Forensic aspects of community dentistry.

Community Dentistry has developed as the dental profession's response to a social conscience, recognising the individual social and health needs and personal rights of each member of the community. In this context, forensic odontology is seen as providing that body of dental expertise necessary for the fulfillment of a number of social functions required by law, in both the civil and criminal arenas, with particular reference to the scientific identification of the dead, the investigation of bitemarks, the estimation of age and dental traumatology. The important role of dental records in these matters emphasises the social responsibility of each dentist to exercise great care in the documentation of his treatment procedures. This obligation also extends to the identification marking of dentures. The need for legislation in this area is discussed and the social responsibility of dental educators to include forensic odontology in the curricula of all dental schools, particularly in developing countries, is stressed. Research in forensic odontology should take into account the particular needs of each community in the light of their geographical, social and cultural backgrounds.