Principles of dental identification.

Identification of the deceased is an important standard of civilized society, and dental means are accurate and reliable to ensure a proper identification. Using a methodic approach through a preliminary evaluation, postmortem examination, antemortem investigation, and comparison, an experienced forensic dentist can develop all of the requisite information necessary to reach a conclusion regarding the identity. Although there are some questions regarding the way in which the conclusion is developed, dental identification has long been regarded as reliable and accurate. Forensic dentists face greater challenges for the future as the overall incidence of dental restorations decreases and there is increasing reliance on other dental features to ensure a proper identification.