When Dental Records Matter Beyond the Clinic
Why Poor Documentation Could Undermine Forensic Investigations in Pakistan
Introduction: Dentistry at the Crossroads of Healthcare and Justice
Dental records are often seen as routine paperwork necessary for treatment, but rarely considered beyond the clinic. However, in forensic science, these records can play a decisive role in identifying individuals, estimating age, detecting abuse, and supporting legal investigations. A recent study published in BMC Oral Health sheds light on how dental record-keeping practices and awareness of forensic odontology among Pakistani dentists may be falling short of their potential.
The Bigger Picture: Why Forensic Odontology Matters
Forensic odontology is a specialized field that uses dental evidence for human identification and legal purposes. Teeth are remarkably resilient to fire, trauma, and decomposition, making dental records especially valuable in mass disasters, criminal investigations, and cases where visual identification is impossible. Despite its global relevance, forensic odontology remains underdeveloped in Pakistan, largely due to limited awareness, lack of standardized protocols, and the absence of a centralized dental data repository.
What the Researchers Did
The researchers conducted a mixed-method study between January and March 2023 at Hamdard Dental College, Pakistan.
Quantitative phase:
A structured questionnaire was distributed to 463 dentists across Pakistan, with 413 responses received (an 86% response rate). The survey explored how dentists maintain records and how familiar they are with forensic odontology concepts.
Qualitative phase:
In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 selected dentists to better understand perceptions, challenges, and possible solutions related to record-keeping and forensic practice.
By combining numerical data with personal insights, the study aimed to paint a realistic picture of everyday dental documentation practices.
What They Found: Records Exist, but Gaps Remain
The study revealed that all participating dentists maintained some form of dental records, yet the quality, completeness, and duration of record retention varied widely.
Key findings include:
Many dentists retained records for less than two years, often due to storage limitations or workload.
Nearly half used a mix of manual and digital systems, while fully computerized record-keeping remained limited.
Awareness of forensic odontology existed in theory, but practical application was weak, particularly in areas such as age estimation using biochemical or DNA-based methods.
Although most dentists recognized signs of child abuse, only a minority felt confident handling such cases from a medico-legal perspective.
Qualitative interviews highlighted recurring themes such as time constraints, lack of formal training, and the absence of legal obligations to maintain long-term dental records.
Why This Matters: Missed Opportunities in Justice and Disaster Response
Poor or inconsistent dental records do not just affect clinical care they can directly impact the justice system. In countries like Pakistan, where fingerprint or DNA databases may be incomplete, dental records could provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative for identifying victims of disasters or crimes. Without standardized documentation and proper training, this potential remains largely untapped.
The study also points out that forensic odontology is not taught as a standalone subject in most Pakistani dental schools, receiving minimal coverage in the curriculum. This educational gap further limits dentists’ engagement with forensic applications.
The Way Forward: From Awareness to Action
The authors emphasize that improving dental record-keeping requires more than individual effort. Key recommendations include:
Introducing standardized national guidelines for dental records
Expanding training and workshops on forensic odontology
Encouraging digital record systems with adequate cybersecurity
Strengthening regulatory and legal frameworks to ensure compliance
Developing a national dental data repository to support healthcare, legal, and disaster management needs
Conclusion: Small Records, Big Impact
This study highlights a crucial paradox: while dentists in Pakistan understand the importance of dental records, current practices remain inconsistent and under-optimized. Strengthening record-keeping and forensic awareness could transform everyday dental files into powerful tools for justice and public safety. With proper training, regulation, and digital infrastructure, dentistry could play a far greater role beyond the dental chair.
Original Article Reference
Baqai HS, Zaidi SJA, Baig QA, Bashir MB, Anwar M, Ansari AS.
Maintenance of dental records and awareness of forensic odontology among Pakistani dentists: a mixed-method study with implications for dental data repository.
BMC Oral Health. 2023;23:783.
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03500-2