Resumo

ARAUJO, Laís Gomes de et al. Human identification of victims of mass disasters: the importance and role of Forensic Dentistry. RFO UPF [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.2, pp. 224-229. ISSN 1413-4012.

Human identification is one of the main activities developed by Forensic Dentistry. Mass disasters are accidents either natural or directly caused by human action or influence, which usually result in a high death toll. Bodies are often charred, fragmented, destroyed, or in advanced decomposition, which complicates the process of identifying the victims. Dental methods are commonly used in these cases due to the high resistance of the teeth. Hence, they are frequently the only source that may determine the identity of an individual. Objective: to analyze through the review of different cases in literature, the importance of Forensic Dentistry in the process of human identification in mass disasters, as well as the role of the forensic dentist. Materials and methods: a literature survey was performed from scientific papers describing real cases in which the dental method for human identification was performed and its applicability was analyzed, to verify its advantages, limitations, and efficiency. Results: it was found that Dentistry has a significant contribution to the identification of victims in events of multiple fatalities. The dental method was often the only possible method of human identification in cases with either too many fatal victims or situations where the bodies were too compromised for analysis. Final considerations: Forensic Dentistry plays an important role in the process of human identification of victims of mass disasters because teeth have features that allow the identification process of an individual, and sometimes it is the only material capable of analysis.

Palavras-chave : Mass disasters.; Human identification.; Forensic dentistry..