Forensic Odontology related awareness, knowledge and attitude among dentist and dental students in two Egyptian Universities: A survey-based study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding forensic odontology (FO) among dental students and graduates at Beni-Suef University and Badr University in Cairo, Egypt. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 316 dentists and dental students in their final year of undergraduate study. An online self-administered questionnaire in English was used to obtain participants' responses. RESULTS: Less than half of the participants (47.5%) were aware of the branch of dentistry named FO. The highest percentages of correct answers in the knowledge assessment were reported in dental age estimation questions, while the lowest percentages were in items related to the use of FO in confirming sexual abuse and using palatal rugae as a marker in forensic identification. The most common source of knowledge was the internet (52.0%). Only 11.1% of the participants received FO courses in their colleges. Studying FO as a postgraduate course was interesting to 67.4% of the participants. The knowledge score was significantly associated with the participants' gender, graduation status, and educational level. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a lack of awareness of FO as a branch of dentistry among dental students and dentists in Egypt. Increasing awareness and knowledge of FO could be achieved by integrating FO into the dental curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Virtual dental autopsy: undertaking forensic dental identification remotely using an intra-oral video camera.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a forensic odontologist working remotely could accurately undertake forensic dental identifications using videos produced by non-dental forensic staff operating an intra-oral video camera (IOVC). The study's aims were to assess the accuracy and time taken to perform remote forensic dental identifications in this manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight cadavers from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), University of Dundee, UK, were examined by a forensic odontologist via a traditional dental examination. Their dental condition was recorded to serve as ante-mortem records for this study. Videos of each dentition were produced using an IOVC operated by a medical student. Post-mortem records were produced for each dentition from the videos by a remote second forensic odontologist who was not present at the traditional dental examination. The ante-mortem and post-mortem records were then compared, and identification was classified as positively established, possible or excluded. RESULTS: Established identifications were positively made in all eight cases although there were some non-critical inconsistencies between ante-mortem and post-mortem records. Before the second opinion, 85.6% of the teeth per study subject were charted consistently. After the second opinion, the percentage of consistency increased to 97.2%. Each video on average was about 4.13 minutes in duration and the average time taken to interpret and chart the post-mortem dental examination at the first attempt was 11.63 minutes. The time taken to chart from the videos was greater than is typical of a traditional dental examination. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the feasibility of undertaking remote dental identification. This novel "tele-dental virtopsy" approach could be a viable alternative to a traditional post-mortem dental examination, in situations where access to forensic dental services is difficult or limited due to geographical, logistical, safety, and/or political reasons.

Post-mortem Interval estimate based on dental pulp: A histomorphology approach.

Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of human remains based on the histomorphology of dental pulp parameters is promising, but available evidence is scarce and sometimes contradictory without a scientific model. The aim of the study is to characterise the histomorphological changes of dental pulp associated with the decomposition of human remains by a qualitative and quantitative approach. The main aim is to establish a correlation based on post-mortem (PM) dental pulp histomorphology and the PMI, and whether pulp degradation could be an available medico-legal tool for PMI estimation beyond the first week after death (late PMI). The eligible sample consisted of 27 sound teeth from 16 healthy patients aged 16 to 72 years due to orthodontic or oral surgery treatment, to create PMI's simulating the death of the subject as the time elapsed from tooth avulsion. Data collected from patients (sex, date of birth, tooth position, date and hour of the avulsion, date and hour of pulp extraction) were anonymised in accordance with the requirements of Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Lisbon. The sample was divided into 9 groups of 3 teeth according to different PMI sets from T0 (baseline) up to 2 weeks (T0, 7, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours, 1 and 2 weeks). All the dental samples were stored at room temperature up to the time of pulp extraction and then prepared with haematoxylin and eosin stain. High-resolution microscopy was performed to obtain histological images. An operator performed the qualitative evaluation of blood vessels, collagen fibres, and the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) in PM pulps and measured the variation in cells/nuclei density by counting 6 different ROIs (Regions of Interest) for each pulp manually and automatically (quantitative analysis). Qualitative results showed that the degeneration of dental pulp appears 7 hours after death but histological changes in vessels, fibres, and ECM in PM dental pulp are characterised by high variability, consequently it is not possible to generalise the results for early PMIs. Quantitative measurements proved that cell count cannot be standardised due to the presence of superimposed layers of cells and nuclei fragmentation. Odontoblasts did not demonstrate evidence of cellular or nuclear lysis up to 14 PM suggesting their applicability in late PMIs. Future research will focus on late PMIs and different techniques of tooth preparation.

A scoping review of websites for forensic odontology training programs.

BACKGROUND: Forensic Odontology developed as a discipline in 1898 with the publication of its first textbook; however, 126 years later, a standardised core curriculum for formal training in Forensic Odontology has yet to be decided. This website scoping review aims to provide information on three main distinct categories (and 17 subcategories): Availability, Content, and Quality of Forensic Odontology education globally. The information on formal education programmes was gathered by conducting a web search using 'Google Search' in English, Arabic, Spanish, and French languages between June and July 2022. HIGHLIGHTS: Fifty-six programmes from 18 countries met the inclusion criteria. Of the 14 master's and 42 diploma programmes, only 7.14% provided information on their websites from all the subcategories investigated. The highest numbers of master's and postgraduate diploma programmes were identified in Europe (18 programmes), South America (15), North America (11) and Asia (7). A practical aspect was included by 10 master's and 12 diploma programmes' websites. Research integration in various forms was included by 11 master's and seven diploma programmes. CONCLUSION: Programme providers and applicants must critically consider the quality of the programme being designed or applied to as there are currently no international training standards in Forensic Odontology. This study has developed an 'International Database of Forensic Odontology Programmes' (IDFOP).

Bitemark analysis comparing the use of digital scans and 3D resin casts.

Although dental patterns are unique, the use of bitemark analysis in personal identification remains controversial. To accurately reproduce and compare three-dimensional models of bitemarks and dental arches, intraoral three-dimensional scans, commonly utilized in clinical dental practice for precise and stable digital impressions, are recommended. This study aims to compare two different techniques for bitemark analysis: a digital method based on the superimposition of digital scans of dental patterns and lesions, and a visual method based on the physical superimposition of impressions and resin casts produced by 3D printing. A sample of 12 volunteers (6 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 26 years was collected as biters. Each subject was asked to bite on custom supports made from semi-rigid water bottles covered with imprintable dental wax. The dental arches and bitemarks were then recorded using an intraoral scanner and dental impressions. Scan superimposition analysis was conducted using CloudCompare software, while resin casts were printed using a 3D printer and physically superimposed on the bitemark impressions by a blind operator, who was not involved in sample collection, bite test execution, prior cast acquisition, or CloudCompare analysis. Both superimposition techniques relied on the selection of 10 corresponding landmarks (on canines and central and lateral incisors of the upper and lower arches) between the dental arches and impressions. The digital superimposition showed an average concordance of 92.5% for the upper arch landmarks and 85% for the lower arch landmarks, with an overall average concordance of 88.8% for both arches combined. In contrast, the visual analysis of resin casts showed an average concordance of 77.5% for the upper arch and 76.7% for the lower arch, with an overall average of 77.1% for both arches combined. In the analysis performed using CloudCompare, the maxillary arch demonstrated the best superimposition, with 4 landmarks (R0, R1, R2, R5) consistently overlapping. The digital analysis outperformed the visual analysis in all four quadrants, particularly in the upper right arch compared to the lower left arch, thereby supporting the integration of digital techniques in forensic applications. Further studies are necessary to validate the digital technique on a larger sample, including subjects with different dental characteristics, bite dynamics, and varying types of supports and substrates.

[Validation of method for estimation age of majority by the third molar maturity index on the sample of Ufa population]. / Validatsiya metoda opredeleniya vozrasta sovershennoletiya po indeksu zrelosti tret'ego molyara na vyborke naseleniya g. Ufy.

The assessment of majority age is important for determining legal responsibility. The definition of the 3rd molar maturity index (Im3) have proven to be a simple and effective method of majority age establishment, the accuracy of which has been tested in different populations. There is a clear lack of studies in this scientific area in Russia. OBJECTIVE: To test diagnostic accuracy of majority age assessment method by 3rd molar (Cameriere index) in the Ufa sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of orthopantomograms equal 120 from males and females aged from 14 to 23 years without apparent pathological changes of the pulp of teeth 38 and 48 was examined. The measures were conducted using the standard R. Cameriere method. The method of logistic regression, determination of predictive values of sensitivity and specificity were used. RESULTS: The Im3 cut-off point, that was equal 0.08, had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 95% in the male sample, accuracy of age group determination was 93%. In the female sample the method sensitivity was 93%, specificity - 97%, accuracy - 97%. CONCLUSION: The study results confirmed the absence of population variability of the Cameriere index value, that makes it possible to use the majority age determination method by 3rd molar for practical application in the examination of a living person at the territory of the Russian Federation.

Mass killing during terror attack at the Israel-Gaza border and the role of the Ministry of Health in identification of human remains and their release.

More than 1200 civilians and military were killed in cities and villages by the Hamas attack on October 7th, 2023. The bodies and body-parts had to be identified and released for burial. This report outlines the challenges and mode of operation of the massive disaster victim identification (DVI) efforts. Bodies were delivered to a central mortuary. Each body was coded and undressed for external inspection and documentation of physical elements. Digital fingerprints were recorded and blood or toenails sampled for DNA. Odontology exams were performed by dentists describing dentition, aided by computerized tomography (CT). Whole-body CT was performed in cases the bodies were disfigured or burned from the second week. Simultaneously, families of missing civilians provided physical elements to the police to extract the DNA for antemortem documentation. The police took the responsibility over the reconciliation, which was based on comparison of the ante-mortem and post-mortem fingerprints, aided by DNA profile matching, odontology examination, clinical and/or radiological findings performed by forensic practitioners. Secondary identification elements were used assure the families regarding the identification. Precise scientific identification a was a priority, even if it slowed the rate of bodies release. Families were allowed to view their relative either at the mortuary or before burial. The DVI process required cooperation between several governmental agencies and police. To maximize the effectiveness, a synchronized approach should be adopted, specifying communication channels between the partners and dividing the responsibilities. The DVI should be led by a single, experienced authority to ensure interdisciplinary teamwork. This catastrophe required personal resilience of the teams for rapid and efficient functioning and communication between the partners.

Reliability of predictive models based on the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of permanent canine teeth for sex estimation in forensic contexts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the reliability of predictive models for sex estimation based on permanent canine size. A systematic literature review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Six electronic databases were searched as the primary source of information. As a secondary source of information, a manual search was performed to identify additional relevant studies not captured in the initial search. After assessing the methodological quality and risk of bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for Systematic Reviews, the data were subjected to statistical tests for a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy and Higgin's I2 statistic to evaluate the heterogeneity between the eligible studies. The systematic search resulted in 21 studies for qualitative synthesis, and 13 of them were selected for quantitative analysis. The analysis of 25 univariate predictive models showed an estimated sensitivity of 77.2 % and specificity of 67.1 %. Meta-regression analyses were performed for dental arch, the type of diameter and dental region outcomes for these univariate predictive models. Dental arch (p = 0.029) and the dental region of measurement (p = 0.001) were significant modifiers. The analysis of 25 multivariate predictive models showed an estimated sensitivity of 82.6 % and specificity of 70.1 %. There were significant methodological limitations and substantial heterogeneity among the included studies. Based on the results, there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to support the safe use of predictive models based on permanent canine measurements as the exclusive method for sex estimation in forensic settings.

Accuracy of automated forensic dental age estimation lab (F-DentEst Lab) on large Malaysian dataset.

When a disaster occurs, the authority must prioritise two things. First, the search and rescue of lives, and second, the identification and management of deceased individuals. However, with thousands of dead bodies to be individually identified in mass disasters, forensic teams face challenges such as long working hours resulting in a delayed identification process and a public health concern caused by the decomposition of the body. Using dental panoramic imaging, teeth have been used in forensics as a physical marker to estimate the age of an individual. Traditionally, dental age estimation has been performed manually by experts. Although the procedure is fairly simple, the large number of victims and the limited amount of time available to complete the assessment during large-scale disasters make forensic work even more challenging. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of medicine and dentistry has led to the suggestion of automating the current process as an alternative to the conventional method. This study aims to test the accuracy and performance of the developed deep convolutional neural network system for age estimation in large, out-of-sample Malaysian children dataset using digital dental panoramic imaging. Forensic Dental Estimation Lab (F-DentEst Lab) is a computer application developed to perform the dental age estimation digitally. The introduction of this system is to improve the conventional method of age estimation that significantly increase the efficiency of the age estimation process based on the AI approach. A total number of one-thousand-eight-hundred-and-ninety-two digital dental panoramic images were retrospectively collected to test the F-DentEst Lab. Data training, validation, and testing have been conducted in the early stage of the development of F-DentEst Lab, where the allocation involved 80 % training and the remaining 20 % for testing. The methodology was comprised of four major steps: image preprocessing, which adheres to the inclusion criteria for panoramic dental imaging, segmentation, and classification of mandibular premolars using the Dynamic Programming-Active Contour (DP-AC) method and Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN), respectively, and statistical analysis. The suggested DCNN approach underestimated chronological age with a small ME of 0.03 and 0.05 for females and males, respectively.

How reliable is stature estimation by dental means? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dental measurements have been proposed as parameters for stature estimation for at least 85 years. The scientific literature on the topic, however, is controversial regarding the performance of the method. This systematic literature review of observational cross-sectional studies aimed to compile evidence to support decisions in the forensic practice regarding the use of dental measurements for stature estimation. Embase, LILACS, MedLine (via PubMed), SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, DansEasy and Open Access Thesis and Dissertations (OATD) were searched. Data regarding the rate of correct stature classifications were extracted. A meta-analysis with a Random Intercept Logistic Regression model and a Logit Transformation was conducted. The search led to 10.803 entries, out of which 15 were considered eligible (n = 1486 individuals). The studies were published between 1990 and 2020 and were authored by South American (n = 7) and Asian (n = 8) research teams. Dental measurements were predominantly (93.34 %) performed on dental casts or via intraoral inspection. The overall rate of correct classifications based on stature was 68 %. Excluding outliers, the overall accuracy of the method decreased to 64 % (95 %CI: 54-73 %). Significant heterogeneity was detected (I² = 72.4 %, τ2 = 0.24, H = 1.91, p < 0.001). Egger's test (p = 0.94) and the funnel plot did not reveal publication bias. Dental measurements are not reliable for stature estimation in the forensic field.

Population specific dental age estimation model for South Indian children based on normalized open apices method: A cross sectional study.

Age estimation plays significant role in forensic science especially when there is unavailability of the information concerned to the deceased. Use of population specific models of age estimation results in questionable evidence legally when tried on Indian children. The present study was designed to assess the accuracy of Cameriere's Italian and Balwant Rai Indian model on South Indian children and to derive and validate a novel model for south Indian children by considering a sample from a larger geographical area with a greater sample size of 2500. Accuracy of both the models for South Indian children was analysed using root mean square error. Significant differences were observed in estimated age across all age groups and between sexes, using above models. Root mean square error using Cameriere's Italian model was 1.54 and for Balwant Rai Indian model, it was found to be 1.78. The error for all the age groups was found to be 1.49 to 1.60 using Cameriere's model and 1.41 to 2.1 using Rai's model. A novel Population specific model was derived based on open apices of left mandibular seven teeth. Root mean square error with novel derived Population specific model was found to be less than 1 year overall being 0.94 and for all the age groups ranged from 0.91 to 0.96. The derived Population specific model exhibits superior accuracy compared to both the models and hence it can be considered for dental age estimation of the south Indian children in medico-legal cases.

Nuala Mary Brigid Mitzi Macey-Dare (née Coyle) (1934-2022): leading community dentist, forensic odontologist and her family.

For many people, being a parent of five children is more than enough to keep oneself occupied. Mitzi Coyle (Macey-Dare) did that, and gained a top post in the community dental service, with a string of dental and other postgraduate qualifications. Her children are equally talented.

Research Progress on Dental Age Estimation Based on MRI Technology.

Dental age estimation is a crucial aspect and one of the ways to accomplish forensic age estimation, and imaging technology is an important technique for dental age estimation. In recent years, some studies have preliminarily confirmed the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating dental development, providing a new perspective and possibility for the evaluation of dental development, suggesting that MRI is expected to be a safer and more accurate tool for dental age estimation. However, further research is essential to verify its accuracy and feasibility. This article reviews the current state, challenges and limitations of MRI in dental development and age estimation, offering reference for the research of dental age assessment based on MRI technology.

[Changes in court practice in cases of poor quality of dental care]. / Izmeneniya sudebnoi praktiki po delam, kasayushchimsya nekachestvennogo okazaniya stomatologicheskoi pomoshchi.

The study objective is to analyze changes in court practice over a 10-year period (from 2013 to 2022) including the quantitative and qualitative composition of complaints for conducted dental treatment, considering legislative changes in the procedure for the provision of dental service and formalization of the relationship between patient and medical organization. An investigation of 1800 legal cases containing complaints, forensic reports and court decisions allowed to identify tendencies in increasing the number of cases in which patients' demands were fully or partially satisfied, from 54% in 2013-2017 up to 61% in 2018-2022. At the same time, the amounts of payments determined by the courts increased by 14 times. In addition, the percentage of claims against medical organizations providing care under the CHI program increased significantly (from 5% in 2013-2017 to 15% in 2018-2022). A significant impact of changes in normative legal documents regulating the provision of dental care on the qualitative composition of complaints and the issues formed for medical experts by court has been noted.

Forensic study of the mechanical properties of prosthetic materials: Submersion in mangrove environment - A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: It is crucial for dental surgeons to use the mechanical properties of dental prosthetic materials to correlate the submersion time in a mangrove environment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to submerge dental prosthetic materials, such as acrylic resin and zirconia, contained within acrylic resin disks in a mangrove environment, and analyze the alterations in mechanical parameters, such as surface roughness and microhardness, to estimate submergence time in similar forensic situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 specimens was embedded in acrylic resin disks numbered from 1 to 6. The materials were polished for initial parameter readings a day before submersion, and new readings were obtained 1after submersion. All specimens were subjected to surface roughness analysis, in addition to Knoop microhardness analysis for acrylic resin and Vickers microhardness analysis for zirconia. After the experiment, the data were computed for statistical comparation of the materials properties different parameters. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in surface roughness and Knoop microhardness was reduced in the Acrylic Resin samples (p< 0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in the roughness or Vickers microhardness values of the zirconia samples. CONCLUSION: Zirconia prosthetics were more resistant to degradation when submerged in a mangrove environment compared to acrylic resin ones; however, owing to the obstacles inherent in this study, we suggest further research on the properties of prosthetic materials submerged in mangroves or other environments, which could bolster the work of dental professionals in forensic medical institutes.

Digital intraoral and radiologic records in forensic identification: Match with disruptive technology.

While clinical dentistry has seamlessly integrated the digital revolution, there is a gap in the technological capabilities of forensic dentistry.The study aimed to compare the superimposition accuracy of two different three-dimensional record formats, namely the intraoral scanner and cone beam computer tomography, in the context of forensic identification.The sample consisted of randomly selected adults (n=10) of both sexes aged between 20 and 50 years. Following the acquisition of data using the Medit i700 wireless scanner and the iCAT Tomograph with InVivo software, the records were analysed and compared through superimposition using Medit Scan Clinic software to assess the technical precision of anatomical identification details.The results obtained through the superimposition of dental and bone records following intra- and inter-observer analysis enabled an accurate comparison and identification of an individual. This method can differentiate between positive and negative matches, achieving exclusion results and offering a potential solution to overcoming the absence of a standardisation procedure in human identification.

Determining Whether an Individual is 18 Years or Older Based on the Third Molar Root Pulp Visibility in East China.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the age-related changes of the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility in individuals in East China, and to explore the feasibility of applying this method to determine whether an individual is 18 years or older. METHODS: A total of 1 280 oral panoramic images were collected from the 15-30 years old East China population, and the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility in all oral panoramic images was evaluated using OLZE 0-3 four-stage method, and the age distribution of the samples at each stage was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Stages 0, 1, 2 and 3 first appeared in 16.88, 19.18, 21.91 and 25.44 years for males and in 17.47, 20.91, 22.01 and 26.01 years for females. In all samples, individuals at stages 1 to 3 were over 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to determine whether an individual in East China is 18 years or older based on the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility on oral panoramic images.

How teeth can be used to estimate sexual dimorphism? A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Teeth are biological structures with a high degree of hardness, density, calcification, and capacity to adapt to extrinsic factors at physical, biological, and physiological levels. Subsequently, they resist for a longer period in deteriorating environmental conditions. With dental analysis, it is possible to acquire biographical data about a person. The aim of this scoping review was to identify publications using human teeth tissues to estimate sexual dimorphism. METHODS: The scoping review was carried out in the following databases: Jstor, Scielo, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus, using ten search strategies in English and guaranteeing completeness and reproducibility of the phases stipulated in the PRISMA guide. RESULTS: 143 studies on sexual dimorphism based on dental tissue traits were included, of which 40.6% (n = 58) were done in Asia and 27.2% (n = 39) in America. 80% of the studies (equivalent to 114 articles) focused their observations and measurements on the dental crown; 4.2% in enamel, dentin, and pulp together; 3.5% in dental pulp; 2.1% in the entire tooth; 2.8% in enamel, root, and the enamel-cementum junction, and only 0.7% in dentin and pulp. In addition, 92.3% of the studies used metric methods, while only 4.9% and 2.8% used biochemical and non-metric method respectively. CONCLUSION: For sexual dimorphism establishment, enamel has been the most analyzed dental tissue in permanent canines and molars mainly. Likewise, the most widely and accurately used methods for this purpose are the metrics, with the odontometry as the most implemented (intraoral or by using dental plaster models, digital scanning or software) with prediction percentages ranging from 51% to 95.9%. In contrast to biochemical methods, that can achieve the highest precision (up to 100%), the non-metric methods, to a less extent, reported prediction percentages of 58%.

Legal conflicts in forensic dentistry: practice and methods of resolving them.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate and analyze legal conflicts in forensic dentistry of Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A comparative research method for determining the common and distinctive features of the legal regulation of forensic dental expertise as a subcluster in the legislation of Ukraine. The descriptive (monographic) method reveals the problematic aspects of forensic dental examination through the lens of local normative and general normative connotations. The structural-functional research method made it possible to systematize the peculiarities of forensic medical and forensic dental expert activity. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The analysis of legal conflicts made it possible to come to the following conclusions, that in Ukraine today there is no specific legal act that would regulate the aspects of performing dental activities. Forensic dental examination in Ukraine, in accordance with the legislation, is an examination of the actions and inactions of the dentist. The adoption of normative legal acts in the field of dental activity and forensic dental examination in Ukraine would make it possible to determine the specifics of establishing facts and circumstances that indicate a violation of the patient's rights.

The role of orthodontics in children identification: a case report of two victims of mass disaster.

INTRODUCTION: Human Identification based on dental evidence cannot be accomplished if antemortem dental records are unavailable or of poor quality. The involvement of the orthodontist in mass disaster victim identification processes may be crucial in relation to the amount and quality of the records which can be obtained before, during, and following the treatment. AIM: The aim of the study is the description of the contribution of the findings drawn from orthodontic records to the identification of victims of mass disasters who had received an orthodontic treatment, through the presentation of two cases. The first case involves the identification of a child victim of a plane crash and the second case involves the identification of two identical twin girls who died in a fire. In both cases, the identification was based on the findings obtained from the ante-mortem records provided by the orthodontist. CONCLUSIONS: The orthodontists apply customized orthodontic appliances and keep a comprehensive file of images, casts, radiographs, and other records in their practice. As a result, they can make a substantial contribution to the identification of young people or even adult victims of mass disasters in any case in which the authorities make a request.