Association between Forensic DNA in Odontology and the Identification of Humans of Mass Disasters: A Systematic Review

Abstract

According to the literature, one of the most effective and affordable scientific techniques for identifying victims of mass disasters (MDs) is forensic odontology (FO). In this research, the function of forensic odontologists in several global MDs is reviewed methodically. Objective: forensic DNA in odontology is associated with the importance of its application in the identification of humans of Mass Disasters. With the ever-increasing crime rate in our society, the field of forensic medicine has become highly evolved. Forensic dentists play a pivotal role in various areas of crime scene investigations and thereby help solve innumerable mysteries. Methods: Six databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) quality scale. Literature searched until February 2024 was responsible for important research choices. Results: A total of 16 (100%) studies related to forensic DNA of MDs, only 7 (43.75%) articles related to DNA dental were included in this review, of the 4808 articles obtained, 138 duplicates or irrelevant articles were eliminated. Following the full-text reading seven research were selected based on eligibility criteria. The highest percentage of victims was identified using DNA dental. In a few studies, some samples were not sufficient for complete DNA profiling due to factors such as the method of DNA extraction.  Conclusion: Forensic Odontology has played a significant role in victim identification in several mass disasters around the world. Although teeth are an excellent source of DNA for humans, future studies with larger sample sizes, appropriate control groups, and standardized techniques of DNA extraction need to be conducted.