New device for collecting intra-oral findings of unknown body.

In dental identification, the collection of intra-oral images is extremely important. We propose the Dental Watch(®) as a new device for collecting intra-oral findings in situations where sufficient jaw-opening or adequate lighting cannot be obtained in such cases of dead bodies within a day after death or burned bodies encountered in mass disaster. This device is an improved home video camera for taking intra-oral images. It is lightweight and cordless, allowing it to be operated with one hand, and an audio function allows comments to be made and recorded on obtaining findings at the same time as images are taken. In addition, this device allows images of the entire oral cavity to be taken comparatively easily, even when only a minimal degree of jaw movement is available. This device is extremely useful in situations where a single dentist inspector must obtain findings and make an accurate and detailed Dental Chart.