India’s Forensic Blind Spot: The Case for Forensic Odontology

It is not just about solving crimes; it is about restoring identity and dignity. AI generated image Imagine the heartache when someone you care about goes missing or is lost in a disaster. The uncertainty of their fate can be unbearable. In these moments, identifying a person is not just a scientific process; it's an act of dignity, compassion, and delivering justice. Interestingly, one of the most dependable tools for this task is found right inside our mouths: our teeth. Forensic...

min read

India’s Forensic Blind Spot: The Case for Forensic Odontology

It is not just about solving crimes; it is about restoring identity and dignity. AI generated image Imagine the heartache when someone you care about goes missing or is lost in a disaster. The uncertainty of their fate can be unbearable. In these moments, identifying a person is not just a scientific process; it's an act of dignity, compassion, and delivering justice. Interestingly, one of the most dependable tools for this task is found right inside our mouths: our teeth. Forensic odontology, or forensic dentistry, involves using teeth and dental records to identify individuals and support criminal investigations. While we typically think of dentists as caregivers for our oral health, forensic odontologists work hand in hand with police, forensic experts, and disaster response teams to establish identities and aid the justice system. Teeth, being the hardest parts of the human body, often withstand fires, explosions, natural disasters and advanced decomposition when other identifiers, like fingerprints or facial features, are destroyed. Just like fingerprints, each person's dental features, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and even missing teeth, are unique. Sometimes, a simple smiling photograph or an old dental X-ray can be the key to solving the puzzle of someone's identity. Forensic odontology plays a vital role in situations like air crashes, train accidents, building collapses, natural disasters, burnt or badly decomposed bodies, unidentified bodies and criminal cases. For children whose identities are unknown, developing teeth can help estimate their age. While adult teeth can assist in reconstructive identification of unidentified individuals and comparative identification when missing persons’ dental records are available. Scientific identification of bite marks can be crucial in criminal investigations. In cases of severely damaged bodies, DNA from teeth can survive and confirm a person’s identity. Globally, forensic odontology is one of the three primary methods for identifying disaster victims, along with fingerprint analysis and DNA profiling. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, and the United States have robust forensic odontology services that are integral to their disaster response and law enforcement systems. In India, this field still faces challenges. Although there are trained forensic odontologists, the speciality has not yet been fully woven into disaster management and medico-legal infrastructure. Dental record maintenance is inconsistent, and there are very limited opportunities for specialists in this domain. As disasters and complex investigations become more frequent, these gaps need urgent attention. The significance of forensic odontology has been recognised by the courts as well. The Supreme Court of India acknowledged its importance in the Mukesh & Others v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2017) case, calling it an “important and indispensable science” for legal matters. Properly examined dental evidence was accepted as valuable expert testimony in the administration of justice. Public awareness is important. Everyone can contribute by preserving dental records. Don’t throw away dental prescriptions or treatment summaries. Keep copies of dental X-rays, orthodontic records, and implant details, and store digital copies securely. Inform your family where these records are kept and update them after dental treatments. Something as ordinary as a dental record today could one day help identify you or a loved one with certainty. Remember this simple truth: Your teeth are like a permanent identity card inside your mouth. Every filling, crown, and implant tells a unique story that no one else shares. Forensic odontology isn’t just about solving crimes or identifying disaster victims. It restores identities, provides closure to grieving families, aids in legal and insurance matters, ensures dignified last rites, prevents mistaken identities, and strengthens the pursuit of justice. Official recognition of this speciality, standardised dental record maintenance, and its integration into disaster response systems are no longer optional but essential steps towards building a safer, more humane, and more resilient country. (Dr. Kumar is a former IPS officer and forensic consultant to Assam government. Dr. Somya Soin is forensic odontology professional. Views personal.)

Why Women Are Better Investors Than Men

Kaustubh Kale
Mar 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 10, 2025

As the world celebrated International Women's Day, discussions centered around women's achievements in various fields—business, leadership, science, and beyond. But one area where women consistently outperform men, yet receive little recognition, is investing.

Despite money management often being seen as a male-dominated field, women have quietly and consistently proven to be better investors than men. With patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset, women naturally possess qualities that make them superior money managers.

A Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Wealth

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes knowledge, while Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth—two essential pillars of investing. The ability to manage wealth wisely stems from a deep understanding of financial principles, and this is where women excel. They take the time to learn, analyze, and make informed investment decisions rather than rushing into trends or speculation.

Why Women Make Better Investors

Several traits make women stand out as investors:

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Unlike men, who may be more prone to impulsive trading and get-rich-quick schemes, women tend to have a longer term mindset. Their ability to stay calm, especially during market fluctuations, leads to better returns over time.

Disciplined and Goal-Based: Women prioritize consistent savings and goal-based investing. This disciplined approach helps them build wealth steadily. Women naturally excel at budgeting, planning, and structuring investments to align with future goals, whether it’s children’s education, home buying, or retirement security. Their emotional connection with goals is what makes them stick to discipline.

Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse: Contrary to the stereotype, women are not afraid of risks—they are just more calculated about them, through appropriate asset allocation. Eventually, this approach ensures maximum returns with minimal risks.

Trust and Willingness to Learn: Women value education and expertise, making them more likely to seek guidance from a well-qualified financial advisor. Unlike men, who often overestimate their investing abilities, women approach financial decisions with a willingness to learn. Once they find a trusted expert, they follow sound advice instead of making emotional, short-term moves.

Women Leading the Financial World

These qualities are why many of the world’s leading financial institutions are now led by women. In India and abroad, we see prominent banks, asset management companies, and investment firms thriving under female leadership. Their ability to combine strategic thinking with emotional intelligence makes them exceptional at managing money—both at a personal and professional level.

Final Thoughts

With their trust in expert advice and a strong focus on financial education, more women should embrace their strengths and take control of their financial futures!