Forensic odontology is also known as forensic dentistry and forensic dentists are involved in assisting agencies to identify human remains through the teeth. Italy's Dr Emilio Nuzzolese, forensic odontologist was in Mumbai, to talk at a symposium at the Indian Dental Association in Prabhadevi, opposite Siddhivinayak Temple, on the subject. He said, "The science is still not very well publicized, because it is highly technical. Yet, within the umbrella of humanitarian forensics like forensic pathology and forensic biology, it is forensic odontology that is the strongest." By strongest, Nuzzolese meant that at least 60 to 70 per cent of cases do get identified through forensic odontology which is a very high rate. It is also much cheaper compared to other more well-known methods like DNA matching and testing."

Dr Emilio Nuzzolese at the Indian Dental Association in Prabhadevi. Pic/Atul Kamble