Application of genetics and molecular biology in forensic odontology.

ABSTRACT

Various methods of Forensic Science have been applied to solve many mysteries of world including criminal investigation. Forensic odontology researches are usually associated to the dentist‘s field of action by using bite marks, dental records and radiographs plays an important role in solving many crimes. These methods help in age determination and sex identification of the people who have lost their identity after death. Nevertheless, since the development of genetics and molecular biology there were an increase in number and quality of solved cases. The present article emphasizes the importance to associate certain forensic biology areas to traditional investigation methods in human identification, especially with forensic odontology. It also shows that in some situations, teeth are an important source to genetic analysis and molecular studies. Finally it was concluded that knowledge of forensic genetics applied to traditional forensic investigations would produce an increase of information to Justice.