Integration of forensic odontology services at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology “Doctor Sergio Sarita Valdez” (Dominican Republic): a report of procedures from 2000 to 2024

Abstract

Forensic odontology (FO) is grounded in a well-established historical framework, necessitating adherence to minimum standards to ensure quality on an international scale. Nonetheless, these standards frequently fail to account for the considerable variability in challenges, resources, and practices at the national or local levels. The Dominican Republic, the second-largest nation by area after Cuba in the Antilles and the second-largest by population after Haiti, has exhibited one of the highest economic growth rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, it also faces complexities and challenges due to population movement and rising crime rates. The enactment of new legislation and the establishment of institutions, such as the National Institute of Forensic Pathology “Doctor Sergio Sarita Valdez” (INPFSS), signify their contributions to the advancement and modernization of the Judiciary and Public Health through service, education, and forensic research. This article presents the work undertaken by the FO department during autopsies conducted at the INPFSS between 2000 and 2024, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement that the service has identified as challenges, striving to align with global standards while consistently considering local realities and resources. We assert that the FO procedures at the INPFSS are distinctive, at least within the Latin American context, as they genuinely contribute to illustrating not only current practices but also potential enhancements aimed at advancing Dominican forensic work in accordance with global standards.

KEYWORDS: Forensic service, Forensic odontology, Violent deaths, Natural deaths, Medico-legal autopsy, Dominican Republic