Dental records are valuable tools in forensic investigations as they can be used to identify individuals, especially in cases where traditional methods such as fingerprints or facial recognition are not possible. Dentists play a crucial role in this process by providing access to dental records, which can then be compared to those of unidentified individuals.
There are several reasons why dental records are so valuable for identification purposes. First, teeth are relatively durable and can survive even after a body has decomposed. Second, each person's dental anatomy is unique, making it an excellent way to distinguish one individual from another. Third, dental records are typically well-maintained and can be easily retrieved from dentists' offices.
