Authors : Kriti Singh, Gaurav Jain, Pradyumna Misra, Amarnath Mishra
DOI : 10.4324/9781032720890-3
Volume : 1
Issue : 1
Year : 2025
Page No : 13-25
The established importance of Forensic Dentistry for human identification, particularly when there is limited evidence to perform such identification (e.g., in fires, explosions, decomposing bodies, or skeletonized bodies), has led dentists involved in forensic investigations to become more familiar with new molecular biology techniques. This chapter focuses on the methodologies and applications of DNA extraction from teeth in forensic odontology. The currently available DNA tests are highly reliable and are accepted as legal evidence in courts. Teeth are a valuable source of DNA in forensic investigations due to their durability and resistance to environmental factors, making them particularly useful for identifying individuals in cases where soft tissues are compromised. The chapter outlines the key steps involved in the extraction process, including sample preparation, DNA isolation, and purification techniques, while emphasizing the importance of minimizing contamination, as well as an overview of the evolution of this technology in recent years, emphasizing the importance of molecular biology in forensic science. The potential of DNA extraction from teeth in solving cold cases and disaster victim identification is also highlighted.