Forensic odontology in the search of dental evidence at the scene of events with incinerated victims: a scoping review.

Abstract

The scene of events involving incinerated victims presents significant challenges for forensic teams. Dental evidence has been reported as highly valuable to the identification process. However, given its commingling with debris and its fragility in these contexts, the participation of a forensic odontologist (FO) at the scene has been recommended to enhance the identification, recovery, conservation, and transport of this evidence. We present a scoping review of case reports in which the FOs have actively participated at the scene, facilitating or enhancing the identification of human remains in these contexts. The leadership of Norway and Australia has demonstrated that the inclusion of FOs has been deemed crucial to prevent the loss of dental evidence in this type of scene; however, it is essential that FOs possess the appropriate training and preparation for these tasks. The implementation of appropriate protocols, including wrapping and protection of the victim's head and the utilization of stabilization agents for the remains to ensure protected transport to the mortuary, has also been recommended. Nevertheless, these best practices do not appear to be widespread and are likely dependent on circumstances specific to each country; therefore, it has been suggested, at minimum, that first responders should be trained in these skills.