Role of ectodermal derivatives as a personal identification tool-a forensic perspective

Identification of an individual by using diverse characteristics is a never ending challenging task. Dentist have a significant role in recognition process as oral cavity constitutes major evidence sites like lip, palate, teeth which has unique morphological features that differentiates from one person from another.1 Though several personal identification methods like chelioscopy, rugoscopy, bite mark analysis, DNA sampling, photography are greatly substantial in the recent years, an older yet highly significant individualistic method which plays a major part in personal identification either in the crime investigation or civil negotiations are Finger-patterns. Finger-patterns represent a set of minute raised ridges appearing as epidermal configuration on the volar aspect of the palmar and plantar regions that are highly constant and unique for each individual.2 Oral soft tissue examination for identification fails to reproduce details in accuracy and may not be an efficient method in cases of decomposed, burnt or buried bodies. In such scenario dental hard structures chiefly enamel being patterned hard tissue due to arrangement of enamel rod ends resist high decomposition and heat, found to be unique for every individual provides a key proof of identity.3