Virdentopsy and E-Identification: A Case Report.

Abstract

Human identification relies on primary identifiers such as DNA, fingerprints, and dental data. However, the availability of forensic odontology services for dental profiling is not always consistent. To address this, a potential solution is the implementation of a virtual and remote dental autopsy called virdentopsy. The human identification laboratory at the University of Turin, Italy has offered this service since 2020, extending it to volunteering associations involved in missing and unidentified persons. In this case report, we present a case involving an unidentified human skull handled by the Volunteering Association, Penelope Piemont, Turin, Italy. Through virdentopsy, antemortem dental data from the missing person's family was compared with postmortem dental data collected remotely from the skull. The positive e-identification process confirmed the identity, providing conclusive evidence and closure for the family. Virdentopsy serves as a valuable metaverse resource in humanitarian forensic odontology and forensic dental identification, ensuring respect for the human rights of the deceased.