Age estimation through the development of third molars in a case of multiple dismemberment / Estimación de la edad mediante el desarrollo de terceros molares en un caso de desmembramiento múltiple

El crimen organizado se ha convertido en un flagelo a nivel internacional conformado por grupos al margen de la ley que realizan todo tipo de actividades que involucran desde tráfico de personas, secuestros, extorsiones, narcotráfico y muchos otros delitos. Producto de este fenómeno, la desaparición y ejecución de personas es cada día más frecuente, en muchos casos los cuerpos son quemados o desmembrados para impedir o hacer más difícil la identificación. La odontología forense se ha convertido en una disciplina transcendental en la identificación de cadáveres y restos óseos, además de contar con múltiples métodos para estimar la edad aproximada de una persona. Se presenta el caso de un descuartizamiento múltiple de tres individuos masculinos donde era indispensable identificar si alguno correspondía a una persona menor de 18 años.

Organized crime has become an international scourge made up of outlaw groups that carry out all kinds of activities ranging from human trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking and many more. As a result of this phenomenon, the disappearance and execution of people is becoming more frequent every day, in many cases the bodies are burned or dismembered to prevent or make identification more difficult. Forensic odontology has become a transcendental discipline in the identification of corpses and skeletal remains, in addition to having multiple methods to estimate the approximate age of a person. The case of a multiple dismemberment of three male individuals is presented, where it was essential to identify a person under 18 years of age.

La odontología en la identificación de sucesos con víctimas múltiples / Forensic odontology in human identification in multiple victims’ incidents

La aprobación en 2009, del Protocolo Nacional de actuación Médico-Forense y de Policía Científica en sucesos con víctimas múltiples, supuso la base normativa para regular formalmente los procedimientos y técnicas que deben aplicarse, como las distintas tareas forenses que se tienen que realizar en los supuestos de sucesos con víctimas múltiples en España. En este artículo se revisan los procedimientos y métodos que se emplean en odontología forense para la identificación humana en casos de grandes catástrofes con múltiples víctimas. Dado que el reconocimiento de las características individualizadoras de las piezas dentarias, y en general los datos bucodentales, supone un proceso altamente especializado, resulta imprescindible el apoyo técnico de odontólogos/as forenses con experiencia en este campo, quienes dispondrán de la formación y los conocimientos necesarios para la realización de la toma de registros dentales, la interpretación precisa de los resultados y la obtención adecuada de las conclusiones. Finalmente se incluyen recomendaciones para la elaboración de los informes forenses de identificación odontológica. (AU)

The approval in 2009, of the Protocolo Nacional de actuación Médico-Forense y de Policía Científica en sucesos con víctimas múltiples, was the basic normative to formally regulate both the technical procedures that must be applied, and the different tasks to be carried out in a disaster victim incident in Spain. This article reviews the procedures and techniques used in forensic odontology for human identification in DVI incidents with multiple victims. Given that the recognition of the individualizing characteristics of the teeth, and in general the odontological data, supposes a highly specialized process, it is essential the assistance of forensic dentists with experience in this field, who will have the training and the knowledge to carry out the dental procedures such as documenting dental records, accurate interpretation of the results and withdraw precise dental identification conclusions. Finally, recommendations for the preparation of forensic dental identification reports are included in this review. (AU)

Registros ortodóncicos para la identificación forense: una revisión exploratoria / Orthodontic records for forensic identification: A scoping review

Según la Organización International de Policía Criminal (INTERPOL), el cotejo odontológico es uno de los medios primarios más fiables para la identificación. Sin embargo, necesita de registros adecuados antemortem (AM) para su cotejo con la información postmortem (PM). La ortodoncia y ortopedia dentomaxilofacial (OOD) es una especialidad odontológica que se utiliza para sus fines, procedimientos y dispositivos de controles periódicos, radiografías y fotografías de calidad. Se presenta una revisión con búsqueda sistemática («forensic» AND «identification» AND «orthodontics») en la literatura científica de artículos que reporten casos en los que registros ortodóncicos hayan sido exitosos para la identificación forense. De 11.413 documentos fueron incluidos 9 reportes que respondieron al objetivo de búsqueda. Los registros radiográficos y fotográficos fueron los de mayor calidad y disponibilidad. La información ortodóncica AM es de alta calidad, pero la escasez de reportes muestra una tendencia a que esa información sea infraestimada en la literatura. Debido a que los registros OOD son confiables, debe promoverse el respaldo radiográfico y fotográfico en toda actividad odontológica. Se recomienda reportar estos casos como oportunidades de aprendizaje en el ámbito médico legal. (AU)

According to INTERPOL, dental comparison is one of the most reliable primary means of identification. However, it requires adequate antemortem (AM) records to be compared with postmortem (PM) information. Orthodontics and Dentomaxillofacial Orthopedics (OOD) is a dental specialty that uses procedures and devices with periodic controls and quality imaging for its purposes. A scoping review is presented (“forensic”AND“identification”AND“orthodontics”) in the scientific literature, of cases in which orthodontic records have been successful used for forensic identification. Of 11,413 articles, 9 reports were included that responded to the search objective. Imaging records were the ones with the highest quality and availability. The AM orthodontic data is of high quality, but the scarcity of reports shows a tendency to be underestimated in the literature. Because OOD records are reliable, imaging backup should be promoted in all dental activities. It is recommended to report these cases as learning opportunities in the medical-legal field. (AU)

Dental Forensic Kit (DFK®) and Quick Extract™ FFPE DNA extraction kit, a new workflow for obtaining dental DNA for human genetic identity.

BACKGROUND: Most of the protocols described for obtaining DNA from dental tissues are methods that involve major laboratory equipment and many hours of work. They are also methodologies that almost destroy the tooth. AIM: Our aim was to develop an innovative workflow for optimizing dental DNA extraction from teeth. Our methodological proposal is a new workflow for obtaining dental DNA for human genetic identity using Dental Forensic Kit (DFK®) and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE™) DNA extraction kit. METHODS: Two different dental samples groups were assayed with DFK® and FFPE™. The first group corresponded to extracted teeth from living donors and the second group was considered in real conditions with challenging teeth from corpses. Genomic Dental DNA was amplified and genotyped with platforms Identifiler Plus™, Power Plex 21™ and Global Filer ™ kits. RESULTS: Our workflow was useful in obtaining dental DNA and partial and complete genetic profiles, from teeth of both study groups. DFK® kit worked in a conservative treatment of teeth generating dental tissues (pulp and cement) and FFPE™ for DNA extraction was a very cheap, quick and easy method for obtaining genomic dental DNA. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative method and the workflow proposed herein allows obtaining robust and reliable genetic profiles, from dental tissues. DFK® kit works optimizing the treatment of dental tissues and FFPE™ demonstrates a new use in forensic genetics.

Comparación de los métodos de Willems I y Willems II en la estimación forense de la edad en niños venezolanos / Comparison of the Willems I and Willems II methods for forensic age estimation in Venezuelan children

INTRODUCCIÓN: El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo comparar los métodos de Willems et al. (WI y WII) en la estimación forense de la edad en niños venezolanos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Esta investigación fue de tipo retrospectiva y observacional. Se emplearon 516 ortopantomografías de individuos de ambos sexos (6-18 años), se asignaron los estadios de maduración dental descritos por Demirjian et al. en los 7 dientes inferiores izquierdos, para luego determinar la edad dental (ED) mediante WI y WII. Se calculó la diferencia de media entre la edad cronológica (EC) y la ED estimada mediante una prueba «t» de Student para muestras relacionadas. RESULTADOS: Para el total de la muestra se observó la subestimación de la edad por ambos métodos (0,17+/-1,75 años), siendo la diferencia EC-ED estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,04). Considerando todos los grupos de edad, WII mostró la menor diferencia EC-ED (0,05 años+/-1,40) en el sexo femenino, mientras que para el masculino se encontró menor diferencia para WI (0,04+/-0,54 años). En una submuestra hasta los 16 años se evidenció una subestimación de la edad en el sexo femenino para WI (0,03+/-1,23 años) y una sobreestimación para WII (-0,18+/-1,24 años), en el sexo masculino ambos métodos sobreestimaron la edad (W1=-0,21+/-1,17; WII=-0,06+/-1,20 años). CONCLUSIONES: La precisión de los métodos varió de acuerdo al sexo y grupo de edad, sin embargo, ambos resultaron aplicables a la muestra estudiada

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the methods of Willems et al., (WI and WII) in estimating the forensic age in Venezuelan children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective and observational study was performed on 516 orthopantomographs of individuals of both genders (6-18 years) in order to evaluate the stages of dental maturation described by Demirjian et al. Using the dental age (DA) in the seven left inferior teeth, DA was calculated using the WI and WII methods. The mean difference between the chronological age (CA) and DA was calculated using a paired-sample t-Test. RESULTS: The under-estimation of age by both methods (0.17+/-1.75 years) was observed, with the CA-DA difference being statistically significant (P=.04). Considering all age groups, WII showed the smallest difference between CA-DA (0.05+/-1.40 years) in girls, while a smaller difference was found for WI (0.04+/-0.54 years)for boys. In a subsample up to the age of 16, there was an under-estimation of age in females for WI (0.03+/-1.23 years) and an over-estimation for WII (-0.18+/-1.24 years). In the males both methods over-estimated the age (W1=-0.21+/-1.17 years, WII=-0.06+/-1.20 years). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the methods varied according to gender and age group: however, both were applicable to the studied sample

Computerized morphometry of the area of the hard palate and of palatal rugae: a cross-sectional study / Morfometría computarizada del área del paladar duro y de las arrugas palatinas: un estudio transversal

Abstract Background: The evaluation of palatal rugae in human identification is important because these structures can remain intact for up to seven days after death. Aim: To compare the area and density of the palatal rugae between ages groups and genders. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods and Material: Dental plaster models obtained from patients at the Orthodontic Clinic of University of Uberaba were selected. Two hundred patients were divided into four groups: Group 1:10-15 years; Group 2:16-30 years; Group 3:31-50 years; and Group 4:51-70 years. The palatal rugae and hard palate of each plaster model were outlined and photographed. The evaluation of the area of the hard palate and palatal rugae was performed using the ImageJ software. Statistical analysis used: Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests using GraphPad Prism 5 statistical software. Results and conclusión: The areas of the palatal rugae and of the hard palate were significantly smaller in the group 4. There was a significant negative correlation between age and palatal rugae area, and between age and hard palatal area. The present study was the first to demonstrate that patients between 51 and 70 years have a smaller palatal rugae area and a smaller hard palate area when compared to other groups. Thus, the evaluation of the hard palate area and of palatal rugae could be used as an adjunct with other methods to determine the age group of an individual; however studies using larger sample size are needed to validate this observation.

A Novel Computer-Assisted Method of Bite Mark Analysis for Gender Determination.

Background: Bite mark analysis is an imperative area of forensic odontology and considered the commonest form of dental evidence presented in the criminal court. The process of comparing bite marks with a suspect's dentition includes analysis and measurement of shape, size, and position of an individual's teeth. The present study was aimed to evaluate the bite marks of males and females using a novel indirect computer-assisted method and explicate its application in forensic odontology. Materials and methods: 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) with normal occlusion were included in the present study. Bite registrations were obtained with help of modelling waxes, and positive replicas were prepared with dental stone and barium powder. Intraoral periapical radiographs were taken for the same. The radiographs obtained were scanned and analyzed by measuring tools using Sidexis Next Generation software. Intercanine distance (ICD), line AB, angle ABX, and angle ABY were measured. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the bite marks of males and females. Results: The mean ICD of males and females was found to be 32.95 mm and 29.84 mm, respectively, and was statistically highly significant with a p value <0.001. The mean ICD, line AB, and angle ABX were found to be higher in males when compared to females. Conclusion: Analysis of bite marks using this novel computer-assisted method is a simple, reliable, easily reproducible, and economical technique with confidentiality of the identity of the participants involved.

A forensic identification case and DPid - can it be a useful tool?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show DPid as an important tool of potential application to solve cases with dental prosthesis, such as the forensic case reported, in which a skull, denture and dental records were received for analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human identification is still challenging in various circumstances and Dental Prosthetics Identification (DPid) stores the patient's name and prosthesis information and provides access through an embedded code in dental prosthesis or an identification card. All of this information is digitally stored on servers accessible only by dentists, laboratory technicians and patients with their own level of secure access. DPid provides a complete single-source list of all dental prosthesis features (materials and components) under complete and secure documentation used for clinical follow-up and for human identification. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: If DPid tool was present in this forensic case, it could have been solved without requirement of DNA exam, which confirmed the dental comparison of antemortem and postmortem records, and concluded the case as a positive identification.

A forensic identification case and DPid - can it be a useful tool?

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to show DPid as an important tool of potential application to solve cases with dental prosthesis, such as the forensic case reported, in which a skull, denture and dental records were received for analysis. Material and Methods Human identification is still challenging in various circumstances and Dental Prosthetics Identification (DPid) stores the patient's name and prosthesis information and provides access through an embedded code in dental prosthesis or an identification card. All of this information is digitally stored on servers accessible only by dentists, laboratory technicians and patients with their own level of secure access. DPid provides a complete single-source list of all dental prosthesis features (materials and components) under complete and secure documentation used for clinical follow-up and for human identification. Results and Conclusion If DPid tool was present in this forensic case, it could have been solved without requirement of DNA exam, which confirmed the dental comparison of antemortem and postmortem records, and concluded the case as a positive identification.

Testing a Novel 3D Printed Radiographic Imaging Device for Use in Forensic Odontology.

There are specific challenges related to forensic dental radiology and difficulties in aligning X-ray equipment to teeth of interest. Researchers used 3D printing to create a new device, the combined holding and aiming device (CHAD), to address the positioning limitations of current dental X-ray devices. Participants (N = 24) used the CHAD, soft dental wax, and a modified external aiming device (MEAD) to determine device preference, radiographer's efficiency, and technique errors. Each participant exposed six X-rays per device for a total of 432 X-rays scored. A significant difference was found at the 0.05 level between the three devices (p = 0.0015), with the MEAD having the least amount of total errors and soft dental wax taking the least amount of time. Total errors were highest when participants used soft dental wax-both the MEAD and the CHAD performed best overall. Further research in forensic dental radiology and use of holding devices is needed.

Extra-oral dental radiography for disaster victims using a flat panel X-ray detector and a hand-held X-ray generator.

BACKGROUND: Forensic odontologists commonly incise the skin for post-mortem dental examinations when it is difficult to open the victim's mouth. However, it is prohibited by law to incise dead bodies without permission in Japan. Therefore, we attempted using extra-oral dental radiography, using a digital X-ray equipment with rechargeable batteries, to overcome this restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom was placed in the prone position on a table, and three plain dental radiographs were used per case: "lateral oblique radiographs" for left and right posterior teeth and a "contact radiograph" for anterior teeth were taken using a flat panel X-ray detector and a hand-held X-ray generator. The resolving power of the images was measured by a resolution test chart, and the scattered X-ray dose was measured using an ionization chamber-type survey meter. RESULTS: The resolving power of the flat panel X-ray detector was 3.0 lp/mm, which was less than that of intra-oral dental methods, but the three extra-oral plain dental radiographs provided the overall dental information from outside of the mouth, and this approach was less time-consuming. In addition, the higher dose of scattered X-rays was laterally distributed, but the dose per case was much less than that of intra-oral dental radiographs. CONCLUSION: Extra-oral plain dental radiography can be used for disaster victim identification by dental methods even when it is difficult to open the mouth. Portable and rechargeable devices, such as a flat panel X-ray detector and a hand-held X-ray generator, are convenient to bring and use anywhere, even at a disaster scene lacking electricity and water.

Comportamiento del color de discos y restauraciones en resina compuesta sometidos a altas temperatura con fines forenses / Performance of color of discs and restorations in composite resin subject to high temperatures to forensic purposes

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el comportamiento del color de discos y restauraciones en resina compuesta sometidos a altas temperaturas con fines forenses. Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo de naturaleza pseudoexperimental in vitro que describió los cambios colorimétricos que ocurrieron en 75 discos y 75 dientes restaurados en resina compuesta (Z100 3M-ESPE®), confeccionados en cinco colores (A1, A2, A3, A3.5 y B2), al ser sometidos a la acción de altas temperaturas, con el propósito de establecer parámetros cualitativos a partir del cambio de color de utilidad forense. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron explicar los cambios de color por espectrometría, de tal forma que una resina compuesta, a 200 oC, pierde brillo y matiz; a 400 oC, pierde brillo, matiz y saturación; y a 600 oC, 800 oC y 1.000 oC gana brillo y pierde matiz y saturación. Así, no existieron diferencias significativas en las coordenadas de color L* a* b* al comparar los discos con los dientes restaurados. En conclusión, la interpretación visual del cambio de color y las coordenadas de color L* a* b* a través del uso de un espectrofotómetro puede constituirse en un método comparativo de bajo costo y de aplicación forense al momento de identificar el tipo y el color de un material restaurador en un cadáver o en restos humanos quemados, carbonizados o incinerados, para obtener marcadores positivos durante el cotejo ante mórtem-post mórtem, y estimar la temperatura máxima alcanzada durante la exposición (AU)

The objective for this study was to determine the color behavior of discs and composite resin restorations subjected to high temperature for forensic purposes. For this, a descriptive study of pseudo-experimental nature was made, to describing in vitro colorimetric changes that occur on the surface of 75 disks and 75 class I composite resin restorations (Z100 3M-ESPE®) made in five colors (A1, A2 , A3, A3.5 and B2), when subjected to the action of high temperatures (200 oC, 400 oC, 600 oC, 800 oC y 1,000 oC); in order to set parameters from the color change that can be applied to the forensic dental identification methods in the case of bodies or human remains burnt, charred or incinerated. The color changes can be explained by spectrometry. A composite resin subjected to 200 oC loses brightness and hue; to 400 oC wins brightness, hue and saturation; to 600 oC, 800 oC and 1,000 oC lost brightness, hue and saturation. No significant differences in the color coordinates L * a * b * to compare discs with the restored teeth, so the test bodies were suitable to test with the commercial composite resin system ESPE® 3M-Z100. In conclusion, the visual interpretation of color change and the L * a * b * color coordinates through the use of a spectrometer becomes a comparative forensic method application inexpensive when identifying the type and color a restorative material in a human remains burnt, charred or incinerated, to obtain positive markers for the antemortem-postmortem comparison and estimate the maximum temperature reached (AU)

Accuracy of 3D scanners in tooth mark analysis.

The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of contact and laser 3D scanners in tooth mark analysis. Ten dental casts were scanned with both 3D scanners. Seven linear measurements were made from the 3D images of dental casts and biting edges generated with DentalPrint© software (University of Granada, Granada, Spain). The uncertainty value for contact 3D scanning was 0.833 for the upper dental cast and 0.660 mm for the lower cast; similar uncertainty values were found for 3D-laser scanning. Slightly higher uncertainty values were obtained for the 3D biting edges generated. The uncertainty values for single measurements ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 mm with the exception of the intercanine distance, in which higher values were obtained. Knowledge of the error rate in the 3D scanning of dental casts and biting edges is especially relevant to be applied in practical forensic cases.

Odontología forense III: rugas palatinas y huellas labiales en identificación forense / Forensic dentistry III: palatal rugae and lip prints in forensic identification

Aunque existen métodos de identificación humana más o menos frecuentes en uso, todos ellos se soportan en la comparación inequívoca, científica y fiable, de una información conocida con la obtenida de los restos o de las huellas a procesar. Desde una perspectiva odontológica forense, los surcos labiales, las rugas palatinas y sus negativos o huellas, han sido reconocidos como patrones morfológicos que permitirían identificar a una persona en circunstancias específicas. Estos elementos han sido estudiados tanto comparativa como independientemente buscando detectar las características individuales y poblacionales que permitan reforzarlos como herramientas significativas: se ha informado que tanto la Queiloscopía (el estudio de las huellas labiales) como la Rugoscopía (el estudio de las rugas palatinas) definen rasgos únicos para cada individuo, por lo tanto utilizables razonablemente para una identificación forense. Dado que los reportes de casos forenses permiten identificar cambios en las conductas criminales, en los patrones morfológicos característicos o en la manera de presentar la evidencia pericial, se presenta una revisión de reportes de casos con utilización de evidencia rugoscópica y queiloscópica, junto con discutir sus proyecciones hacia la comunidad científica forense

Even though there exist more or less frequent methods of human identification in use, all of them are supported in the unequivocal, scientific and reliable comparison of known information with the obtained one of the remains or of the prints to processing. Between these methods, and from a dental forensic point of view, the lip prints, the palatal rugae, and their negatives or prints have been admitted as morphologic patterns, which would allow identifying a person in specific circumstances. These elements have been studied comparatively as well as independently trying to detect individual and demographical characteristics that allow to reinforce them as significant tools: it was informed that the Cheiloscopy (the study of the lip prints) as well as the Rugoscopy (the study of palatal rugae) both define unique traits for every individual; therefore, they are useful reasonably for a forensic identification.Since the forensic case reports may help to identify changes in criminal behaviours, in the morphologic typical patterns or in the way of presenting the expert evidence, a review of case reports with utilization of rugoscopical and cheiloscopical evidence is presented, and their projections toward the scientific forensic community are discussed

A simple safe, reliable and reproducible mechanism for producing experimental bite marks.

With improving technology it should be possible to develop an objective, reliable and valid method that can be undertaken by most forensic Odontologists without recourse to expensive or bulky equipment. One of the main factors that affect the physical appearance of bitemark is the amount of force applied during biting. There is little evidence relating the appearance of a bite mark to the amount of force applied and how that force relates to the biters maximal biteforce. This paper describes simple apparatus that can be used to inflict experimental bites on living subjects reproducibly and with minimal risk. The aims of this study are to report on the development of a mechanical apparatus that produces experimental bitemarks on living human subjects with a known force in a safe, reliable and reproducible manner and to relate the force applied during production of the experimental bitemark to the maximum bite force of the biter. Maximum bite force of one of the authors was determined as 324 N. Experimental bitemarks were inflicted on living subjects with known weights. Weights of up to 10 kg were well tolerated by the subjects. The relation between forces used to inflict bites and the maximum bite force of the author is reported, with 10 kg being approximately one third of the maximum bite force. The apparatus was well tolerated and the results were reliable and reproducible. The results from this study could help in determining the severity of bitemarks. This apparatus could help researchers in developing objective based bitemark analysis techniques.

Digital radiological research in forensic dental investigation: case studies.

The advent of dental digital radiology and new portable X-ray devices allows the execution of periapical X-ray images not only in the dental surgery but also in hitherto difficult locations such as field military hospitals, archaeological excavation sites, morgues and in cases of house arrest. In this work authors evaluated the feasibility of Nomad Examiner (Aribex inc.) handheld X-ray device combined with a digital sensor and a portable pc in forensic odontology applications. Employed for the first time forensically during the 2004 Tsunami victim identification process, the Nomad Examiner has now passed all security and conformity requirements of US and EU regulations. Examples of the practical use and the technical features of this device are seen when employed in odontological assessment of skeletonised and carbonized individuals and the assessment of individuals under house arrest complaining dental lesions. Results from the use this portable device demonstrate the benefits of a dental radiological assessment during an autopsy with the aim of human identification and the importance of a complete dental assessment (clinical and radiological) when evaluating dental traumatic lesions of individuals who cannot visit a dental surgery. In the first example forensic dentist would work alongside a forensic pathologist. On the other hand in the second example an odontologist - dentist could be appointed as an expert witness directly by a Court.

Usefulness of Forensic Dental Symbols© and Dental Encoder© database in forensic odontology.

A new universal graphic dental system, Forensic Dental Symbols(©), has been created to provide precision in the construction of dental records, improve standardization, and increase efficiency in dental identification procedures. Two hundred and thirty-four different graphic symbols representing the most frequent clinical status for each tooth were designed. Symbols can be then converted to a typographic font and then are ready to use in any computer. For the appropriate use, manipulation, and storage of dental information generated by the Forensic Dental Symbols(©), Dental Encoder(©) database has been created. The database contains all the information required by INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)-dental-forms. To explore the possibilities that Dental Encoder(©) offers, an antemortem dental database from a Spanish population of 3920 military personnel had been constructed. Data generated by Dental Encoder(©) were classified into sex and age groups. The program can perform an automatic search of the database for cases that match a selected clinical status presented in a single tooth or a combination of situations for several teeth. Moreover, Dental Encoder(©) allows information to be printed on INTERPOL DVI-dental-forms, or the inclusion of any completed form into any document, technical report, or identification of dental report.

New device for collecting intra-oral findings of unknown body.

In dental identification, the collection of intra-oral images is extremely important. We propose the Dental Watch(®) as a new device for collecting intra-oral findings in situations where sufficient jaw-opening or adequate lighting cannot be obtained in such cases of dead bodies within a day after death or burned bodies encountered in mass disaster. This device is an improved home video camera for taking intra-oral images. It is lightweight and cordless, allowing it to be operated with one hand, and an audio function allows comments to be made and recorded on obtaining findings at the same time as images are taken. In addition, this device allows images of the entire oral cavity to be taken comparatively easily, even when only a minimal degree of jaw movement is available. This device is extremely useful in situations where a single dentist inspector must obtain findings and make an accurate and detailed Dental Chart.

Bite marks: physical properties of ring adhesion to skin-phase 1.

Unsupported excised skin may shrink by as much as 50% or more. In 1981, a method was developed for ring adhesion to skin with the goal of minimizing tissue distortion upon excision. Five modified versions of the technique bearing the author's name followed (Dorion types I, II, III, IV, and V). The scientific literature reveals little supporting empirical evidence for the preferential use of one adhesive/suturing technique over another. This study compares the use of various bonding materials (Loctite Super Glue gel(®) , Dermabond™, Vetbond™), cleaning agents (ethanol, dishwashing liquid, and shaving cream), and depilatory (Veet(®) ) on the effects of ring adhesion to skin. The conclusions indicate that surface wetness is the most influential factor affecting ring adhesion to skin, followed by the type of bonding material, its "freshness," and by the cleaning agent used to prepare the skin. The use of a depilatory or shaving cream is to be avoided.