Being one of its kinds

Oral pathology and forensic odontology go hand in hand, as the former deals with the disease that affects the oral and maxillofacial regions, while the latter focuses on the application of oral and para oral evidence to civil and criminal matters. This intersection has now been recognised as a wider spectrum of individuals belonging to the branch of dentistry. Though the topic of forensic odontology was incorporated into the BDS curriculum through different media: oral pathology and oral medicine and radiology, it needs to be entitled and studied as a separate entity altogether.

With the foundation of the Indian Association of Forensic Odontology, the specialty has captured a tremendous amount of interest and has been steadily expanding over the past 50 years. This field of study has slowly gained traction in India, proving it to be considered a separate speciality by the Dental Council of India. It is of interest to the oral pathologist because of its pathological findings, which include both morphological and histological changes in the teeth. Believing that it can prove to be pioneering evidence during investigations, this field of study should more often be employed in the curriculum as a subject in itself.[1]

Talking about its use in various investigations, the tooth manifests as a true hero. Its ability to withstand high and extreme temperatures has shown that it can be used as a tool for identification of the dead and the deceased. Changes in tooth morphology, for example, attrition, sclerotic dentin, and incremental lines of cementum, have proven to be an age-determining tool. The identification of the role of canine in sex determination also accounts for its value. Just as the growth rings of the tree trunk constitute to its age, the racemisation of collagen in dentin validates human age estimation.[2] Various methods of DNA identification also include teeth as one of their source. Bite mark analysis is another path-breaking tool that confirms the role of oral pathologists in the field of forensics.

The above-mentioned are just a few examples of the methods put to use in forensic odontology and their correlation with oral pathologists. A student/an individual interested in forensic odontology must have the necessary education and training. Since they have specialised knowledge of the normal development, morphology, functions, and changes seen in various pathological/non-pathological states, oral pathologists have a key duty in treating forensic cases. Additionally, they are capable of comprehending the physiologic ageing process in dental tissues as well as the histological basis of various dental treatments.

Newer and more advanced methods and technologies are still on the verge of discovery. In this industrialised world, oral pathologists have contributed to and shown interest towards the evolution of forensic odontology. According to a survey conducted by Shetty et al., a definitive forensic odontology branch will increase the scope of study among students. In view of this, they contemplated certain methods to incorporate the subject by suggesting a three-phase improvement plan.

1. The undergraduate program has to be enhanced in the initial phase by adding preclinical lectures on forensic odontology, followed by clinical training. A thorough procedure must be in place to guarantee exposure to forensic cases. Dental forensics should be covered in forensic medicine and other forensic science training programmes. To teach forensic dentistry, teachers must receive training.

2. A systematic postgraduate training curriculum with considerable clinical exposure to many disciplines, particularly oral pathology and microbiology, should be designed in the second phase.

3. They also advised beginning postgraduate diploma, certificate, or short-term courses in the field of forensic dentistry during the third phase.[3]

Apart from these submissions, I also feel that a dental team with members from all dental specialities working closely with professionals from other forensic science specialities to conduct an effective forensic investigation. Every effort must be taken to accomplish the government's social duty to locate, identify, and return the remains of the deceased to the family members. An action plan needs to be coordinated by academics, law enforcement, statutory entities, and the government.[4]

Forensic Odontology should be a specialty branch “being one of its kinds”.