LIMA, Hassan Lavalier de Oliveira    MEDEIROS, Urubatan Vieira de. Applicability of DNA in Forensic Dentistry. Odontol. Clín.-Cient. (Online) []. 2015, 14, 4, pp. 801-808. ISSN 1677-3888.

The use of DNA profile in forensic dentistry testing offers a new perspective on human identification, is considered one of the major developments in the molecular biology of the XXI century. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of DNA in forensic identification process in forensic dentistry since molecular biology is playing a role of great importance in the identification in more complex cases where biological traces are virtually nonexistent. DNA analysis bear some advantages over the conventional identification methods., The DNA from biological samples can be found in samples of blood, bones, semen , hair, teeth, nails , saliva, urine and other biological fluids. In cases where the bodies are in an advanced state of decomposition, charred or rotting, or even when identification can not be performed by traditional dental methods, teeth are the only elements that can be used to identify, for better resist than any human tissue for post mortem degradation, variations in pressure and temperature enabling the preservation of individual genetic identity. Thus the teeth and saliva are considered safe sources of obtaining DNA.

: Forensic DNA; human identification; Forensic Dentistry..