Forensic Odontology - Scientific Legal Analysis
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Category: General Law
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FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY - SCIENTIFIC LEGAL
ANALYSIS
Lakshita Jain, BLS.LL.B., Government Law College, Mumbai Prof. Dr. Reeta Jain, Professor and Head, Department of Prosthodontics, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Ferozepur, Punjab Dr. Gyan Chand, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
PREFACE
In the vast landscape of forensic sciences, certain disciplines remain relatively unexplored, despite their significant potential in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Forensic odontology is one such field that has intrigued me both for its scientific precision and its unique position at the intersection of dental science and legal understanding. Having been assisted by my parents who are specialized dentists with over three decades of clinical experience, their expertise and guidance have been instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation of forensic odontological principles throughout. This article endeavors to provide a comprehensive analysis of forensic odontology, covering its multifaceted aspects from both scientific and legal perspectives.
Beginning with an introduction to the field and its historical evolution, the article progresses through detailed examinations of the various methodological approaches employed in forensic dentistry. The objectives and purposes of this specialized field are thoroughly explored, leading into a critical analysis of its evidentiary value in legal proceedings. Special attention has been paid to the Indian legal framework regarding forensic odontological evidence, supplemented by relevant case laws that have shaped the field's development. The article also addresses the current challenges faced by practitioners and investigators, concluding with practical suggestions for future development and improvement of this discipline. Through this work, I aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in forensic odontology and highlight its importance in the broader context of law and medicine.
INTRODUCTION & SCOPE
The rising crime rate in our society is a matter of great concern and one of the most effective ways to put a halt upon these is to punish the wrong-doer. But the verification of the identification of the accused acts as a major hurdle in the whole process, wherein the evidence serves as the saviour of justice. There are various types of evidence which can be used to prove a person’s guilt and one of such evolving types of evidence is forensic odontology. Forensic odontology refers to the examination of dental evidence and its use as evidence. It can be said to be one of the most reliable methods of evidencing because of the fact that the teeth of a human being are capable of surviving in adverse conditions and therefore, could play an essential role in recognition of the accused.
Forensic odontology is a speciality of dentistry that focuses on identifying people involved in legal issues. The term forensic odontology is derived from two words, forensic and odontology, where ‘forensic’ is derived from the Latin word ‘forensis’ which means a place where legal matters are discussed and ‘odontology’ meaning the study of tooth structure and disease. One of the first research on this topic was written and compiled by Dr. Oscar Amoedo in 1898 and he was entitled L’Art Dentaire en Medecine Legale. Dr. Oscar is thus, also known as the “Father of Forensic Odontology”. The FDI World Dental Federation (Fédération Dentaire Internationale) defines forensic odontology as “the branch of dentistry which, in the interest of justice, deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings”.
In addition, the American Society of Forensic Odontology defines it as
analysis, palatal rugoscopy and cheiloscopy. The third classification stresses upon the training perspective of medical and dental professionals in the field of forensic odontology.
SCOPE:
Forensic Odontology plays a critical role in identifying the human remains of victims including those who have been mutilated, burnt or decomposed, as well as victims of bioterrorism and mass disasters. Catastrophic events have also highlighted the importance of forensic odontologists in identifying victims of industrial blows, airline accidents, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks, including those involving explosives, chemicals, radiological, or nuclear weapons, and can occur as a solitary catastrophe or a sweeping event. Forensic odontology plays a pivotal role in circumstances where traditional methods of identification, such as fingerprinting and visual recognition, cannot be used, for example in cases of decomposed, charred or skeletonized bodies.
In the event of a major disaster, dental professionals are also called on to provide assistance with diagnosis and monitoring, referral, decontamination, infection control, surveillance and notification, immunizations, medications, triage, and medical care augmentation.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
This branch of forensics also has its roots in the past. According to historical records, the first documented case of dental identification occurred in ancient Rome around 66 AD, when the
United States) through the ivory denture work that he had done for Warren two years ago. 1 The popularly known Bite mark case Ohio v Robinson, 1870 wherein the culprit Robinson was charged for the murder of his mistress Mary Lunsford as the bite marks on the arm of the victim were identical to the teeth of Robinson and he was held liable. The first identification of mass disaster victims was made in the incident of fire in Charity Bazaar in Paris in 1897 where the antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) dental records were compared in order to identify the individual. The other case was regarding the conviction of Wayne Clifford in Canada who was popularly known as “the Vampire Rapist” due to his brutal conduct of biting the breasts of his victims and this habit of his paved a way to his conviction with the aid of forensic odontology.
In addition to this, the Late President of Pakistan Zia-ul-Haq died in a plane crash in 1988 and his identification was done through his dentition. Furthermore, in 1991 our former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who died due to a human bomber was identified with the help of his dentition. Also, the Tsunami victims hit by the tsunami in 2004 in Southeast Asia were identified with the help of forensic odontology. 1https://www. ida. org. in/ScienceEducation/Details/ForensicPublic#:~:text=In%201453%20the%20first%20form ally,in%20the%20battle%20of%20Castillon
METHODS USED IN FORENSIC ANALYSIS
In many cases, forensic odontologists analyse dental evidence to assist judicial authorities. They help in a variety of ways such as inspecting and assessing damaged jaws, teeth, and oral tissues as a result of various incidents; examining all types of dental restorations from unidentified people or bodies, whether they are full or fragmented; in the event of a mass or individual disaster; comparing dental data obtained before and after the death (AM/PM) of any individual; gathering and examining bite marks from humans and animals. Tooth enamel (the outer layer of teeth) is the hardest substance in the human body, which is why teeth last long even after all other parts have decayed. Fire victims are often identified by their teeth, which can withstand temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,093 degrees Celsius).
Tongue Prints The tongue is the only internal organ that can be easily examined and protrudes from the body, making it unique in both shape and surface texture for each person. The use of tongue prints in forensic identification is relatively new. To ensure the effectiveness of this method, the tongue impression or antemortem image must be available. The alginate moulding process can be used to replicate the minute characteristics that are unique to each individual while preserving the lingual morphological aspects. The lingual Different types of tongue prints impression and accompanying photo may offer safe identification techniques in forensic dentistry.
Lip Prints The term Cheiloscopy refers to the study of lip prints. Lip prints help identify victims and suspects. It has been discovered that no two people have identical skin lip print patterns. There are many elevations and depressions on the external lip surface which are unique to individuals like fingerprints. Types of lip prints Palatal Rugae Patterns Rugoscopy is the study of palatal rugae patterns. These are the ridges that are present in the anterior hard palate and might be straight, curved, round, or wavy. They are helpful since they are beneficial because they are the best soft tissue that is safe and easily Palatal Rugae patterns accessible both during and after life. Bite Mark Analysis After collecting dental evidence, the forensic odontologist examines and compares the bite marks.
Variations in the bite mark over time on living organisms, the location of the bite mark, Human Bite Mark on a child Assault Bite Mark
soft tissue injuries, and individual differences in dentition can all influence the accuracy of bite mark identification. Photographs, imprints, and measurements of dental features are additional requirements. Significance of Denture Labelling in Forensic Investigations In situations involving amnesia or senility, memory loss, mental health issues, murder, suicide, victims of fire, explosion, floods, earthquake, plane disaster, or war, the denture marker aids in identifying an unidentified denture wearer. The denture label should include names, either alone or in combination with other information such as a social security number, driver's license number, and city code. In general, using a name and identification number inside a denture is extremely beneficial and reduces the possibility of misidentification or identification delays.
Cobalt-chromium appliances, unlike acrylic, do not melt, even when burnt residues are present. Role of Saliva in Forensic Odontology Saliva from bite marks should be collected as soon as possible for group testing. Saliva samples can be used in conjunction with forensic DNA analysis to determine if there is a link between a person and the forensic evidence. Changes in methylation, a chemical alteration to one of the four building blocks of DNA of any person, have an impact on age-related diseases. Methods of collecting Saliva
Facial Reconstruction Every person born into this world has a unique face. Face is an invaluable asset to humanity and is necessary for human identity. It is significant in forensic sciences because, in cases where a deceased person's face is unaltered, forensic experts are not required to determine the identity of the deceased, but otherwise it is an essential procedure. In the computerized facial reconstruction procedure, a laser video camera is connected to a computer or used with CT scanning. The skull data is then used to image a completely shaded 3D surface.
23 Computer software can be used to draw the face.
Dental Records It is crucial to both preserve and update the dental records. Accurately documented data makes identification easier. Loss or damage to documents is also an issue. Denture base, which can be recovered in the event of an accident, can be used to code or mark dentures. Dentures are often acid-resistant and can withstand higher temperatures without losing their quality. Habits Distinctive patterns on the teeth's surface, such as from smoking or chewing betel nuts, may be used to identify a person. Other habits, such as smoking cigarettes or pipes or having carpenters or tailors place nail pins in their teeth, end up producing uniform wear patterns. Changes are even visible in previous orthodontic treatments. The quality, quantity, and presence or absence of dental treatment can all help to determine a patient's socioeconomic status. 2 2https://www. idjsronline.
com/htmlarticle/21407#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20dental%20science,victim%20or%20at%20the%20scene
PURPOSE IN LEGAL SPHERE
Forensic odontology through its various methods serves the following purposes in the legal sphere3: Positive Identification One of the primary functions of odontology in the legal field is identification of individuals. Each person has a unique set of dental records, including X-rays, charts, and treatment histories. Forensic odontologists can confirm or establish the identity of deceased individuals by comparing postmortem dental records to antemortem records. This is especially important in situations involving mass disasters, accidents, or homicides, where traditional methods of identification may be complicated. Bite Mark Analysis Forensic odontologists examine bite marks on victims, objects, or suspects. This analysis aids in determining the bite mark's origin and can identify the individual who caused it.
This evidence can be critical in cases of sexual assault, child abuse, or physical assault involving bite marks on the victim. Bite marks on objects & victims
3. Age Estimation
Dental development and tooth eruption patterns vary with age. Forensic odontologists use dental characteristics to estimate the age of unidentified people, particularly in cases involving unidentified human remains or Stages of teeth formation child custody disputes. Age estimation is also possible through analysis of the number of erupted teeth in an individual
3 https://www.writinglaw.com/odontology-in-law/
since different type of tooth erupts at a different definite time. For instance, milk teeth start erupting at the age of six months and in case all the milk teeth are present in an individual, the age of the child is above 2 years. Permanent teeth start erupting at the age of six years while first permanent molar erupts at the age of six years and the last molar starts erupting at the age of 18 years and fully appears in the mouth at the age of 20-25 years. Therefore, the estimation of age through analysing the number of teeth present in an individual’s mouth is an important aspect for forensic odontology.
4. Gender and Ancestry Determination
Certain dental characteristics are associated with a person’s gender and ancestral background. Odontology can provide valuable demographic information about victims or suspects, thereby aiding investigations.
5. Comparative Analysis
When bite marks are found at a crime scene, forensic odontologists compare them to dental impressions of possible suspects. This comparison can help determine whether suspects should be included or excluded from the investigation.
6. Disaster Victim Identification
In mass disasters, such as plane crashes or natural disasters, dental records are frequently the most reliable source of identification when traditional methods fail. Odontology helps victims reunite with their families and provides closure.
7. Human Rights Investigations
Odontology is also instrumental in investigating human rights abuses and mass graves. It helps in identifying victims and providing evidence of atrocities such as in child abuse cases.
8. Innocence Projects
Odontological evidence can help exonerate wrongfully convicted people as reassessing bite mark evidence or dental records can assist in proving innocence of any person accused of an offence.
ADMISSIBILITY IN EVIDENCE
Forensics play a crucial role as evidence particularly in cases of sexual assault wherein forensic odontology is an emerging field. In Indian context, the concept of forensic odontology has been primarily put in use for bite marks analysis and the evidence obtained thereby can be considered as the expert opinion. Expert Opinion according to Section 39(1) under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (earlier Section 45 under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872) refers to the opinion of a person skilled in foreign law, science or art, or in questions related to identification of handwriting or finger impressions which forms a part of relevant fact when the Court has to form an opinion on the similar subject matters.
Furthermore, according to this section, an expert is someone who has acquired special knowledge, skill or experience in any science, art, trade or profession acquired by practice, observation or careful study as observed in the case of K. Krishna Chettiar v Ambal & Co4. In addition to this, an ‘expert’ is defined as the person who by his training and experience has acquired the ability to express an opinion in contrast to an ordinary witness who does not possess this quality, because the evidence of an expert is said to be an evidence based on expertise and experience. Prior to the admissibility of the expert opinion, two prerequisites must be established: whether an expert opinion is required and whether the witness in question is truly an expert.
Furthermore, in the case of Magan Bihari Lal v State of Punjab5 highlighting the credibility of expert opinion the Supreme Court stated that an expert opinion should be interpreted with caution, and that a conviction based solely on expert opinion without substantial corroboration is unsafe. The rule set in place has been universally followed and has come close to becoming the rule of law. The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 lays emphasis upon the admissibility of expert opinion in Section 329 (previously Section 293 under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973), stating that any document in the hands of a Government scientific expert based on the
4 K.Krishna Chettiar v Ambal & Co, AIR 1970 SC 146
5 Magan Bihari Lal v State of Punjab,1977 2 SCC 210
matter or anything submitted to him for examination or analysis and report relating to any proceeding under this Code could be used as an evidence in an inquiry. This provision also empowers the Court to summon or examine the expert in regards to his area of expertise, and if the official is unable to attend in person, unless expressly requested, he may send an official on his behalf who is well-versed in the facts. Further, Senior Scientist (Chemistry), Central Forensic Laboratory was held to be an expert in science despite not falling under the category of officers mentioned in Section 293 CrPc and his opinion would be a relevant piece of evidence under Section 45 of IEA according to the ruling laid down in Amarjeet Singh v State (Delhi Admn. )6.
Thus, Section 45 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and Section 293 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 provide for the admissibility of expert opinion in cases related to forensic odontology. Although forensic odontology is a relatively new concept in the field of law, it has been used in a number of cases to provide justice to victims.
SYSTEM IN INDIA
In India, the system regarding forensic odontology primarily involves the Indian Dental Association (IDA) which makes all possible attempts to promote education and practice in the field. Along with which, the "Indian Association of Forensic Odontology" (IAFO) acts as the primary professional organization dedicated to forensic dentistry bringing together dentists specializing in forensic dentistry, forensic scientists and legal professionals to handle forensic dental cases and contribute in solving variety of cases. The Association is a non-profit organisation which was formed in 2000 by a small group of dentists from around India, spearheaded by its Founder President, the renowned Dr. (Late) J. G. Kannappan, in Chennai. Subsequently the association was registered in 2002 with the Registrar of Societies, Chennai and currently has more than 470 members.
7 As per various studies, it has been found that forensic odontologists in India primarily use dental records to identify deceased individuals in cases like mass disasters or when remains are
6 Amarjeet Singh v State (Delhi Admn.), 1995 Cr LJ 1623 (Del)
7https://iafo.in/#:~:text=Since%202002%2C%20the%20IAFO%20has,the%20field%20of%20forensic%20odont ology
decomposed along with the other methods of analysis. 8 Although the field of forensic odontology is rather evolving, the approach has been utilized in solving various cases in the country. Some of which have been mentioned later here.
CASE LAWS
In multiple high-profile cases involving grave and serious crimes, forensic odontology as a field of forensic evidence has been brought into use, time and again. For example; In May 2015 a forensic odontologist from a Mumbai Hospital, who was the only such expert in the state then, had helped the city police in securing conviction for a rapist by matching the bite marks which were found on a 28-year-old victim. Other cases include, but are not limited to, the following: • Nirbhaya Case9 This was one of the rarest of rare cases in which an innocent 23-year-old paramedic student was subjected to brutality and thrown off the bus with her friend in a barbaric state.
The girl was bitten all over the body, her clothes were stripped, her internal organs were gouged out, she was raped by six people turn by turn with insertion of iron rods into private parts and then thrown out of the bus naked on that cold wintery night. The accused were hanged to death and one died by suicide. However, finding all six accused was found to be a challenging task as the incident caused havoc in the city and the authorities were put on high alert to investigate the case. During the trial, forensic odontology played a pivotal role in the identification of the accused. The bite marks on the victim’s body were analysed and presented as evidence. Furthermore, this analysis also contributed in the age determination of one of the accused minor.
• Jisha Murder Case10 This case was also fell under the category of rarest of rare cases, in which Jisha, a law student of Peerumbavoor was brutally raped and killed by Ameerul Islam, who used to track her daily routine and committed the crime because of previous grudges. The victim’s barbaric state
8 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3009550/
9 Mukesh & Anr v State of NCT of Delhi & Ors (2017) 6 SCC 1
10 Muhammed Ameerul Islam v State of Kerala 2016
prompted the police to seek help of forensic odontology. The reports revealed that the victim's body had two bite marks, which led to the identification of the accused through the bite mark analysis and the accused was held guilty of rape and murder for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. • Sheena Bora Murder Case11 In this case, the mother and father of a girl were held liable for the murder of their daughter. When the investigation began, the daughter's body was identified using the skeletal remains, primarily the jaw and teeth, because the accused had burned the body and made it unrecognisable. • Parbhani Rape and Murder Case In this case, Irfan Afroz Sannulla Farroque, 34, raped and murdered a 14-year-old girl. The investigation was based upon 12 bite marks found on the victim’s body.
Later, it was proved, through bite marks analysis, that the culprit was Afroz, whose teeth were found to be identical to the marks found on the body of the deceased. This was another case in which use of forensic odontology was made as evidence to prove the accused guilty. • Ahmednagar Rape Case of 2016 In this case, three men raped and strangled a fifteen-year-old girl. The case was rarest of rare in nature and prompted various candle marches in the state of Maharashtra. The accused here, were sentenced to death based on the bite mark analysis of the multiple bite marks found on the deceased’s body. 12 • Case of Skulls of Annigeri (Karnataka) 13 In 2010, many skulls were found in a drainage in the village of Annigeri in North-western Karnataka. Further excavation around the area revealed 400 to 600 such skulls.
In May 2011, a formal request was made to the Department of Forensic Odontology in Dharwad for
skeletal samples. The samples were examined carefully onsite over a 7-hour period. Carbon dating analysis revealed that the remains were likely to be 180 years old. The conclusion by the dentists that the remains comprised a heterogeneous mix of males and females of all ages helped dispel certain theories and contributed to the authorities’ conclusion that the skeletal specimens were most likely of victims of a famine from 1792 to 1796, as was also recorded by the gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency.
CHALLENGES IN PRESENT TIMES
Dental evidence in criminal justice system is a challenging task and difficult in using dental evidence in legal process. Like any other field of study, this field is also not deprived of the challenges that are posed upon all including the odontologists, lawyers, investigating officers etc. As per one of the reports of a Cross-Sectional retrospective study conducted in Pondicherry during the month of April 2012, the following conclusions were made:
1. The prevalence of using forensic odontology findings in crime investigation is nil in
Pondicherry
2. 35-40 % of the crime cases are closed as unidentified person14
Furthermore, the field of forensic odontology lacks consistent standards and protocols across different jurisdictions. Specifically, there is no consistency in identification techniques and procedures. This presents significant challenges in examination methodologies, identification, comparison, and acceptance of forensic odontology as evidence in court. Other challenges include: Fragmented or damaged remains- In many forensic cases, the dental evidence available
comparisons for identification purposes. Limited dental records: A major challenge in forensic odontology is the lack of comprehensive records to compare. Not everyone has detailed dental records, especially when it comes to mass disaster victims, unidentified remains, or people who don't have easy access to dental care. Age estimation: Estimating an individual's age based on dental evidence can be challenging. There are numerous methods that aid in individual identification, each method is different and the time taken for results may vary. When working on legal cases, one should choose an easy and simple method. The probability and accuracy of age estimation methods vary because these methods are demographic specific. In some cases, accuracy decreases significantly after adolescence, making it difficult to determine an individual's age15.
Age estimation in adults is also quite challenging, making it extremely hard to identify their age. Limited research and funding: In comparison to other branches of forensic science, forensic odontology has received significantly less research attention and funding. The absence of rigorous research studies and resources impedes the development and validation of new techniques and technologies in the field. Bite mark analysis: Despite being a crucial aspect of forensic odontology, bite mark
and unreliable expert testimony. In some case, teeth may also be used as weapons since they can reveal a biter's identity. Admissibility in court: Defence counsel may challenge the admissibility of forensic odontology evidence in court, like any other forensic sciences. To improve the acceptance and credibility of dental evidence in legal proceedings, the field must demonstrate a solid scientific foundation, standardized methodologies, and stringent quality assurance. It has also been found that dental identification is often the last resort in majority of cases, and its performance may not always be possible as in some people simply can't be identified.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
Although widely accepted, forensic odontology is still a relatively new discipline in India. "Authorities in the West are aware of it, but it is still uncommon in India," said Dr. Ashith Acharya, a government-approved forensic dentist. One of the reasons for the slow pace of development of forensic odontology is the lack of recognition that this field encounters. The various cases discussed above demonstrate the importance of forensic odontology in criminal investigations and as evidence against the accused. Thus, it can be categorically stated that forensic dentistry has long played an important role in the medical and dental sciences. Better technology is now available, prompting us to reconsider how we perceive the field of forensic odontology as there is still enormous potential for improvement and transformation of postmortem processes.
Interdisciplinary knowledge and comprehension are required to ensure forensic odontology's future success. 17
SUGGESTIONS:
Forensic odontology requires immediate promotion due to its significant involvement in DVI and other medico-legal situations. Initiatives such as increasing awareness of forensic odontology among dental science graduates and requiring dentists with relevant casework 17https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/role-of-forensic-dentistry-in-solving-legal-issues-anoverview-of-forensic-odontology-119476.html
experience to join investigation and identification teams can help to establish forensic odontology as a distinct specialty within the field of dental or forensic sciences. Forensic odontology is a unique branch of dentistry that connects the Ministries of Health and Home Affairs in any state government, as well as military and foreign affairs. For this reason, a forensic odontology specialized unit must be recognized by the state home ministry and affiliated with the state FSL. The forensic odontology department or unit of any dental institute may require infrastructure and technical support, as well as experienced dentists with training or postgraduate degrees in forensic odontology and forensic sciences, the same shall be made available.
Our country’s dental education system needs to ensure that the training in forensic odontology to the dental students meets the standards appropriate to the future needs of dental professions by establishing a dedicated department for forensic odontology at dental institutes. Thereby leading towards the conclusion that there is the need to establish and regulate forensic odontology units in dental institutes. Maintaining accurate dental records and retaining them for a long time is critical. The majority of the information in these records that is needed to identify unidentified individuals and detect fraud, abuse, negligence, and malpractice can be provided to legal authorities.
18 Therefore, to overcome the various challenges, it is essential that the forensic odontology community works with other forensic disciplines, invest in research and development, establish standardized protocols, and provide ongoing professional training and education to maintain high standards of practice. 18https://pmc. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/articles/PMC7006303/#:~:text=The%20importance%20and%20the%20applicati on,kits%20is%20also%20highlighted%20here
REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
K.P. Divakar; “Forensic Odontology: The New Dimension in Dental Analysis”; Int J Biomed Sci; 2017; 13(1); 1-5. Kaur KP, Kundu S, Bagchi S, Gayen S, Pal M; “Bite Mark Analysis- A Crucial Forensic Evidence”; Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Journal; 2022; 13(2). Rathod V, Desai V, Pundir S, Dixit S, Chandraker R. Role of forensic dentistry for dental practitioners: A comprehensive study. J Forensic Dent Sci. 2017;9: 108-9. Senthil M, Deepan kumar, Ramu C; “Prevalence of using Forensic Odontology in Crime Investigation in Identification of Individuals -A Retrospective Study in Pondicherry City, India”. Clark DH. An analysis of the value of forensic odontology in ten mass disasters. Int Dent J. 1994 Jun;44(3):241-50.
WEBLIOGRAPHY
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