Dental Identification & Mass Disasters
Comparative Identification
Match antemortem records (charts, radiographs, restorations) with postmortem findings. Teeth are the most resilient tissues (resist fire/decomposition), making them invaluable in mass disasters.
Other Modalities
- Palatal rugoscopy — rugae patterns are individual-specific.
- Cheiloscopy — lip print patterns.
- DNA from pulp tissue for confirmatory identification.
Mass Disaster Roles
Dental teams work within DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) protocols (e.g., INTERPOL).
Exam Tips ⭐
Teeth = most resilient tissue; rugoscopy (palate) and cheiloscopy (lips) are individual; DNA from pulp.