das pesquisas nos últimos anos. A prática forense pode beneficiar-se com mais evidências científicas para apoiar a utilização de análises de tatuagens na condução de casos periciais

Extractions in Patients with Periodontal Diseases and Clinical Decision-Making Process.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the professional aspects and clinical and radiographic evidence that influences the decision for the extraction of teeth among periodontologists and general dentists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 150 (n=106 females and 44 males) dentists (n=103 general dentists and 47 periodontologists) that responded to a questionnaire designed to retrieve cross-sectional information related mainly to their level of training and time of experience in practice, as well as their personal decision for managing four patients with periodontal disease. Bivariate analyses were performed to test the association between the clinical decisions and the professional information collected from the dentists. RESULTS: In specific cases, periodontologists decided to maintain more teeth than general dentists (p<0.05). In other cases, dentists with more years of experience in practice decided to opt for more extractions (p<0.05). The level of periodontal disease (50-92%), poor oral hygiene (42.6-67.3%) and lack of alveolar bone structure (43.2-79.3%) were the most prevalent reasons behind the decision for extractions. CONCLUSIONS: An advanced level of training in Dentistry, especially Periodontology, and more years of experience in practice may lead to more well-founded decisions on whether extracting teeth or not in case-specific scenarios.

Análise da performance de graduandos ingressantes e concluintes do curso de odontologia na identificação humana pela análise de fotografias do sorriso / Analysis of the performance of incoming and outgoing dental students in human identification through the analysis of smile photographs

Introdução: Os dentes são órgãos de valor inestimável para a identificação humana, uma vez que são as estruturas mais estáveis, duras e resistentes do corpo. Com a existência progressiva para o uso de câmeras digitais para captar fotografias sociais, como as "selfie", em que o foco principal está direcionado no rosto do indivíduo, estas fotografias são capazes de prover material com capacidade para resolver casos de identificação humana. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância das fotografias do sorriso no processo de identificação humana e comparar e verificar o desempenho de graduandos em Odontologia (ingressantes e concluintes) na identificação humana por meio da análise do sorriso. Material e Métodos: Este estudo utilizou a metodologia e banco de imagens do trabalho de Silva et al. (2012), e o público alvo que avaliou as imagens, modificada. Cada aluno participante da pesquisa analisou um grupo de 4 imagens projetadas, sendo 2 de sorriso (A e B) e 2 intrabucais (C e D). Dentre as 10 fornecidas para cada grupo de imagem, somente uma é compatível com cada fotografia projetada. Resultado: Após análise dos dados, foi possível verificar que 84,6% dos alunos ingressantes (número de 26 alunos) acertaram os testes A e B, e 95,6% dos concluintes (número de 23) acertaram os testes A e B. No teste C podemos observar que 61,5% dos alunos ingressantes acertaram o teste, e 69,6% dos concluintes obtiveram acertos. E, por fim, o teste D mostrou que os ingressantes obtiveram um total de 80,8% de acertos, enquanto todos concluintes (100%) acertaram o teste D. Os parâmetros mais citados foram a coloração dos dentes, a inclinação dental, a morfologia das incisais e o alinhamento incisal. Conclusão: Nesta pesquisa, tanto os alunos ingressantes como os concluintes demostraram capacidade para analisar as fotografias do sorriso na identificação humana. Os alunos ingressantes obtiveram um número maior de erros pelo fato de ainda não terem conhecimento teórico e técnico mais aprofundado em anatomia, tornando isso uma diferença entre ingressantes e concluintes

Introduction: Teeth are invaluable organs for human identification, as they are the most stable, hard and resistant structures in the body. With the progressive use of digital cameras to capture social photographs, such as the "selfie", in which the main focus is on the individual's face, these photographs are able to provide material capable of solving human identification cases. Objective: To demonstrate the importance of smile photographs in the process of human identification and to compare and verify the performance of undergraduate dental students (beginners and graduates) in human identification using smile analysis. Material and Methods: This study used the methodology and image bank of the work by SILVA R.F. et al. (2012), and the target audience that evaluated the images, modified. Each student participating in the study analyzed a group of 4 projected images, 2 of which were smiles (A and B) and 2 intraoral (C and D). Of the 10 provided for each image group, only one was compatible with each projected photograph. Results: After analyzing the data, it was possible to see that 84.6% of the incoming students (26 students) got tests A and B right, and 95.6% of the outgoing students (23) got tests A and B right. In test C we can see that 61.5% of incoming students got the test right, and 69.6% of outgoing students got it right. And finally, test D showed that the entrants got a total of 80.8% right, while all the graduates (100%) got test D right. The most cited parameters were tooth color, tooth inclination, incisal morphology and incisal alignment. Conclusion: In this study, both new students and graduates demonstrated their ability to analyze smile photographs in human identification. The new students had a higher number of errors, due to the fact that they did not yet have in-depth theoretical and technical knowledge of anatomy, making this a difference between new students and graduates

Dental Cingulum and Position of Fixed Orthodontic Appliance as Source of Morphological and Therapeutic Identifiers: An Unusual Case Report.

Orthodontic records, such as photographs, radiographs, and dental casts, provide information useful for identification purposes because it may reveal important morphological, therapeutic, and pathological dental identifiers. Among these identifiers, the type and position of orthodontic appliances figure as distinctive tools for human identification. In this context, the present study aims to report an uncommon case of identification of a putrefied body, found near to a forest region in Brazil. The postmortem (PM) examination showed that the victim had part of a fixed orthodontic appliance installed in the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. To identify the body, relatives of the potential victim presented orthodontic examinations containing panoramic radiography and photographs of the orthodontic treatment. The body was identified based on the analysis of the radiographs and photographs that confirmed the presence of the orthodontic appliances observed PM. More specifically, the identification was supported by the analysis of bracket bonding position of the maxillary and mandibular incisors and the presence of distinctive morphological traits of the canines and incisors, as well dental roots observed radiographically. The present case highlights the importance of orthodontic records as a source of morphological dental identifiers for cases in which only unrestored teeth are available.

Identificação odontológica de corpo íntegro utilizando tomografia computadorizada pós-morte - relato de caso pericial / Dental identification of intact body through postmortem computed tomography - forensic case report

Há muito, os conhecimentos odontológicos têm se apresentado como uma ferramenta primordial na determinação da identidade de vítimas de morte violenta, especialmente quando estas se apresentam carbonizadas, putrefeitas, mutiladas ou esqueletizadas, mas também em casos atípicos, como em cadáveres "frescos". Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho tem o objetivo de relatar o primeiro caso de identificação odontológica utilizando-se o equipamento de tomografia computadorizada do Instituto Médico Legal (IML) de Goiânia-GO para obtenção das informações post-mortem (PM) de um cadáver íntegro, que foram confrontadas com os dados da radiografia panorâmica antemortem (AM). Relato de Caso: Um indivíduo vítima de projéteis de arma de fogo foi removido para o IML de Goiânia para os exames de praxe depois de vir a óbito em unidade hospitalar. Apesar de o corpo se apresentar "fresco", a coleta (tomada) de impressões digitais revelou um registro cuja qualidade não permitia a demarcação dos pontos necessários para um confronto papiloscópico. Os supostos familiares, então, apresentaram radiografia panorâmica AM, fato que motivou a equipe pericial a utilizar o recém instalado equipamento de tomografia computadorizada para a obtenção de imagem PM, possibilitando o devido processo de reconciliação (AM x PM), onde foram identificadas diversas similaridades de natureza anatômica e terapêutica que remeteram a uma identificação positiva da vítima. Conclusão: A adoção de abordagens tecnológicas e a alocação de recursos humanos especializados para a identificação humana devem ser prioridades nos serviços de Medicina e Odontologia Legal, visando aumentar a eficiência e precisão no processamento das demandas usuais, bem como para solucionar eventuais desafios técnicos

For a long time, dental knowledge has proven to be a fundamental tool in determining the identity of victims of violent death, especially when they are charred, putrefied, mutilated or skeletonized, but also in atypical cases, such as fresh corpses. In this context, the present work aims to report the first case of odontological identification using the computerized tomography equipment of the Forensic Medical Institute (IML) of Goiânia-GO to obtain post-mortem (PM) information from an intact corpse, which was compared with antemortem (AM) panoramic radiograph data. Case Report: An individual victim of gunshot wounds was taken to the IML of Goiânia for routine examinations after dying in a hospital unit. Although the body was "fresh," fingerprint collection revealed a record whose quality did not allow the necessary points for a papilloscopic confrontation to be marked. The supposed relatives then presented antemortem panoramic radiography, which motivated the forensic team to use the newly installed computerized tomography equipment to obtain PM images, enabling the proper reconciliation process (AM x PM), where several anatomical and therapeutic similarities were identified leading to a positive identification of the victim. Conclusion: The adoption of technological approaches and the allocation of specialized human resources for human identification should be priorities in Forensic Medicine and Odontology services, aiming to increase efficiency and accuracy in processing usual demands, as well as to solve any technical challenges that may arise

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.

Morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS AND RESULTS: An observational case-control study was designed following the STROBE statement and checklist. The sample consisted of 132 patients (39 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 93 controls). Dental casts of the patients were classified based on the pattern of their palatal rugae, their dental arch form, and the area of their palate. The palatal rugae in patients with schizophrenia had a more random distribution and shape compared to the control group (P = .027). Oval dental arches were the most prevalent in both groups (P = .473). The palate area was slightly larger in the control group (3.2318 ± 0.549 mm2 ) compared with the group of patients with schizophrenia (3.060 ± 0.470 mm2 ) (P = .090). CONCLUSION: Palatal rugae pattern may feature as a potential minor physical anomaly for schizophrenia. Additional studies with alternative sampling and classification systems are necessary to understand this finding and its applications in practice.

Forensic thanatology and the pink tooth phenomenon: From the lack of relation with the cause of death to a potential evidence of cadaveric decomposition in dental autopsies - Case series.

Forensic thanatology comprises the investigation of every phenomenon related to death performed through cadaveric exams. The pink tooth phenomenon (PTP) emerges as a thanatological finding registered during medical or dental autopsy. The PTP consists of a reddish or pink coloration caused in the teeth by the penetration of pulpal hemoglobin in the dentinal tubules. Initially, the PTP was associated with specific violent deaths, such as drowning, hanging and poisoning. However, scientific reports have pointed towards the occurrence of PTP as an expression of cadaveric decomposition regardless of the cause of death. The present study aims to report eight dental autopsies of victims of violent death that presented the PTP. The autopsies were conducted by forensic pathologists and dentists between 2013 and 2018. Seven victims were males and one was female. The age ranged above 6years old. Cranio-encephalic trauma, firearm shooting and asphyxia figured as the causes of death. All the victims were in advanced decomposition. The PTP was detected in deciduous and permanent, anterior and posterior and maxillary and mandibular teeth. Forensic experts, especially dentists, must be aware of the PTP for more detailed registration of postmortem findings and more accurate cadaveric exams.

Comparative study of the usability of two software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models.

Background. Software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models, apart from presenting the necessary features for diagnosis and treatment planning, also need to be user-friendly. This characteristic refers to software' usability, a measure that evaluates how easy it is to use it is by a specific group of professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the usability of free available versions of two software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models. Methods. Digimodel® and OrthoCAD® usability were evaluated through their interface analysis and executing the following procedures: malocclusion classification and models analysis (arch-length and tooth-size discrepancies). Results. Digimodel® and OrthoCAD® software programs had an installer only for Windows platform, occupied less than 110 megabytes of virtual space and only read files from their respective manufacturers. None possessed Portuguese as a language option. Both allowed visualization of the models in different axes through options present in initial screen, at a click. For model analysis, both software programs required to measure tooth to tooth and performed necessary calculations automatically. However, OrthoCAD® software program was less intuitive because the option for these actions was among several others, within menus, which could cause confusion during navigation. In addition, the marking of points did not always obey the clicked site. Conclusion. The free access version of the evaluated software programs exhibited usability limitations related to language, supported file format and even the model analysis execution for orthodontic diagnosis. Although OrthoCAD® was inferior, both did not meet orthodontists' clinical demand against these factors in the evaluated versions.

Charred: Forensic dental identification and scanning electron microscope.

The identification of bone and dental remains to establish identity, requested by police and judicial authorities, has increased annually because criminals have been using sophisticated methods that make this identification impractical. This study reports a murder case by charring, which creates dental and bone calcination. In 2013, a completely burned car was examined by forensic experts, containing charred, calcined human bones and teeth inside its trunk, thus an identity needed to be established. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used as a supporting method and indicated the presence of restorative materials, which were compatible and consistent with the chart and radiographic shots provided by the victim's dental surgeon. The SEM examination reinforced the positive identification of the alleged victim performed by comparative radiographic examinations (antemortem and postmortem) in the dental fragments found. It is a supporting method that, even though it does not establish the identity, it helps in the process of identification.

Histórico e panorama das mulheres na perícia oficial criminal (odontolegista) no Brasil / History and overview of women as forensic odontologists in the Brazilian criminal system

Forensic Dentistry is a dental specialty, historically marked by many "fathers", but few information about women in this context. The female insertion in the labor market still suffers from historical barriers, and the objective of this research was to identify the participation of the first women as Forensic Odontologists in the Brazilian Criminal Expert Services, and carry out an overview of the current number of professionals in this position and its proportion between the sexes. Data were collected on the first Forensic Odontologist in each state and the currently active professionals through the records from the Scientific Polices, Civil Polices, and Brazilian Transparency Databases for descriptive statistics. The first women as Forensic Odontologists in Brazil were from the states of Paraíba, Maranhão, and Pará (1981, 1982, and 1985, respectively). According to the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry, 59.69% of Specialists in Forensic Dentistry are women and in the states where data collection was possible, 57.89% of Official Forensic Odontologists are women. Despite being the majority, it is still necessary to standardize the nomenclature and create new official positions to strengthen the Forensic Odontologist profession, and encourage greater female participation. It is concluded that in 1981 there was the first Forensic Odontologist female in Brazil in the state of Paraíba and that today there is a better balance in the proportion of men and women in this position

A Odontologia Legal é uma especialidade marcada historicamente por muitas figuras "paternas", mas pouco é abordado sobre a participação das mulheres nesse contexto. A inserção feminina no mercado de trabalho ainda sofre barreiras históricas, sendo o objetivo deste trabalho a identificação da participação das primeiras mulheres na Perícia Oficial no Brasil, especificamente na condição de Peritas Odontolegistas, e realizar um panorama da quantidade atual de profissionais no cargo e sua proporção entre os sexos. Foram coletados dados sobre as primeiras mulheres a ocupar o cargo de Perita Oficial Odontolegista de cada estado e as Peritas Odontolegistas ativas atualmente por meio dos registros das Polícias Científicas, Polícias Civis e dados do Portal da Transparência para tabulação e estatística descritiva. Das respostas recebidas, as primeiras Peritas Odontolegistas Oficiais do Brasil foram dos estados da Paraíba, Maranhão e Pará, nos anos de 1981, 1982 e 1985, respectivamente. No cenário atual, de acordo com o Conselho Federal de Odontologia, 59,69% dos Especialistas em Odontologia Legal são mulheres e, nos estados onde foi possível a coleta dos dados, 57,89% dos Peritos Oficiais Odontolegistas são mulheres. Apesar de maioria na Odontologia Legal, ainda é necessário padronizar a nomenclatura e criar novos cargos oficiais no Brasil para fortalecer a profissão de Perito Odontolegista, incentivando uma maior participação feminina. Conclui-se que em 1981 tivemos a primeira Perita Oficial Odontolegista do Brasil, sendo tal fato no estado da Paraíba, e que hoje há um maior equilíbrio na proporção de homens e mulheres nesse cargo

Avaliação das ementas e referências bibliográficas de disciplinas de Odontologia Legal no Brasil ­ uma análise documental / Evaluation of menu and bibliographical references of Legal Dentistry disciplines in Brazil ­ a documental analysis

Nesta pesquisa avaliou-se o plano de ensino de 25 faculdades do Brasil, sendo 5 faculdades por região para melhor representatividade do país. Um instrumento de coleta de dados foi construído para extração das informações necessárias, a saber: ementa e referências bibliográficas. Os dados obtidos por esta pesquisa foram tabulados em planilhas utilizando o programa Microsoft Office Excel. Inicialmente, cada frase das ementas foi transcrita para uma entrada de linha da planilha e forma associadas a 10 categorias de sentido. Foram transpostas para uma ementa provisória e proposta uma versão de ementa final. Já as referências bibliográficas foram descritas em linhas das planilhas, individualmente, e após a inclusão de todas foi feito um ranqueamento por frequência de citação. Em termos quantitativos esta pesquisa evidenciou que, as componentes curriculares de Odontologia Legal, abordam mais frequentemente em suas ementas os conteúdos relacionados às Ciências Forenses e ao Direito, sendo estas duas categorias responsáveis por 51,4% (121) das frases das ementas avaliadas e, Jorge Paulete Vanrell, é o autor mais frequentemente referenciado (80%) com sua obra Odontologia Legal e Antropologia Forense

In this research, the teaching plan of 25 colleges in Brazil was evaluated, with 5 colleges per region for better representation of the country. A data collection instrument was built to extract the necessary information, namely: menu and bibliographic references. The data obtained by this research were tabulated in spreadsheets using the Microsoft Office Excel program. Initially, each sentence of the menus was transcribed into a line entry in the spreadsheet and was associated with 10 categories of meaning. They were transposed to a provisional menu and a version of the final menu was proposed. The bibliographic references were described in lines of the spreadsheets, individually, and after the inclusion of all, a ranking was performed by citation frequency. In quantitative terms, this research showed that the Forensic Dentistry disciplines more frequently address content related to Forensic Sciences and Law in their menus, these two categories being responsible for 51.4% (121) of the sentences of the evaluated menus and, Jorge Paulete Vanrell is the author most frequently referenced (80%) with his work Odontologia Legal e Antropologia Forense

Psiconeurodontologia, (bio)decodificação dental e os mil e um nomes para o charlatanismo odontológico no século XXI: uma revisão de escopo / Psychoneurodontology, dental (bio)decoding and a thousand terms for odontological charlatanism in the 21st century: a scoping review

Junto às tecnologias que surgem para aprimorar a Odontologia mundial, emergem temáticas que progressivamente prosperam no obscuro e na incerteza. Tais "áreas odontológicas" se caracterizam por uma roupagem prolixa e de alto apelo público (como por meio de inferências sobre o emocional e os mistérios do corpo humano). Em tempos de disseminação da psiconeurodontologia e (bio)decodificação dental, assim como da incerteza acerca de sua confiabilidade, faz-se imperativa a busca pela fundamentação científica que sustenta esta temática. Para isto, foi realizada uma revisão de escopo seguindo as recomendações do PRISMA-ScR e JBI. Uma ampla busca foi realizada em cinco bases de dados e em parte da literatura cinza. Não houve restrição quanto ao ano de publicação e nem quanto ao idioma. Os dados foram coletados e expostos na forma narrativa/descritiva. De maneira complementar, utilizou-se a ferramenta JBI para avaliação da qualidade metodológica. A busca resultou em 4.785 registros iniciais, dos quais somente dois foram classificados como elegíveis. Ambos os estudos foram detectados a partir da literatura cinzenta e consistiam em trabalhos peruanos de conclusão de curso em nível de graduação (Bacharelado) em Odontologia. Os trabalhos aferiam a ocorrência de lesão de cárie em quadrantes de dentes permanentes e decíduos e correlacionavam com um questionário psicoemocional. Os dois trabalhos concluíram em prol da aplicação da psiconeurodontologia e da (bio)decodificação dental como ferramentas adicionais ao armamentário diagnóstico do Cirurgião-dentista. Detectou-se alto risco de viés, em especial acerca das limitações metodológicas dos estudos elegíveis. Tendo em vista os métodos e resultados observados nos estudos elegíveis, pode-se concluir que não há fundamentação científica na psiconeurodontologia ou na (bio)decodificação dental, muito menos validade e confiabilidade para a sua aplicação na prática clínica odontológica atual

Along with the technologies that emerged to improve Dentistry worldwide, there are themes that progressively dive into darkness and uncertainty. Such "dental areas" are characterized by a verbose approach and strong public appeal (such as through inferences about the emotions and mysteries of the human body). In times of dissemination of psychoneurodontology and dental (bio)decoding, as well as uncertainty about their reliability, the search for alleged scientific foundations that support this theme is imperative. To this end, a scoping review was carried out following the recommendations of PRISMA-ScR and JBI. A broad search was carried out in five databases and part of the gray literature. There was no restriction on the year of publication or language. Data were collected and presented in narrative/descriptive form. Complementarily, the JBI tool was used to assess methodological quality. The search resulted in 4.785 initial records, of which only two were classified as eligible. Both studies were detected from the gray literature and consisted of Peruvian studies at Bachelor's degree in Dentistry. The studies measured the occurrence of caries lesions in quadrants of permanent and deciduous teeth and correlated them with a psychoemotional questionnaire. The two studies concluded in favor of the application of psychoneurodontology and dental (bio)decoding as additional tools to the dental surgeon's diagnostic armamentarium. A high risk of bias was detected, especially regarding the methodological limitations of the eligible studies. Considering the methods and results observed in the eligible studies, it can be concluded that there is no scientific basis in psychoneurodontology or dental (bio)decoding, as well as lack of validity and reliability for its application in current clinical dental practice

Technical note: Intra-alveolar morphology assessed in empty dental sockets of teeth missing post-mortem.

Dental human identification relies on distinctive traits detected and compared between ante-mortem (AM) and post-mortem (PM) data. Several distinctive traits may be found in dental roots, such as dilacerations and bifurcations. However, teeth are often dislodged during the manipulation of skeletal remains, charred bodies and bodies retrieved from water. In these situations the identification process is hampered. The present study aims to retrieve information of teeth missing PM through the investigation of intra-alveolar morphology in empty dental sockets using different dental impression materials. This study was conducted using a dry human skull and 6 techniques for intra-alveolar impression, namely: (1) alginate using a dental tray; (2) heavy-body condensation silicone (HBCS) using manual compression; (3) HBSC using a blunt tip probe; (4) HBCS using a dental tray; (5) light- and HBCS using a syringe and a dental tray; and (6) polyether using a syringe and a dental tray. These techniques were evaluated based on 5 criteria: (I) intra-alveolar flow; (II) registration of apical morphology; (III) tensile strength; (IV) complexity; and (V) cost. The best outcomes considering the cost and benefit relation of each technique were observed in the following order: techniques #3>#2>#5>#6. Techniques #1 and #4 did not reach satisfactory outcomes for application in the forensic routine. Forensic dentists must be aware of the possibility of retrieving PM dental information even in the absence of teeth. The impression of intra-alveolar morphology may contribute significantly as source of PM dental information for human identifications.

Forensic Identification of Decomposed Human Body through Comparison between Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem CT Images of Frontal Sinuses: Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to report on a case of positive human identification of a decomposed body after the comparison of ante-mortem (AM) and port-mortem (PM) computed tomography images of frontal sinus. CASE REPORT: An unknown, highly decomposed human body, aged between 30 and 40 years, was found in a forest region in Brazil. The dental autopsy revealed several teeth missing AM and the presence of removable partial prostheses. The search for AM data resulted in a sequence of 20 axial images of the paranasal sinuses obtained by Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT). PM reproduction of the MSCT images was performed in order to enable a comparative identification. After a direct confrontation between AM/PM MSCT, the data were collected for morphological findings, specifically for the lateral expansion of the left lobe, the anteroposterior dimension, and the position of median and accessory septa of the sinuses. CONCLUSION: The importance of storing and interpreting radiographic medical data properly is highlighted in this text, thus pointing out the importance of application of forensic radiology in the field of law.

Is The Late Mandibular Fracture From Third Molar Extraction a Risk Towards Malpractice? Case Report with the Analysis of Ethical and Legal Aspects.

OBJECTIVES: The present study reports a case of late mandibular fracture due to third molar extraction and highlights the inherent clinical, ethical and legal aspects related to this surgical complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A female patient underwent surgical procedure for the extraction of the mandibular right third molar. Two days after the surgery the patient reported pain and altered occlusion in the right side of the mandible. After clinical and radiographic re-examination, the diagnosis of late mandibular fracture was established. A second surgery, under general anaesthesia, was performed for the fixation of the mandibular bone. RESULTS: The fractured parts were reduced and fixed with locking plate systems and 2 mm screws following load-sharing principles. The masticatory function showed optimal performance within 7 and 21 days after the surgery. Complete bone healing was observed within 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: For satisfactory surgical outcomes, adequate surgical planning and techniques must be performed. Signed informed consents explaining the risks and benefits of the treatment must be used to avoid ethical and legal disputes in dentistry.