The Importance of Dental Records

It is not a pleasant thought to think about using dental records to identify a deceased person. But it is an important part of law enforcement. And without it the remains of some deceased would not be properly identified.

Right now the national average for collection of the dental records for missing persons by local and state law enforcement agencies is around 4%. Sadly, this means that many are not properly identified. And the families of those deceased never receive closure, and also in cases of foul play, can lead to murderers going free.

The FBI has certified 300 dentists in the US for processing and NCIC coding of dental records for law enforcement purposes. Dr. Jodi Danna is a cosmetic dentist in Plano, TX who is one of 10 dental volunteers in the Dallas area that are certified for this work. Dr. Danna offers this as free service to both law enforcement agencies and families of missing persons.

I know this is not something pleasant to think about. And hopefully something that never has to be dealt with in your life. But it is nice to know there are Dentists offering this important service to law enforcement agencies.