Procedures for the collection of dental records for personal identification

Abstract

Dental treatment records offer a valuable resource for establishing the identification of deceased persons by means of dental comparison as required for forensic purposes. The creation, maintenance, storage and custody of such records is a legal and ethical duty of each dental practitioner. Dentists in Australia are also bound by federal and state legislation to protect their patients' confidentiality at all times. They are also required by law to note and report evidence of child abuse observed in the course of their treatment.

When dental records are required for forensic purposes certain procedures should be followed for their release and collection. This paper discusses these procedures, and illustrates by reference to an actual case the possible consequences of deviating from established protocols.