title: Why a "dental surgeon" for identification in forensic science?
abstract: Dentistry has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crime or in civil proceedings. Forensic dental fieldwork requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of dental science and forensic science. Most often the role of the forensic odontologist is to establish a person's identity. Teeth, with their physiologic variations, pathoses and effects of therapy, record information that remains throughout life and beyond. The teeth may also be used as weapons and, under certain circumstances, may leave information about the identity of the culprit. Forensic odontology has an important role in the recognition of abuse among persons of all ages. Dental professionals have a major role to play in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognise malpractice, negligence, fraud or abuse, and identify unknown human. Forensic odontology involves the management, examination, evaluation and presentation of dental evidence in criminal or civil proceedings, all in the interest of justice. The forensic odontologist assists legal authorities by examining dental evidence in different situations.
authors.affiliation: NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata 700014.
authors.forename: Biswajit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sukul
authors.forename: Uttam
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Deb
authors.forename: Supratim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghosh
mesh_terms: D000366:Age Determination by Teeth; D003792:Dental Records; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents; D024382:Professional Role; D014754:Violence