Role of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Forensic Odontology

Abstract

Evidence in civil or criminal matiers is frequently requested from dentists despite their diverse fields of specialtioes. The
importance of every super specialty in dentistry is well-known in the context of Forensic Odontology. Oral & Maxillofacial
surgeons are highly skillful in head & neck anatomy, trauma & surgical procedures. Also, they are extremely knowledgeable
about their field when called upon to provide testimony as part of forensic evidence in typical situations such as disability
evaluation following oral or maxillofacial trauma. in situations of suspected carelessness, for feedback on the practices used
by other medical professionals, and many more. This paper aims to highlight the areas of forensic dentistry in which oral &
maxillofacial surgeons can be of utmost importance in Forensic Odontology and also provides a brief methodology of oral
autopsy in medicolegal cases.