Dental radiology considerations in DVI incidents: A review

Abstract

Multiple fatality incidents frequently have a significant forensic dental identification component. The use of radiographs, that provide objective evidence of the dentition prior to and after death is a vital part of the reconciliation procedure. Although these events share some common elements, every multiple fatality incident response has its own idiosyncrasies that require both flexibility and advance planning. The focus, from a post mortem perspective, is the making of excellent, permanent, and archival-quality images. The post mortem plan should have a capability for conventional film-based and digital imaging. Additionally, images should be produced in a radiobiologically responsible manner using optimum body-substance precautions. Finally, images (both ante mortem and post mortem) must be held in a secure fashion at a distance, protected from further hazard.