Forensic Odontology is a branch of Forensic sciences that uses the skill of the dentist in personal identification during mass calamities, sexual assault, and child abuse to name a few. This branch is no stranger to many as it has been growing tenfold in its potential and its ability to bring the forlorn to justice where dental remains are the only available evidence. Its role and importance in the judiciary are fast-growing and hence in-depth knowledge in this field seems more than justified. Various methods currently employed in forensic odontology for personal identification include comparing with antemortem dental charts, rugoscopy, denture labeling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite mark analysis, etc. Recently there is growing interest in the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are termed as tooth prints and the study of these prints is known as ameloglyphics. In this manuscript, we intend to systematically appraise and emphasis on the role of ameloglyphics in forensic odontology.

Just like fingerprints, bite marks, iris scanning, or snowflakes, there are no two teeth that are alike. Teeth are distinctive and only of one kind. Even identical twins do not have the same teeth. Since teeth are specific to every individual they are often used as an identifier. They are an outstanding source of DNA since they can stand up against conditions like humidity, temperature, and microbial action. Forensic Odontology is derived from a Latin word in which forensic means ‘to the forum' and Odontology means ‘the study of teeth and it involves the processing, review, evaluation, and presentation of dental evidence to contribute scientific and objective data in legal processes. Forensic dentists require knowledge encompassing some disciplines since the dental records obtained can identify an individual or afford the information needed by the authorities to establish neglect, fraud, or abuse. Keiser-Neilson defined forensic dentistry as “that branch of forensic dentistry that in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings.” Over time, the role of forensic dentistry has amplified, because teeth and dental restorations are often the only means of identification. Forensic odontology has played a key role in the identification of persons in mass disasters (aviation, earthquakes, Tsunamis), in criminal investigations, in ethnic studies, and in the identification of decomposed and disfigured bodies like that of drowned persons, fire victims, and victims of motor vehicle accidents. The various methods used in forensic dentistry embrace dental imprints, radiography, photographic studies, subcutaneous microscopy, liposcopy, and molecular methods. The investigative methods used in forensic dentistry are quite reliable, but they must be made up to make them more meaningful procedures. Recently there is growing interest in the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are termed tooth prints and the study of these prints is known as ameloglyphics.