THE ROLE OF FORENSIC DENTISTRY IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF VICTIMS IN MASS DISASTERS

Abstract

 The identification of victims in mass disasters presents substantial challenges to forensic teams, particularly when bodies are extensively decomposed, incinerated, or fragmented. Forensic dentistry plays a vital role in these scenarios due to the resilience of dental structures and their value in ante-mortem and post-mortem comparisons. This study aims to examine the role of forensic dentistry in disaster victim identification, emphasizing its methodologies, challenges, and interdisciplinary integration. A systematic literature review was conducted using recent publications from major scientific databases. Results: The findings underscore the importance of standardized protocols—such as those established by Interpol—and the use of color-coded forms (pink for ante-mortem and yellow for post-mortem data) in facilitating accurate identifications. The study concludes that the development and institutional support of forensic dentistry are essential to ensure timely, reliable, and dignified identification processes in mass disaster contexts.