Technical note: RP Atlas-an unprecedented proposal for a Brazilian population dental development chart based on the London atlas.

Age estimation methods through developmental atlases are simplified by image comparison using radiographs. Atlas-based methods have been utilized to create population-specific charts addressing population diversity. To tackle the absence of a dedicated atlas for the Brazilian population, the objective of the present study was to create a new atlas for dental development in Brazil based on the London Atlas chart. The new atlas (RP Atlas) is based on the median of tooth development, eruption, and resorption in individuals aged 5 to 23. The sample (567 individuals) was divided between females (n = 290) and males (n = 277). The RP Atlas was handcrafted, scanned, colored, and clustered in two atlases divided by sex. The development of a specific atlas for the Brazilian population has the potential to enhance the accuracy of age estimation in forensic scenarios, notably in a mixed country like Brazil. Further research is needed to assess the suitability of the newly developed atlas for the Brazilian population.

Age estimation of Brazilian individuals using the London Atlas.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate, for the first time, the applicability of the London Atlas method for age estimation on a sample of Brazilian population. DESIGN: The study consisted of archived dental panoramic radiographs (n = 288) of individuals aged between 5 and 23 years. Radiographs were assessed using the London Atlas method to determine the developmental and eruption stages of all teeth on each sides of each jaw separately, and also to make an age estimation. RESULTS: There was no significant differences between the right and left sides of the jaws (p = 0.31 for males and p = 0.65 for females). An overestimation of age occurred more likely in the female sample when compared to the male sample. Three age groups, 20.5, 18.5 and 19.5 years, presented the highest values ​​of mean absolute difference found in the whole sample. CONCLUSION: The London Atlas of age estimation performed well in general and good viability in an expert context, with most age groups showing age differences lower than two years of age, however it is necessary that it be applied with caution in certain age groups, especially when the third molar is used as a decision tooth for age estimation. Therefore, it is recommended to use more than one method for assessing the age in those age groups.

Under the lens: Dental expert witnesses in Brazil, Croatia, Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.

The dentists' main job is to restore health and function to the oral cavity. However, dental professionals can also be involved in medico legal activities as forensic odontologists or by being Expert Witnesses (EW) to testify in professional liability cases, car accidents and work-related injuries. When called to act as an expert witness by the Court, the appointed dentist has to combine both biological and technical knowledge with equivalent medico-legal and forensic knowledge. Spontaneous involvement in medico-legal matters without an adequate training and experience can lead to mistakes with irreversible consequences. As an expert witness, the dentist has precise responsibility with civil and/or penal consequences, depending on the national judicial system. Dental Expert Witness, working either privately or appointed by the Court, has defined responsibilities and is subjected to civil or criminal proceedings (depending on the judicial system) if found wanting. Keeping in mind that there are significant differences regarding the requirements of becoming eligible to be a Dental Expert Witness in different legal systems. In this work the authors investigated the Judicial Systems regarding the appointment of Dental Expert Witnesses in Brazil, Croatia, Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom (Table 1), in order to marshal knowledge towards harmonization and the attainment of best practice. This premise acknowledges the fact that forensic odontology must encompass the necessity for robust systems of audit and accreditation for it to be accepted as an "evidence based" forensic discipline. Further steps to ensure quality assurance in legal dentistry and forensic odontology training should be considered to prevent the spontaneous involvement of inappropriately trained dentists to become involved in making decisions that are beyond their competence and expertise.

Reality of forensic odontology in Saudi Arabia / A realidade da odontologia forense na Arábia Saudita

Saudi Arabia (SA), an oil rich developing country with a population of 31 million people, yet only 33% of whom are Saudis. Wealth, work opportunities and religious status make SA a hub for people from around the world whether it be through legal or illegal routs. As a developing country, SA faces many challenges in regard to mass disasters in light of its underdeveloped infrastructure and the annual Haj (Islamic pilgrimage) that attracts nearly 3 million people in a small area over a short period of time. Moreover, the numbers of unregistered births is high. These factors necessitate the importance of having a strong human identification and age estimation practice. Aim: To assess the reality of Forensic Odontology in Saudi Arabia in regard to: number of personnel and their training, number of forensic odontology cases and the way these cases are referred and documented. Materials and Methods: This project consisted of two parts: Observational study to assess how the system works in regard to forensic odontology cases, how these cases are dealt with and how they are referred. Part two: Cross-sectional survey aimed at all registered Forensic personnel to assess their qualifications, training, level of expertise, expert witness experience and involvement in specialized Forensic Odontology cases, namely: human identification, age estimation and bite mark analysis. Results: Out of 51 participants, only one dentist is registered with some form of Forensic training, 42 have a medical background, 39 of whom received medical Forensic training. Looking at forensic odontology in particular, only 11 out of 51 have had Forensic Odontology training. Participants who don't have any training in Forensic Odontology, yet have worked on cases that required Forensic Odontology training, were 37 on age estimation cases, 27 on bite mark analysis and 36 on human identification cases. There are no designated programs on Forensic Odontology in Saudi Arabia, nor is there a Forensic Odontology entity. There are no clear national guidelines or protocols to personnel when dealing with forensic cases and no detailed forms that documents oral findings. Conclusion: There is no solid Forensic Odontology system in Saudi Arabia that is objective, preserves the integrity of the law and protects human rights. There are many areas that can be improved to achieve that aim and a list of recommendations is presented.

Arábia Saudita, um país desenvolvido e rico em petróleo, com uma população de 31 milhões de habitantes, onde apenas 33% das pessoas são sauditas. Riqueza, oportunidades de trabalho e situação religiosa faz do país um centro de atração para pessoas de todo o mundo, tanto por rotas legais como ilegais. Como um país em desenvolvimento, enfrenta muitos desafios relacionados a desastres em massa em virtude de uma infraestrutura subdesenvolvida e o Haj anual (peregrinação islâmica) que atrai aproximadamente 3 milhões de pessoas em uma pequena área durante um curto período de tempo. Além disso, o número de nascimentos não registrado é alto. Nesse sentido, todos esses fatores reforçam a importância de um sistema de identificação humana e estimativa de idade eficientes. Objetivos: Avaliar a realidade da Odontologia Legal na Arábia Saudita em relação à equipes e treinamento que recebem, número de casos envolvendo a Odontologia Legal e como esses casos são conduzidos e documentados. Material e Métodos: a metodologia consistiu em dois momentos ­ estudo observacional para avaliar como o sistema funciona com relação a casos envolvendo a Odontologia Legal, como esses casos são conduzidos, analisados e referenciados. Em outro momento, um estudo focado em todo o pessoal de área pericial para avaliar sua formação e qualificação profissional, treinamento, experiência e envolvimento com casos de Odontologia Legal envolvendo identificação humana, estimativa de idade e análise de marcas de mordida. Resultados: dos 51 participantes, apenas um cirurgião-dentista está registrado com algum treinamento forense, 42 têm formação médica, dos quais 39 receberam treinamento forense na área médica. Analisando a Odontologia Legal, de maneira particular, somente 11 dos 51 participantes tiveram treinamento em Odontologia Legal. Dos participantes que não tiveram nenhum treinamento em Odontologia Legal, mas trabalharam em casos que necessitavam de tal especialidade, 37 foram casos de estimativa de idade, 27 casos de marcas de mordida e 36 casos de identificação humana. Na Arábia Saudita não há nenhum programa voltado para a Odontologia Legal e nenhuma entidade oficial nessa especialidade. Não há protocolos claros para as equipes forenses quando envolvidas em casos odontolegais, bem como formulários para achados odontológicos. Conclusão: Não há um sistema estruturado em Odontologia Legal na Arábia Saudita que seja objetivo, juridicamente embasado e que proteja os direitos humanos. Há muitas áreas que precisam ser melhoradas a fim de atingir a lista de recomendações apresentada.