International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine
  • Year: 2011
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 3

Role of DNA technology in forensic odontology- a review

  • Author:
  • Ashish Aggarwal, Sunil R Panat, S Talukder
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 8 to 12

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Dental Sciences, Pilibhit Bypass Road, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India

* Mob no. +91-9358353566, E-mail: drashishagg@rediffmail.com

Online published on 28 November, 2011.

Abstract

Dentistry has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crime or in civil proceedings. Most often the role of the forensic odontologist is to establish a person's identity. Teeth play an important role in identification and criminology, due to its unique characteristics and relatively high degree of physical and chemical resistance. The use of DNA profile tests in forensic dentistry offers a new perspective in human identification. DNA is responsible for storing all the genetic material and is unique to each individual. The currently available DNA tests have high reliability and are accepted as legal proof in courts. This article gives an overview of the evolution of DNA technology in the last few years, highlighting its importance in cases of forensic investigation.

Keywords

Forensic odontology, DNA, Teeth, Human identification