PubMed · 4514024
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R B Dorion. 1973. [Unknown victim].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4514024/
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of accuracy in establishing identity in edentulous individuals by using occlusal "ante- and postmortem" radiographs of the maxilla. Twelve examiners with the following background; six dental radiologists, four other specialists in dentistry and two dental students were asked to combine the radiographs. The results showed that six of the 12 observers were able to correctly establish identity for all 20 cases. Five of these observers were dental radiologists and one of them was a prosthodontist. The other specialists made 3-8 identifications. The senior and the junior dental students made two and four incorrect identifications. The findings from this study emphasise the importance of having more than one forensic specialist signing the identification form. The results also indicate that examiners well trained in oral radiology are able to determine a positive identity even in cases where the teeth are not present.
Identifying the bodies of victims of terrorism or major catastrophies is a difficult task. When the regular procedures of forensic medicine are insufficient, either because the bodies have become putrefied or were burned, the coroner often has to rely on dental identification. The precision of the different dental records written during the life of the victim is not always adequate. Panoramic dental radiography is the only regularly updated and truly reliable identification card. Films taken earlier can be compared to films of the unidentified body. This method could concern members of the armed forces serving abroad as well as airline personnel. The radiogram would be taken at the same time as chest films during medical check-ups. This document would provide a reliable basis for legal identification when needed.