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.

Análise dos processos de responsabilidade civil envolvendo o cirurgião-dentista no estado do Piauí, Brasil / Analysis of the lawsuits involving professional liability in Dentistry, in Piauí state, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi levantar e analisar os processos de responsabilidade civil envolvendo cirurgiões-dentistas do estado do Piauí, entre os anos de 2015 a 2019, a fim de verificar o número de processos instaurados e suas características. Foram encontrados (n=11) processos referentes a pessoas físicas, sendo a especialidade mais incidente a Implantodontia. Em 63% dos dados, os requeridos não possuíam especialidade registrada no Conselho Federal de Odontologia na área envolvida no litígio. Os valores indenizatórios solicitados variaram de R$ 15.000,00 a R$ 101.985,00. Não houve acionamento de seguro de responsabilidade civil nos processos encontrados. A maioria dos processos foi instaurada nos últimos dois anos da realização da pesquisa e encontravam-se em trâmite, não permitindo a obtenção das sentenças. Conclui-se que houve um aumento do número de processos instaurados no último ano verificado, acompanhando uma realidade crescente e observada em todo o país

The objective of this study was to analyze the civil liability lawsuits against dentists in the Piauí State, Brazil, from 2015 to 2019, to verify whether there was a significant increase in their number in recent years, and to investigate their main features. Eleven lawsuits were found, and the most incident dental specialty was Implantology. In 63% of the lawsuits, the dentists had not registered their specialist title on the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry, in the area involved in the litigation. Restitution amounts ranged from R$ 15,000.00 to R$ 101,985.00. There was no triggering of civil liability insurances in any of the processes found. Most of the lawsuits initiated in the last two years and are still in progress, thus their judicial sentences were not obtainable. We concluded that there was an increase in the number of cases in the last year analyzed, in agreement with the reality observed throughout the country.

Age estimation of Russian individuals by teeth using the London Atlas / Análise da estimativa de idade em indivíduos russos utilizando a metodologia London Atlas

Knowing an individual's age is necessary for several situations, both in the living and the deceased. The London Atlas uses dental development and eruption to estimate age. Testing the method in different populations is necessary to assess its performance. This study aimed to assess the performance of the London Atlas method in a Russian sample using panoramic radiographs. A sample of 703 panoramic radiographs of Russian individuals (n = 405 females, 57.61% and n = 298 males, 42.39%) with ages between 8 and 23 years were analyzed. The results showed overestimation in individuals from 8 to 14 years and underestimation from 15 to 23 years. The mean difference between estimated and chronological ages did not exceed 0.7 years among individuals with ages below 19 years. The difference increased to over three years in individuals from 20 to 23 years. Statistically significant differences were found between females and males between 17 and 18 years (p<0.05). The London Atlas is suitable for Russian children and adolescents aged between 8 and 19 years; however, it showed unsatisfactory results for application in individuals over 20 years (AU).

Conhecer a idade de um indivíduo, vivo ou morto, é essencial em diversas situações. O método London Atlas utiliza desenvolvimento e erupção dentais para estimar a idade. Testar o método em diferentes populações é importante para avaliar sua performance. Esse estudo objetivou analisar o desempenho do London Atlas em uma amostra de origem russa, utilizando radiografias panorâmicas. Uma amostra de 703 indivíduos russos (n = 405 mulheres, 57,61% e n = 298 homens, 42,39%), com idades entre 8 e 23 anos foram analisadas. Resultados obtidos mostram uma superestimação em indivíduos de 8 a 14 anos e subestimação nos grupos de 15 a 23 anos. A diferença média entre idades estimadas e reais não excederam o valor de 0,7 anos nos indivíduos com idade abaixo de 19 anos. Essa diferença aumentou em até três anos em indivíduos de 20 a 23 anos. Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram encontradas entre homens e mulheres com 17 e 18 anos (p<0,05). O London Atlas é adequado para crianças e adolescentes de origem russa, com idades de 8 a 19 anos. No entanto, observou-se resultados insatisfatórios para sua aplicação em indivíduos acima de 20 anos (AU).

Age estimation using London Atlas methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Age estimation is a fundamental competence of Forensic Anthropologists and Odontologists. The London Atlas is a dental development chart by AlQahtani et al. (2010) that gained recent notoriety due to its applicability in forensic scenarios. This study aimed to answer, by a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis, the following question: "on average, what is the deviation between real and estimated ages, when applying the London Atlas method in sub-adults?". This study was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Five electronic databases were screened (PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS), and active search was carried out. The quality assessment was performed by means of Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for Systematic Reviews. The initial search resulted in 1021 studies, from which 24 filled the inclusion criteria. For the meta-analysis, 17 studies provided sufficient data. Out of these, eleven studies enabled meta-analysis of mean absolute difference values. Standardized mean differences were 0.02 years for MD and 0.78 for MAD. Analysis of subgroups was also accomplished by sex, and did not indicated heterogeneity between males and females. The London Atlas is an accurate age estimation method, presenting acceptable error and bias values worldwide. Despite the high heterogeneity of the studies, majority of studies presented a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed a non-significant and slight tendency of overestimating age, in total. Sub-group analysis showed modestly better results for boys than girls.

Ancestry estimation in forensic anthropology: accuracy of the AncesTrees software in a Brazilian sample.

The objective of this study is to analyze the accuracy and applicability of the AncesTrees software with respect to a set of cranial measurements of a Brazilian sample consisting of 114 identified skulls from two osteological collections, predominantly composed of European (n = 59), African (n = 35), and admixed individuals (n = 20). Twenty-four different craniometric measurements are performed and input to AncesTrees via two algorithms, one of which is used in three configurations, with different ancestral groups integrated in the model. The software exhibits superior performance in the estimation of European individuals, reaching 73% accuracy, compared with 66% in the African individuals. Those individuals classified as admixed produce a variety of ancestral classifications, mainly European. Overall, the most accurate combination of AncesTrees is obtained using ancestralForest with only the European and African groups integrated into the algorithm, where the accuracy reaches 70%. The applicability of this software to a specific population is fragile because of the high admixing load, making it necessary to create a more representative anthropometric database of the Brazilian people. Key points: Ancestry estimation methods are seldom validated in Brazil.AncesTrees performed poorly on our sample, with a maximum accuracy of 70%.Brazil's highly mixed population hinders ancestry estimation.Mixed individuals (pardos) are predominantly classified as Europeans.The insertion of Brazilian metric data into the AncesTrees database would produce better results.

Age estimation in humans through the analysis of aspartic acid racemization from teeth: A scoping review of methods, outcomes, and open research questions.

Teeth are considered the most resistant structures in the human body. In forensic odontology, teeth are useful for human identification, especially when dental age estimation is necessary. Despite numerous studies, there is no consensus regarding the best methods for dental age estimation. The analysis of aspartic acid racemization, however, has shown promising results. This scoping review aimed to present a descriptive synthesis of the current literature regarding dental age estimation through aspartic acid racemization. Four electronic databases were screened: PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus. Cross-sectional studies published before April 2021 were selected. From 206 articles found, 26 met the eligibility criteria. Several experimental protocols and laboratory settings were detected, but the different protocols did not seem to significantly reduce error rates in dental age estimation. The analysis of aspartic acid racemization in human dental tissues produced accurate and potentially reliable results for age estimation. Aspartic acid racemization stands out especially in the adulthood - age category in which other methods struggle to deliver proper performances. Studies with larger samples, independent testing, and standardized laboratory procedures are necessary. Equator-like reporting guidelines are encouraged to enable future systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Levantamento dos conteúdos específicos em provas objetivas de concursos públicos para o cargo de perito odontolegista e de perito criminal (área: Odontologia) no brasil / Data survey of specific contents in objective tests for the Forensic Odontologist and Criminal Expert (Dentistry) occupation in Brazil

A Odontologia Legal é uma das especialidades da Odontologia e um dos seus campos de atuação, a carreira como perito oficial, especificamente no cargo de Perito Odontolegista ou, ainda, como Perito Criminal, é vinculada à realização de concurso público. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar um panorama dos conteúdos mais recorrentes nas provas objetivas de concursos públicos para o cargo de Perito Odontolegista e de Perito Criminal (quando realizada prova específica na área de Odontologia). Foram analisadas 18 provas realizadas entre os anos 2003 e 2019, especificamente para o cargo de Perito Odontolegista e Perito Criminal (área: Odontologia), em território nacional. Um total de 776 questões da área específica de Odontologia Legal foram divididas em 13 classes: Antropologia Forense; Balística; Código de Ética Odontológica; Datiloscopia; Desastre em Massa; Documentos Odontolegais; Genética Forense; Lei 5081/1966; Marcas de Mordida; Peritos e Perícias; Reconstrução Facial Forense; Tanatologia Forense; e Traumatologia Forense. Verificou-se que os conteúdos de Antropologia Forense (187 questões) e de Peritos e Perícias (158 questões) foram os de maior prevalência, seguidos por Traumatologia Forense (108 questões) e Genética Forense (66 questões). Conteúdos como Datiloscopia (12 questões), Desastres em Massa (18 questões) e Reconstrução Facial Forense (7 questões) foram os menos explorados nos concursos. Conclui-se que o cirurgião-dentista que pretende se candidatar a carreira pericial que envolva Odontologia deve ter total conhecimento de todo o amplo espectro da Odontologia Legal e sua interface com as Ciências Forenses, mas conteúdos como Antropologia e Peritos e Perícias possuem predominância na distribuição das questões em concursos.

Forensic Odontology is one of the specialties in Dentistry and a career in Forensic Sciences, specifically in the criminal issues in Brazil, is related to the position of Forensic Odontologist or Criminal Expert, and it is linked to the holding of a public tender. The objective of this study was to present an overview of the recurring contents in the objective tests of public tenders for the position of Forensic Odontologists and Criminal Expert (when a specific test for dentists is performed). Twenty Brazilian public contests carried out between 2003 and 2019 were analyzed. A total of 853 questions in the specific area of Forensic Odontology were divided into 15 categories related to Forensic Odontology and Forensic Sciences in general. It was found that questions about Forensic Traumatology (171 questions) and Forensic Anthropology (122 questions) were the most frequent, followed by Deontology, Diceology and Professional Liability (71 questions). Contents such as Fingerprints (13 questions), Mass Disasters (15 questions) and Forensic Facial Reconstruction (7 questions) were the least explored in all tenders. As a conclusion, Forensic Traumatology and Forensic Anthropology presented a significantly higher occurrence of questions than other categories. Nevertheless, the dental professional who intends to prepare for a future career as a Forensic Odontologist or Criminal Expert must understand and master all other topics involved in the survey, since they have a reasonable occurrence in public tenders and are of equal importance for his or her career and training.

A odontologia legal no contexto de ensino da FORP-USP: um levantamento histórico / Forensic Dentistry in the teaching context of the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto ­ University of São Paulo: a historical survey

A Odontologia Legal (OL) é uma especialidade da Odontologia que teve seu surgimento associado a anseios sociais relacionados à identificação humana. Logo se percebeu a contribuição que poderia fornecer no atuar profissional, especialmente se inserida no currículo acadêmico. Esse artigo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento histórico dos componentes curriculares da área de OL da Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FORP-USP) e analisar o desenvolvimento de suas ementas disciplinares. Foi realizada uma pesquisa documental com abordagem descritiva e qualitativa dos dados da estrutura curricular do curso de graduação da referida instituição entre os anos de 1962 e 2019. Assim, a coleta das informações deu-se utilizando livros e sítios eletrônicos que continham as ementas disciplinares. A disciplina de OL esteve presente no ensino da FORP-USP desde que se tem registro (1962), quando era denominada "Odontologia Legal, Legislação e Ética Profissional". A área manteve-se vigente, apesar das modificações que culminaram na criação e extinção de determinadas disciplinas. A Odontologia Legal é fundamental na orientação das condutas éticas e legais da profissão e, dessa forma, esteve presente no curso de graduação da FORP-USP desde os primórdios da instituição, e vem sendo trabalhada e desenvolvida com o passar dos anos. Conclui-se que foi possível determinar a trajetória, cronologia e arranjo das alterações das disciplinas relacionadas com a área de Odontologia Legal da FORP-USP a partir de 1962, o que permitiu observar a evolução da área, sobretudo no que diz respeito às metodologias e conteúdos, bem como a diversificação de material bibliográfico utilizado no ensino.

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.

Stability Analysis of Bitemarks in Different Conditions of Time and Temperature and Its Reliability as Evidence in Criminal Investigations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of bite marks in foods in different conditions of time and temperature and their reliability as evidenced in criminal investigations. Sampling came from 20 subjects, who were instructed to bite five pieces of cheese and five pieces of chocolate. Bites were produced by the anterior teeth, from canine to canine, and the volunteers had their dental arches molded to obtain plaster models that were used for later comparison. The samples produced by each participant were stored and analyzed according to the temperature (room and refrigerator) and time period (immediately after, three days, seven days). The linear model with mixed effects using R Core Team and SAS Statistical Software were used for the statistical analysis. The results of this study reveal that the storage temperature of these materials does not exert a significant influence. Both chocolate and cheese showed better results when measurements were made shortly after, however the chocolate showed to be more stable in longer periods of time. By means of this study, it was possible to demonstrate that the storage temperature does not exert a significant influence. However, the bite marks found in foods with greater dimensional stability and short time intervals, are more reliable and allow their use as evidence in criminal investigations. Still, due to the limitations presented, we recommend its use for the exclusion of possible suspects and not for the suspects identification.

Stability analysis of bitemarks in different conditions of time and temperature and its reliability as evidence in criminal investigations

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of bite marks in foods in different conditions of time and temperature and their reliability as evidenced in criminal investigations. Sampling came from 20 subjects, who were instructed to bite five pieces of cheese and five pieces of chocolate. Bites were produced by the anterior teeth, from canine to canine, and the volunteers had their dental arches molded to obtain plaster models that were used for later comparison. The samples produced by each participant were stored and analyzed according to the temperature (room and refrigerator) and time period (immediately after, three days, seven days). The linear model with mixed effects using R Core Team and SAS Statistical Software were used for the statistical analysis. The results of this study reveal that the storage temperature of these materials does not exert a significant influence. Both chocolate and cheese showed better results when measurements were made shortly after, however the chocolate showed to be more stable in longer periods of time. By means of this study, it was possible to demonstrate that the storage temperature does not exert a significant influence. However, the bite marks found in foods with greater dimensional stability and short time intervals, are more reliable and allow their use as evidence in criminal investigations. Still, due to the limitations presented, we recommend its use for the exclusion of possible suspects and not for the suspects identification.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade das marcas de mordida em alimentos em diferentes condições de tempo e temperatura e sua confiabilidade como evidência em investigações criminais. A amostragem foi composta por 20 indivíduos, que foram instruídos a morder cinco pedaços de queijo e cinco pedaços de chocolate. As mordidas foram produzidas pelos dentes anteriores, de canino a canino, e os sujeitos da pesquisa tiveram seus arcos dentais moldados para obter modelos que foram usados para posterior comparação. As amostras produzidas por cada participante foram armazenadas e analisadas de acordo com a temperatura (ambiente e geladeira) e período de tempo (imediatamente, após três dias e sete dias). Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o modelo linear com efeitos mistos, utilizando R Core Team e SAS Statistical Software. Os resultados deste estudo revelam que a temperatura de armazenamento desses materiais não exerce influência significativa. Tanto o chocolate quanto o queijo apresentaram melhores resultados quando as mensurações foram feitas logo após, porém o chocolate mostrou-se mais estável em períodos mais longos. Por meio deste estudo, foi possível demonstrar que a temperatura de armazenamento não exerce influência significativa. Entretanto, as marcas de mordida encontradas em alimentos com maior estabilidade dimensional e intervalos de tempo curtos são mais confiáveis e permitem seu uso como evidência em investigações criminais. Ainda assim, devido às limitações apresentadas, recomendamos seu uso para a exclusão de possíveis suspeitos e não para a individualização dos mesmos.

Biobancos: os meus, os seus, os nossos / Biobanks: mine, yours, ours

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir aspectos conceituais, éticos e legais e também científicos e cooperativos dos acervos de materiais biológicos utilizados para pesquisa conhecidos como biobancos ou biorrepositórios humanos. Inicialmente são apresentados conceitos fundamentais sobre o tema, amplamente discutido internacional e nacionalmente e também aberta discussão sobre a presença destes acervos na Odontologia e nas Ciências Forenses, bem como sua situação em território nacional. O texto prossegue em três maiores blocos: O primeiro visa introduzir o leitor aos aspectos legais que cercam a temática dos biobancos e biorrepositórios, apresentando-o aos principais dispositivos que regulamentam o tema no Brasil. O segundo bloco aborda a importância do aspecto cooperativo e institucional que exercem os biobancos e biorrepositórios, expondo problemática existente acerca desse tema, mas evidenciando notoriamente os benefícios provenientes de uma postura receptiva dessas infraestruturas a pessoas externas. O terceiro e último bloco conecta o que foi anteriormente dito ao que é atualmente enfrentado cientificamente dentro da Odontologia Legal, referente à necessidade de uma maior variabilidade e número de amostras disponíveis ao pesquisador, que torne possível a este acompanhar e criar o dinamismo da evolução científica. Como conclusão, o artigo evidencia as vantagens e defende uma conduta receptiva a ser adotada pelos diferentes e variados centros e instituições de pesquisa que possuam biobancos ou biorrepositórios a pesquisadores como forma de elevar o nível científico produzido pela Odontologia Legal nacional.

The purpose of this article is to discuss conceptual, ethical and legal aspects, as well as scientific and cooperative aspects of the collections of biological materials used for research known as biobanks or human bio-repositories. Initially, fundamental concepts are presented on the subject, widely discussed internationally and nationally, and opens discussion about the presence of these collections within Dentistry and of Forensic Sciences, as well as their situation in national territory. The text aims to introduce the reader to the legal aspects that surround the biobanks and bio-repositories, presenting it to the main documents that regulate the subject in Brazil. The second section addresses the importance of the cooperative and institutional aspect of biobanks and bio-repositories, exposing existing problems on this topic, but highlighting the benefits of a receptive posture of these infrastructures to external people. The third and last section connects what was previously exposed to what is currently scientifically faced within Forensic Dentistry, referring to the need for a greater variability and number of samples available to the researcher, which makes it possible to follow up and create the dynamism of the scientific evolution. As a conclusion, the article highlights the advantages and advocates a receptive behavior to be adopted by different and varied research centers and institutions that have biobanks or bio-repositories to other researchers to raise the scientific level produced by national Forensic Dentistry.

Perícias trabalhistas em odontologia legal: credenciamento e honorários do perito judicial no Brasil / Expert routine in labor lawsuits: forensic odontologist role, accreditation, and fees in Brazil

A figura do perito nos processos judiciais é de suma importância, pois o esclarecimento em casos cujo assunto da lide ultrapassa o conhecimento do Juiz é indispensável para uma decisão devidamente fundamentada. A Lei 5.081/66, que regula o exercício da Odontologia no Brasil, diz ser a perícia nas mais diversas áreas, uma das competências do cirurgião-dentista. Nesse sentido, no âmbito trabalhista, a perícia judicial envolve casos dos chamados infortúnios do trabalho ou doenças relacionadas à atividade laborativa e quando estes processos demandam conhecimentos acerca da Odontologia, o cirurgião-dentista é o profissional mais indicado para elaborar o laudo pericial. O objetivo deste estudo foi levantar os procedimentos referentes ao credenciamento para atuação pericial junto aos Tribunais Regionais do Trabalho (TRTs) em suas 24 regiões, bem como questões referentes aos honorários quando no contexto da justiça gratuita. Por meio de pesquisa documental, buscou-se encontrar os procedimentos de cadastro como também os valores dos honorários, através de pesquisa nos sítios eletrônicos dos TRTs e contatos com suas ouvidorias. Concluiu-se que os TRTs possuem, em sua totalidade, procedimentos próprios para cadastros de peritos, sendo uma parte por meios eletrônicos e outra por meios físicos ou presenciais, regulados por intermédio de normativas específicas. Quanto aos honorários periciais, a maior parte dos TRTs segue a Resolução nº 66/2010, do Conselho Superior da Justiça do Trabalho (CSTJ), porém algumas regiões extrapolam os valores definidos e outras desfalcam o montante gratificado ao perito.

The presence of an expert in legal proceedings is of the utmost importance, since most lawsuits demands a technical or scientifical elucidation, as this might surpass the knowledge of the Judge responsible for the case. The expert's role is indispensable for a correctly substantiated decision on the case. The Law 5.081/66, which regulates the practice of Dentistry in Brazil, embeds expertise in several legal fields as one of the dentist's skills. Among these fields, in the labor scope, the judicial expertise involves cases of so-called labor misfortunes or accidents, or labor-related diseases. When the aforementioned harm oral or dental structures and for that, call for odontological knowledge, the dentist is the most appropriate professional to produce a report for the Judge. The aim of this study was to bring forth the procedures involved in the accreditation of Brazilian dentists to the Regional Labor Courts (RLCs) in its 24 sub-divisions, as well as issues related to expert fees when the losing part is granted by free costs on legal proceedings. Through documentary research, we sought to find the registration procedures, coupled with the fees granted to the experts, via research in the Courts websites and contact with their ombudsmen. We conclude that the entirety of the RLCs have their own procedures for experts' accreditation, some by electronic means and others by physical means, all of them regulated by individual legal resolutions. Regarding the expert fees, most of the RLCs follow the Superior Council of Labor Justice Resolution 66/2010; however, some regions exceed the defined Resolution values while other ones pay lower amounts to the expert.

Procedimento de bichectomia: uma discussão sobre os aspectos éticos e legais em odontologia / Bichectomy procedure: a discussion on the ethical and legal aspects in odontology

Introdução: O procedimento denominado de bichectomia consiste na remoção parcial de uma estrutura adiposa na região das bochechas e ganhou recente popularidade entre a classe odontológica, que passou a executá-lo amplamente, com demandas predominantemente estéticas e, com isso, dúvidas e incertezas surgiram a respeito dos seus aspectos éticos e legais. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi buscar legislações nacionais, bem como normativas e resoluções emitidas por conselhos profissionais, visando abordar tais controvérsias, alumiando os profissionais quanto à legitimidade do procedimento. Resultados: Verificou-se que desde 1978, os Conselhos Federais de Medicina e de Odontologia vêm emitindo resoluções para determinar limiares de atuação profissional, em especial, com enfoque na especialidade Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial, visto que é a especialidade odontológica clínica que mais se aproxima de campos de atuação médica. Com o tempo, estes Conselhos foram atualizando estas Resoluções, tendo em vista os avanços técnicos e científicos da área, porém todas as resoluções analisadas são unânimes em afirmar que a realização de bichectomia com finalidade estritamente estética é atribuição médica. Conclusão: Desta forma, com base nos documentos atualmente vigentes, verifica-se que o cirurgião-dentista que estiver disposto a realizar a cirurgia de bichectomia com finalidade exclusivamente estética estará incorrendo em transgressões administrativas e, consequentemente, tais interpretações podem ser vislumbradas em outras esferas (cíveis e criminais).

Introduction: Bichectomy consists of removing part of a fat structure in the region of the cheeks, and it recently gained popularity in the field of odontology, which began to widely perform the procedure, with predominantly aesthetic demands and, with that, doubts and uncertainties arose with respect to its ethical and legal aspects. Objective: The objective of this work was to seek national laws, as well as normative and resolutions issued by professional councils, aiming to address such controversies, enlightening professionals to the legitimacy of the procedure. Results: Since 1978, the Federal Councils of Medicine and Dentistry have issued resolutions to determine thresholds for professional performance, which particularly focused on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology because it is the closest clinical dental specialty of medical practice. Over time, these Councils have been updating these resolutions, considering the technical and scientific advances of the area, but all the resolutions analyzed were unanimous in affirming that the accomplishment of bichectomy with a strictly aesthetic purpose is a medical attribution. Conclusion: Subsequently, based on the documents currently in force, it is verified that the dental surgeon who is willing to perform bichectomy surgery for aesthetic purposes will be incur administrative infractions and, consequently, such interpretations can be seen in other legal areas (civil and criminal).

Atividades práticas no ensino de Odontologia Legal nos cursos de graduação em Odontologia / Practical activities in the teaching process of Forensic Odontology in Dental undergraduate courses

A Odontologia Legal é, muitas vezes, considerada um componente curricular teórico, cabendo ao docente encontrar recursos para transformá-lo em uma atividade prática, facilitando o aprendizado dos estudantes. O objetivo deste artigo foi apresentar algumas das atividades práticas no campo da Odontologia Legal realizados na Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FORP-USP), bem como discutir seus respaldos didáticos no processo de ensino/aprendizagem, enfatizando a relevância das atividades práticas e em grupo no ambiente acadêmico. As atividades práticas apresentadas neste artigo contemplam: (a) arqueologia forense; (b) identificação odontolegal; (c) traumatologia forense; (d) local de crime e estações didáticas. Conclui-se que a realização de atividades práticas na área de Odontologia Legal é viável e aplicável, permitindo aos alunos vivenciar o contexto forense (AU).

Forensic Odontology in dental graduation courses is usually seen as a theoretical issue, and it is up to the professor to find resources to transform it into a more practical class, facilitating student learning. The objective of this article was to present some of the practical activities carried out in the Forensic Odontology classes at School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo (FORP-USP), as well as to discuss its role in the processes of teaching and learning, emphasizing the relevance of practical and group activities in the academic environment. Practical activities presented include: (a) Forensic Archaeology; (b) Dental Identification; (c) Forensic Traumatology; and (d) Crime Scene Investigation and teaching stations. It is concluded that the accomplishment of practical activities in Forensic Odontology is feasible and applicable, bringing a forensic experience to the students (AU).