Odontology contributes which kinds of identifiers?

• A. Dental morphology
• B. Genetic markers from dental tissue
• C. Both dental morphology and genetic markers
• D. Radiographic age estimation

Answer: (C)

Odontology contributes two kinds of identifiers used for human identification: dental morphology and genetic markers from dental tissue. Dental morphology includes the unique shapes and features of teeth—their size, cusp patterns, wear, and the pattern of restorations or anomalies—which can be compared to ante-mortem records to confirm identity. Teeth also preserve DNA well, so genetic markers from dental tissue (such as pulp or dentin) can be analyzed to produce a DNA profile for identification, especially when other tissues are degraded. Radiographic age estimation is a useful forensic tool, but it provides an age range rather than a direct identifier, so it isn’t an identifying marker on its own.