Dental identification using 3D printed teeth following a mass fatality incident. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biggs, Mike; Marsden, Phil
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic radiology and imaging. Volume 18(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 3
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Disaster victim identification -- Forensic odontology -- 3D printing; Forensic radiography -- Periodicals; Magnetic resonance imaging -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging; Forensic radiography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2019.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4780

Abstract

Highlights: Forensic odontology remains at the forefront of the disaster victim identification (DVI) process following mass fatality incidents. Post-mortem CT scanning has become established as part of the DVI process, and the scan data can be used in a variety of ways including 3D printing. A case is presented where a 3D printed model of the dentition of a deceased individual enabled successful identification without resorting to disfiguring facial incisions in a charred body. Abstract: Following a mass fatality event there is a requirement to establish the identities of the deceased individuals as quickly as possible, but with sufficient certainty. Comparison of post-mortem dentition with ante-mortem records remains one of the most cost-effective methods of achieving this reliably and in a timely manner. The relatively recent introduction of post-mortem CT scanning into the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) environment has brought with it an abundance of additional detailed information that can be used in a variety of novel ways. Here we present a case where 3D printing was used to produce a model of a victim's dentition, enabling confident odontological identification without resorting to disfiguring incisions in a charred body. On-site access to a 3D printer of sufficient quality meant that there was no significant delay in the identification process, and the cost of consumables used to manufacture the model totalled less than £1.