European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Disaster is an event of serious magnitude causing severe damage to life and property. It could be natural, accidental, industrial or man-made. Mass disaster management comprises a team of civil and medical experts who are responsible for investigation and identification of the remains. The central role played by the forensic odontologistin victim identification has changed in recent years, due to the advancement in the field with improved chances of victims being identified beyond recognition. The role of the forensic odontologist includes criminal investigation using bite marks, ante-mortem and post-mortem dental records and DNA analysis using saliva. Recent molecular biological method like dental DNA fingerprinting has taken forensic dental investigation a step ahead in the ladder of victim identification. Even though the role of a forensic odontologist is highlighted in many domains and researches, under whom are they organised and when are they invited in the scene, remains uncertain for a medical/dental professional. This review will therefore provide an ‘eye of a needle’ perspective about the position of forensic odontologist in Disaster Victim Identification team and their significant role played during any such event.