Analysis of dental biometric methods in forensic dental identification

This review outlines scientific methods for examining the morphology of dental hard tissues to enhance the accuracy of forensic dental identification. It is well established that the initial data used in the identification of an individual or human remains are often obtained during postmortem examination or partial autopsy. Accordingly, an important forensic objective is to identify individual morphological, anatomical, osteological, and other traits that establish personal identity. To confirm identity, forensic experts analyze a range of anthropometric parameters and distinctive facial features. In this context, efforts continue to develop innovative tools and methods to optimize forensic identification within medicolegal examinations. Through the differentiation and integration of various investigative techniques, researchers have concluded that human dental hard tissues are exceptionally unique and exhibit remarkable structural resilience. The assignment of a uniquely identifying status to dental structures has become feasible because of advances in automation, biometrics, and extensive digitalization in healthcare. Investigations into the enamel microarchitecture have confirmed the remarkably informative and distinctive nature of its “morphological landscape”. Moreover, the complexity of enamel histological structure and its species-specific composition have been validated using various traditional and computerized techniques. These findings scientifically support the practical application of dental identification in forensic investigations.

Thus, a combination of innovative technical strategies and fundamental interdisciplinary research has facilitated the emergence of a specialized forensic dentistry branch within forensic identification.