Prevalence of using Forensic Odontology in Crime Investigation in Identification of Individuals - A Retrospective Study in Pondicherry City, India

Abstract

Background of Study: Forensic dentistry, which is also referred to as forensic odontology, is a dental field that deals with the correct management, examination, evaluation and presentation of dental evidence in criminal or civil legal proceedings in the interest of justice. Aim of the Study: To identify the prevalence of usage of forensic odontology findings in solving crime investigation & identifying individuals in Pondicherry city, India. Methodology: A retrospective study was done during the month of April 2012. Out of32 police stations in Pondicherry, 3 police stations were selected using simple random sampling. The FIR and forensic reports were retrieved for the 3 years (2009-2011) in these police stations. The individual case files were examined and data like FIR number, age, sex, type of crime and type of forensic report were retrieved. Result: A total of 450 forensic reports were examined. The majority of death reports belonged to males (85.8%). No case had used forensic odontology method to solve the crime. About 34.5 % of total forensic reports has unknown individual and unknown reason for death. Conclusion: Forensic odontology is not being used to solve crimes in Pondicherry city, India.