A note on the experience in mass disaster identification

Dental specialists oriented to dental odontology play an important role in the detection of victims after disasters (natural, man-made, terrorism, bombings, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, air crashes, crime etc.). Recently happened mass natural disasters clearly stated that person identification is important not only from practical point of view but also how fast and with enough confidence this can be done. The aim of this work is to review the applications of forensic dentistry in the process of victim identification. The focus is on the extended use of forensic dental techniques leading to resulting positive impact on human identification. Dental identification of humans occurs for a number of different reasons and in a number of different situations. The common reasons for discussing identification are related to criminal, marriage, monetary (payment of pensions, life inssurance), burial (religion's requirements), social (human rights), closure (individuals missing for long time). In this overview, some of the traditional and upcoming techniques in this fascinating field are discussed. It is concluded that the management and identification problems following mass disaster can be solved fast and in adequate level only on the base of universal guidelines and codes. The role of the center and branches for emergency activity to assists local authorities to create action plans, conducting exercises etc. related to catastrophic incidents, whether terrorism or natural disaster is vital.