Considering that the discriminative ability values (area under the curve (AUC)) were not higher than 0.80, it is not advocated to use the currently studied dental variables for accurate sex estimation in forensic practice.
The current study aimed to select the best mandibular morphological identifiers.One hundred eighty-five panoramic radiographs were retrospectively collected, in which four landmarks were located on the mandible: the most superior point of the condyle right/left (CONR/L), of the coronoid right/left (CORR/L), of the mandibular lingula right/left (LINR/L), and the most mesial point of the mental foramen right/left (MMFR/L). Five linear measurements, 6 angles and 10 ratios were measured bilaterally. Three groups of statistics were considered: (1) mean potential set; (2) inter-observer agreement quantified by intra-class correlation (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variation (WSCV); (3) Spearman correlation. Parameters were selected for a step-by-step cascade.In a univariate approach, the following parameters proved to have the best identifying capacity: ratio 3 right (between lines CONR -CORR and LINR -MMFR) with mean potential set 13%, ICC 0.90, WSCV 4.8%; ratio 4 (between lines CONR/L -CORR/L and MMFR -MMFL) with mean potential set 13%, ICC 0.92, WSCV 8.9%; and angle 4 left (between landmarks LINL, MMFL and MMFR) with mean potential set of 18%, ICC 0.91, WSCV 1.2%. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.01 to 0.33. In a multivariate approach, the identifying capacity improved drastically, with all ratios combined as the strongest identifier (mean potential set 1.29%).In conclusion, a single ratio or a single angle already narrows down the set of potential matches, but the mean potential set remains relatively large. Combining all ratios drastically increases the certainty of the match.
In forensic identification, lack of eccentric characteristics of intact dentitions hinders correct antemortem/post-mortem (AM/PM) matching. It remains unclear which morphological dental parameters hold strong potential as identifiers. This study aimed to establish a method to quantify and rank the identifying potential of one (or a combination of) continuous morphological parameter(s), and to provide a proof of concept.First, a statistic was defined that quantifies the identifying potential: the mean potential set (MPS).The MPS is derived from inter-observer agreement data and it indicates the percentage of subjects in the AM reference dataset who at least need to be considered to detect the correct PM subject. This was calculated in a univariate and a multivariate setting.Second, the method was validated on maxillary first molar crowns of 82 3D-digitally scanned cast models. Standardized measurements were registered using 3D modeling software (3-Matic Medical 12.0, Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium): tooth depth, angles between cusps, distances between cusps, distances between the cusps and the mesial pit. A random sample of 40 first molars was measured by a second examiner.Quantifying and ranking the parameters allowed selecting those with the strongest identifying potential. This was found for the tooth depth (1 measurement, MPS=17.1%, ICC=0.879) in the univariate setting, and the angles between cusps (4 measurements, MPS=3.9%) in the multivariate setting. As expected, the multivariate approach held significantly stronger identifying potential, but more measurements were needed (i.e. more time-consuming).Our method allows quantifying and ranking the potential of dental morphological parameters as identifiers using a clear-cut statistic.
Dental morphology (DM) is the first introduction of dental graduates towards the identification of tooth; hence it is an important component of the dental curriculum. Traditionally, it is taught by manual carving of wax blocks, but the limitations of this method have been highlighted. There is a need to adopt innovative teaching methodologies to invigorate the concepts of dental anatomy (DA) and reduce the stress in teaching and learning with a proposal in standardization of training methodologies worldwide. Methods: A three-phased project was designed with an aim to collect global data related to teaching dental morphology within the dental curriculum. One dental professional actively involved in university teaching of DM subject was invited from 11 countries. The present study involved compilation of data from phase 1 questionnaire responses, followed by its discussion and analysis, and generation of preliminary report. Results: It is universally acknowledged that acquiring dental morphology knowledge by dentists is a prerequisite before they commence clinical practice. Our data points that no uniformity in DA course modules exists throughout the world and globally the subject requires curriculum redesigning. Conclusions: Consensus should be achieved amongst academicians in DM teaching and learning context. Innovative and standardized DM modules with component of computer-based and remote learning techniques should also be introduced.
Background: A mass fatality incident is an unexpected event that can cause the death of many people, which has motivated careful analysis and development of appropriate strategies for planning and response with all available resources. As these events involve multiple victims, their identities must be confirmed using the highest possible quality standards. Forensic Odontology (FO) has proven to be a scientific resource for disaster victim identification (DVI) procedures; however, it is highly dependent on the proper management not only of material resources but also of human resources.Chile is a country recognised as prone to natural disasters, but an insufficient number of forensic odontologists has been reported. The aim of the study was to review the literature on a dental undergraduate (UG) student's potential value in a DVI process.Methodology: A scoping review was performed using a specific search strategy in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO and EBSCO databases. Results:The search identified 27 articles in which the basic dental degree, the necessary training and the need for human resources are variables considered in different priorities by those articles.Discussion: It is vital to assess the local needs of Chile based on its UGs, considering that FO is an underestimated resource that should be included early on in dental curriculums. Furthermore, it should align with public policies to ensure viability and inclusion in standardised protocols. Conclusion:Although there is "potential" usage of UG dental students in DVI is not ideal, circumstances will dictate their use. The better trained they are as students, the more valuable their "potential" contribution will be.
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