Rebecca Gahn, Tilde Tarberg, Ida Lörup, Nils Gustafsson
{"title":"The Accuracy and confidence in human dental identification using panoramic radiographs: the role of observer experience.","authors":"Rebecca Gahn, Tilde Tarberg, Ida Lörup, Nils Gustafsson","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.19689454","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.19689454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Swift and accurate disaster victim identification (DVI) is essential for medicolegal closure and repatriation of remains. Dental comparison is one of three primary identification methods recognized by The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and is conducted by forensic odontologists, often by matching antemortem and postmortem intraoral radiographs. However, obtaining postmortem intraoral images can sometimes be challenging (e.g., from burn victims) and in those cases extraoral methods, especially computed tomography (CT), could be an alternative. This study uses conventional panoramic radiographs (PRs) to simulate CT-reconstructed PRs which are increasingly used in forensic scenarios, where traditional intraoral postmortem imaging is challenging. The aim is to assess the accuracy in comparative dental identification by different professionals when comparing antemortem intraoral radiographs to postmortem PRs. In this retrospective study, intraoral radiographs and PRs from 30 patients were used to simulate a closed disaster event with 25 deceased and 30 possible missing persons. Twenty-five observers from four professional groups-eight oral radiology specialists (ORs), three forensic odontologists (FOs), six dentists trained in the basics of DVI (DVI-D), and eight dental students (DS) - matched PRs, serving as simulated postmortem radiographs, to antemortem intraoral radiographs using a comparative method. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. FOs and ORs achieved 100% accuracy, while DS and DVI-D had accuracy rates of 98.5% and 94.7%, respectively. Fillings were the most commonly used radiographic feature for matching. Confidence levels, ranging from \"no match\" to \"established\", differed, with 96% of ORs and 92% of FOs selecting established matches compared with 67% of DS and 51% of DVI-D. Conventional PRs can be used for accurate matching in dental identification, particularly when interpreted by experienced observers. FOs and ORs had significantly higher matching accuracy and confidence, emphasizing the critical importance of observer experience; these findings support that ORs may be an asset in DVI operations.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"44 1","pages":"47-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristiana Palmela Pereira, Helen Liversidge, Hrvoje Brkić, Marin Vodanović, Vilma PInchi, Ricardo Henrique Alves da Silva, Ashith Acharya, Stefano Garatti, Sigrid I Kvaal
{"title":"I.O.F.O.S. Recommendations for quality assurance: Bone age assessment in living individuals.","authors":"Cristiana Palmela Pereira, Helen Liversidge, Hrvoje Brkić, Marin Vodanović, Vilma PInchi, Ricardo Henrique Alves da Silva, Ashith Acharya, Stefano Garatti, Sigrid I Kvaal","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.19689766","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.19689766","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Age assessment in living individuals is an important question of legal and humanitarian decision-making when reliable identification documents are unavailable. In January 2026, the International Organization for Forensic Odonto-Stomatology (IOFOS) finalized, for the first time, the IOFOS Recommendations for Quality Assurance: Bone Age Assessment in Living Individuals. This document establishes a harmonized framework for the scientific, ethical, and legal application of bone age assessment in living persons. The recommendations define minimum standards for the selection and interpretation of bone indicators addressing imaging modalities, reference population requirements, uncertainty reporting, and integration with dental age assessment. Particular emphasis is placed on transparency, protection of individual rights, and the forensic implications of legal age thresholds. These recommendations are intended to be applied alongside IOFOS Recommendations for Quality Assurance: Dental Age Assessment in Living Individuals and to serve as an international reference framework, to be adapted and incorporated into national legal and regulatory systems according to jurisdiction-specific requirements.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"44 1","pages":"11-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248809/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Digital radiography and GIMP software in mandibular sex estimation: implications for forensic anthropology.","authors":"Harshal Thube, Manish Shrigiriwar, Neelam Chandwani","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.19689555","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.19689555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Forensic anthropology frequently utilizes mandibular features to establish biological sex. The mandible, being the most resilient cranial bone, demonstrates marked sexual dimorphism. Among its indices, the gonial and antegonial angles have emerged as reliable parameters for sex differentiation. With digital imaging widely available, open-source tools such as GIMP allow precise, reproducible, and cost-effective morphometric analysis of orthopantomograms (OPGs).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study analyzed 500 archived OPGs (250 males, 250 females; age 20-40 years) from AIIMS Nagpur. In orthopantogram, gonial and antegonial angles were measured bilaterally using GIMP (v2.10.34). Statistical analyses were conducted with Jamovi (v2.6).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Females exhibited significantly larger gonial (130.80° ± 5.35) and antegonial (167.85° ± 2.15) angles compared to males (123.03° ± 5.43 and 162.69° ± 2.12, respectively; p <0.001). Regression analysis confirmed significant dimorphism, even after adjusting for age. Discriminant function analysis demonstrated that both angles contributed positively to sex classification, yielding a robust predictive model. No significant sex-related differences were observed in age group distribution (χ² = 0.812, df = 2, p = 0.666).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mandibular gonial and antegonial angles measured from OPGs using GIMP demonstrate significant sexual dimorphism in the 20-40-year age group. Females consistently displayed larger angular values, supporting their diagnostic value for sex estimation. These findings underscore the relevance of digital radiography and open-source analysis in forensic anthropology, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"44 1","pages":"58-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13263115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Costanza Meazzini, Claudia De Gennaro, Corinne Poli, Leonardo Paolo Demonte, Francesco Daleffe, Giorgio Novelli
{"title":"Orthodontic treatment planning in cleft and craniofacial patients with clear aligners: burden of care and informed consent.","authors":"Maria Costanza Meazzini, Claudia De Gennaro, Corinne Poli, Leonardo Paolo Demonte, Francesco Daleffe, Giorgio Novelli","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.17990128","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.17990128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Orthodontic treatment in cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. There are often multiple possible treatment plans. To properly explain and discuss the various options, such as management of frequently missing incisors or the choice between orthognathic surgery and dental compensation, assessment of burden of treatment must be made and adequately communicated to the patients and families.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>105 patients affected by cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups. The first group included patients whose orthodontic diagnosis involved missing elements, where treatment could be either space closure or space opening. The second group included patients with skeletal discrepancies, who could be treated with dental compensation or with orthognathic surgery. For all patients of both groups two different virtual treatment plans with the Clin Check® software were developed, corresponding to the different treatment possibilities. Clinical aspects which might have influenced treatment choice, such as treatment time, need for extractions, need for prosthetic replacements and need for cooperation were quantified. Logistic regression and Fisher exact test were applied to assess which aspects of treatment led patients to one of the different binary solutions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Length of treatment was not an aspect which differed between choices, while the need for high cooperation and need for tooth extractions were. The clear explanation and visual description of advantages and disadvantages of a treatment, seem to help patients in the selection of the expected solution in terms, not only of final occlusal and aesthetic result, but also in terms of burden of care. Though far from sufficient, the visual tool aids patients and families to take an \"informed\" decision, with significant legal inferences. Embracing these principles is essential to meet legal standards and foster trust, helping patients make well-informed decisions that align with their personal values and clinical needs. This approach not only respects patient autonomy but also reduces the risk of non-compliance, emotional strain, and potential legal issues, ultimately leading to better therapeutic outcomes and stronger clinician-patient relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"43 3","pages":"13-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12906362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jane Kim, Neil Evans, Hai Jiang, Nathan Milne, Alistair Soon
{"title":"Utilisation of non-dental radiographs in forensic dental identification of unknown human remains: a Queensland case series.","authors":"Jane Kim, Neil Evans, Hai Jiang, Nathan Milne, Alistair Soon","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.17776370","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.17776370","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Forensic odontology is one of INTERPOL's three primary identifiers for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). Forensic dental identification relies on the availability of antemortem dental radiographs, such as orthopantomogram (OPG), dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanned images, bitewing, and periapical (PA) views. These antemortem dental radiographs are used for comparison with postmortem dental radiographs. However, there are other types of non-dental medical radiographs that also capture dental structures. These medical radiographs are proven to be useful in forensic dental identification. This Queensland case series highlights the importance of non-dental radiographic images for the purpose of forensic dental comparison including the first published forensic dental identification involving comparison of a postmortem computer tomography (PMCT) multiplanar reformat (MPR) image with non-dental antemortem radiography. This case series also highlights the benefits of a collaborative working relationship between the forensic odontologist, forensic pathologist, police, and Coroner, in antemortem data collection.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"43 3","pages":"59-66"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893772/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the impact of structured teaching on dental age estimation using the Demirjian staging system among undergraduate dental students.","authors":"Azyyati Patricia Zikir, Nikolaos Angelakopoulos, Ademir Franco, Rizky Merdietio Boedi","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.17776301","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.17776301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Training in dental age estimation (DAE) is inconsistent in undergraduate dental curricula. This study aimed to assess the impact of a structured teaching intervention on the inter-rater agreement and accuracy of undergraduate students using the Demirjian staging method.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Eighteen dental students with no prior training in forensic odontology assessed seven panoramic radiographs using Demirjian's method during a pre-teaching session. This was followed by a 90-minute lecture led by a qualified forensic odontologist, which included a presentation, interactive discussion, and practical demonstration of the Demirjian staging system. The same radiographs were re-evaluated by the students two weeks later. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using Fleiss' Kappa, while accuracy was determined by comparing the students' staging results to those of the primary observer.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Initial inter-observer agreement was moderate (κ = 0.45), increasing to substantial agreement (κ = 0.76) after the teaching session. Overall, accuracy improved from 46% to 73% post-teaching. The highest improvement was seen in the incisors, which improved from 48% to 92%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A brief, structured teaching session substantially improved dental students' reliability and accuracy in DAE. Integrating targeted forensic odontology education into the undergraduate dental curriculum is essential, as even brief instructional interventions can yield notable improvements in both staging consistency and accuracy.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"43 3","pages":"31-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12883274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Radhadevi Kuppusamy, Hairuladha Abdul Razak, Faeezah Harum, Norhayati Jaffar
{"title":"Radiation dose assessment on operator during the dental postmortem procedure using handheld radiograph system.","authors":"Radhadevi Kuppusamy, Hairuladha Abdul Razak, Faeezah Harum, Norhayati Jaffar","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.17776218","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.17776218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Portable handheld radiograph devices are increasingly common in forensic odontology, particularly in postmortem dental examinations. However, concerns remain regarding radiation exposure to operators handling these devices in mortuary settings. This study aimed to assess the radiation dose to the lens of the eye and fingers of the operator that is exposed to radiation from the NOMAD™ Pro handheld Radiograph. The radiation exposure on the operator of a dental portable handheld radiograph device in the dental postmortem procedure was monitored from March 2020 to February 2021. NanoDot™ OSL Dosimeters (Landauer, IL, USA) were positioned near the eyes and fingers of the operator to estimate the radiation dose. The dosimeters were then analysed using the LAUNDER's MicroStar reader and corrected based on the background reading and calibration parameters. Data from 80 procedures were analysed with the equivalent yearly doses for eyes and fingers were estimated and compared to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended limits. Results showed that the annual dose estimation for the lens of the eyes was 1.34 (range 0.56-6.57) mSv/yr while the fingers were 1.52 (range 0.40-5.51) mSv/yr. Radiation exposure to the fingers was slightly higher than exposure to the eyes but remained within requirements of the ICRP dose limits. In conclusion, even though portable radiograph equipment is useful in forensic odontology, operators only receive safe and low levels of radiation exposure. The continuous safe use of these devices in postmortem dental examinations is ensured by appropriate monitoring and adherence to safety procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"43 3","pages":"2-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12883273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María Fernanda Quevedo-Díaz, Lourdes Gómez-Jiménez, Gabriel M Fonseca
{"title":"Late mandibular fracture after third molar extraction: a malpractice case or not?","authors":"María Fernanda Quevedo-Díaz, Lourdes Gómez-Jiménez, Gabriel M Fonseca","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.17990284","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.17990284","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Forensic odontology (FO) is grounded in a well-established historical framework, necessitating adherence to minimum standards to ensure quality on an international scale. Nonetheless, these standards frequently fail to account for the considerable variability in challenges, resources, and practices at the national or local levels. The Dominican Republic, the second-largest nation by area after Cuba in the Antilles and the second-largest by population after Haiti, has exhibited one of the highest economic growth rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, it also faces complexities and challenges due to population movement and rising crime rates. The enactment of new legislation and the establishment of institutions, such as the National Institute of Forensic Pathology \"Doctor Sergio Sarita Valdez\" (INPFSS), signify their contributions to the advancement and modernization of the Judiciary and Public Health through service, education, and forensic research. This article presents the work undertaken by the FO department during autopsies conducted at the INPFSS between 2000 and 2024, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement that the service has identified as challenges, striving to align with global standards while consistently considering local realities and resources. We assert that the FO procedures at the INPFSS are distinctive, at least within the Latin American context, as they genuinely contribute to illustrating not only current practices but also potential enhancements aimed at advancing Dominican forensic work in accordance with global standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"43 3","pages":"67-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12883272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"End-to-end vs. human-defined feature extraction: comparing deep learning approaches for age classification using mandibular third molars.","authors":"Witsarut Upalananda, Arnon Charuakkra, Sitthichok Chaichulee","doi":"10.5281/zenodo.17776415","DOIUrl":"10.5281/zenodo.17776415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate age classification using mandibular third molar radiographs is crucial for legal and forensic applications. This study evaluated different methods for classifying age as under or over 18 years in a Thai population. We compared three approaches: (i) a traditional human-based method using a modified Demirjian classification adapted for mandibular third molars, (ii) an end-to-end deep learning model in which a convolutional neural network (CNN) directly predicts age group, and (iii) a human-defined feature extraction approach, where a CNN estimates tooth developmental stages that are subsequently used for age classification. The dataset included 3,407 images of individuals aged 14-23 years. The results indicated that the traditional human-based method achieved high specificity (0.99) and a strong Bayes' post-test probability (0.99), but it exhibited low sensitivity (0.45). In comparison, the end-to-end deep learning models showed higher sensitivity (0.65 to 0.74) than the traditional method, along with a specificity of 0.91 to 0.95 and Bayes' post-test probability of 0.93 to 0.95. The human-defined feature extraction approach, which used developmental stages for age determination, achieved an accuracy of 0.88 to 0.92 in developmental stage classification. For age classification, the models demonstrated higher specificity (0.95 to 0.97) and Bayes' post-test probability (0.95 to 0.97) than the end-to-end deep learning method, along with sensitivity ranging from 0.51 to 0.56. Our results indicate that although traditional methods excel in specificity, the human-defined feature extraction approach provides a balanced solution with high specificity and interpretability, suggesting its potential value in clinical practice for age estimation.</p>","PeriodicalId":35728,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology","volume":"43 3","pages":"20-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12906364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145844359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}