A Study of Palatal Rugae Pattern among North and South Indian Population of Davanagere City

Forensic Odontology has played a key role in identification of persons in mass disasters, in crime investigations, in ethnic studies, in identification of decomposed and disfigured bodies, fire victims and victims of motor vehicle accidents. Palatoscopy is an important specialty, which has been the area of interest for many Forensic Dentists. The palatal rugae act as an ideal for identification as it present in all victims and resistant to change (aging, trauma and so forth). This study conducted on the under graduate students of two geographically different regions of India studying in Davanagere. The sample size of 150 students randomly selected from each study population in the age group of 17–23 years who were healthy. An Alginate impression prepared. The outline of the rugae traced on casts by a sharp graphite pencil. The rugae patterns were assessed. The data collected was statically analyzed. The analysis of Chi-square test and P-value with respect to shape, direction, sex wise distribution of the rugae showed significant in our study. Thus the palatal rugae pattern of an individual may be considered as a viable alternative for identification purpose.