The Role of Dental Patterns in Personal Identification: From Teeth to Identity

Forensic odontology is a fundamental approach to identifying people, especially if alternative methods may not be attainable. Dental pattern variation, such as virgin, decaying, filled, and missing teeth, constitutes a valuable resource enabling the identification of individuals and acts as a distinct characteristic. This research explores the relevance of the diversity of dental patterns by employing the nonradiographic dental records method in forensic odontology, assessing their efficacy and reliability for individual identification in Delhi NCR populations, and highlighting the necessity for keeping thorough and precise dental records. Clinical examination, though often overlooked, provides a wealth of information that can supplement forensic investigations, particularly in the absence of radiographic records. The study incorporated 120 individuals (60 males and 60 females) aged 18–55 years from Delhi NCR clinics. The criteria comprised virgin (V), decayed (D), filled (F), and missing (M) teeth, which were assessed using SPSS software version 27.0 and Simpson’s Index of Diversity for determining diversity of dental patterns. The findings revealed a significant difference in virgin teeth across age groups ( p = .001). Simpson’s Diversity Index indicated that age was the predominant factor influencing dental diversity, while sex differences were not statistically significant. Clinical dental examination yields valuable forensic insights, offering a practical nonradiographic method of assessing dental diversity. While antemortem dental records remain the gold standard for accurate identification, clinical examination plays a crucial role where radiographic facilities are unavailable, thereby strengthening forensic investigations.