Comparative dental analysis
Human identification by forensic scientists can be done by three primary methods; friction ridge Analysis, DNA analysis and comparative dental analysis which is one of the roles of a forensic odontologist. It is the process of identification by a post-mortem dental examination of a deceased individual (or individuals) comparing these findings with the ante-mortem dental records, radiographs, study casts, etc. Believed to be those of the individual (or individuals) implicated assessing the concordance and/or discrepancy of the comparison of results. Teeth are resilient, and along with the highly specific and unique type, location and configuration  of restorations, might be the only features used for the identification of bodies found in burnt, decomposed, skeletonised, or macerated condition. Methodology. The appointed forensic odontologist notes down all dental findings in post-mortem intra-oral examination. It can also include taking dental radiographs and/or photographs wherever possible. Further, ante-mortem dental records are provided of the suspected missing person/persons by the police officer, that needs to be interpreted by the forensic odontologist. The records are maintained by the legal department and only the investigators are allowed access by the Coroner or Police Officer that need to be assessed  and interpreted by the forensic odontologist. The forensic odontologist then compares the post-mortem dental findings with those of the ante-mortem records and gives a conclusion on the established identification of the deceased or otherwise in the form of a dental report. This dental report can be further taken into evidence to either confirm identification or to present in court in criminal cases.