Dental Post-mortem Computed Tomography for Disaster Victim Identification: A literature review

Abstract

Over the last decade, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has been increasingly adopted within the forensic setting. The three-dimensional (3D) capability and non-destructive approach of PMCT allows it to have several advantages over conventional x-rays, and as such it may be of potential use within forensic odontology for disaster victim identification (DVI). However, the implementation of dental PMCT can only have a real forensic benefit if its accuracy is comparable to that of conventional post-mortem (PM) dental radiographs; which is currently standard practice. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to evaluate if dental PMCT is as accurate as PM dental radiographs. A review of the current literature has shown the accuracy of dental PMCT to be comparable or similar to that of PM dental radiographs. As a result, there is a potential for dental PMCT to replace conventional PM dental radiographs in the DVI process of Mass Fatality Incidents (MFIs). However, further research is required to establish an international standard protocol for dental PMCT before it can be recognised as a new standard practice within the forensic setting.