Forensic odontology and its applications

Dental science has much to offer law enforcement agencies in the detection and solution of crime. Forensic Odontology, which is branch of dentistry, plays a major role in the identification of those individuals who cannot be identified visually or by other means. The teeth may also be used as weapons, and under certain circumstances, may provide information about the identity of the biter. Tooth has been used as the cornerstone in positive identification of living or deceased persons using unique traits and characteristics. Hence dental professionals play a major role in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognize malpractices, negligence, and fraud child abuse and also identify an individual. This article analyses the various aspects of forensic odontology and the role of dentists in detail.