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form an opinion confirming the link of the evidence with the source (sus-

pect/ victim). It is worthwhile to mention that dental evidence can be
potential evidence of identification, just as in the case of DNA profiling

and morphological fingerprints. The unique morphological variations of
the teeth can provide a good lead to personal identification. Dental re-

cords play a significant role in the identification of the deceased in mass
fatality incidents such as airplane crashes and natural disasters. Forensic

Odontology has a good role to play in medico-legal cases, and promoting
this section of forensic would be of great advantage to investigation and

identification teams.

References-

• Masthan, K. M. K. Textbook of forensic odontology. Jaypee Bros.
Medical Publishers, 2009
• Senn, D. R., & Weems, R. A. (Eds.). Manual of forensic odontology.

CRC press, 2013

• Shah, P., Velani, P. R., Lakade, L., & Dukle, S. Teeth in forensics: A
review. Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian
Society for Dental Research, 30(2), 291–299. https://doi.org/10.4103/

ijdr.IJDR_9_17, 2019
• Chidambaram R. Forensic Odontology: A Boon to Community in Med-

ico-legal Affairs. JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association,
54(201), 46–54, 2016

Myth - Offenders are insane.

Fact - Insanity is a legal term. Very few

offenders (2%-4%) are legally insane.

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