ABSTRACT Dermatoglyphics is study of the fine patterned dermal ridges on volar surfaces of soles, palms, and ridges. It can be used as a predictive model to diagnose orofacial disease conditions. Genetics plays a very important role in determining the dermatoglyphic patterns. Since caries is a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, dermatoglyphic patterns can be correlated with early childhood caries. Dermatoglyphics can be an extremely useful method of primary investigation in assessing ECC in children with a suspected genetic base. Early prediction for high-risk children can help in using effective and efficient caries preventive measures that are a part of the pedodontist arsenal. Dermatoglyphics is a noninvasive and early predictor of dental caries in children, so as to initiate preventive oral health measures at an early age. Mass education is required to amplify this research into clinical practice and evade a new epoch in caries research. This article provides an overview on various dermatoglyphic patterns , methods of assessing them , their genetic influence with ECC and the significance of using dermatoglyphics as a marker in ECC diagnosis.