Advances in forensic dentistry: the role of technology in human identification
D. S. Barros,
M. J. Cunha,
V. Ronquete,
T.M.C. Coutinho,
K.O.V. Clemente,
A. G. Limoeiro,
M.F.V. Marceliano-Alves https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0193
Abstract
Forensic dentistry is essential in human identification, especially in mass disasters, criminal investigations, and unidentified remains. This qualitative and descriptive literature review examines advancements in forensic dentistry from 2010 to 2025, focusing on emerging technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital methods, including virtual autopsy (virtopsy). Key innovations discussed are digital radiography, cone-beam computed tomography, AI-driven image analysis for dental record matching, and non-invasive virtopsy for postmortem examination. These tools enhance precision, efficiency, and automation in identifying human remains. Artificial intelligence contributes significantly by improving pattern recognition and predictive modeling, though challenges persist, including ethical concerns, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and legal integration. The study underscores that, while these technologies elevate forensic practices, their success depends on interdisciplinary collaboration and standardized protocols. Combining innovation with traditional methods ensures reliability and offers a transformative future for forensic dentistry.
About the Authors
D. S. Barros
Maurício de Nassau University Centre (UNINASSAU)
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Daiana dos Santos Barros
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
M. J. Cunha
Iguaçu University
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Mariane Jordão da Cunha – Postgraduate Program in Dentistry
Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
V. Ronquete
Iguaçu University; Santo Amaro University
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Vivian Ronquete – Postgraduate Program in Dentistry
Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil; Santo Amaro, Brazil
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
T.M.C. Coutinho
Iguaçu University
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Thais Machado de Carvalho Coutinho – Dentist, PhD, Lecturer in the Department of Dentistry; Postgraduate Program in Dentistry
Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
K.O.V. Clemente
UNILAGOS University
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Karoline de Oliveira Vieira Clemente
Araruama, Brazil
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
A. G. Limoeiro
University of São Paulo
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Ana Grasiela Limoeiro – Associated Researcher, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry
Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
M.F.V. Marceliano-Alves
Maurício de Nassau University Centre (UNINASSAU); Iguaçu University; Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
Brazil
Competing Interests:
Brazil
Marilia Fagury Videira Marceliano-Alves – Maurício de Nassau University Centre (UNINASSAU), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Iguaçu University, Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil; Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune-411018, India
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
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Review
For citations:
Barros D.S., Cunha M.J., Ronquete V., Coutinho T., Clemente K., Limoeiro A.G., Marceliano-Alves M. Advances in forensic dentistry: the role of technology in human identification. Endodontics Today. 2026;24(2):367-374. https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0193
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