Forensic odontology in pediatric dentistry

A pediatric dentist plays an important role in bite marks analysis, injuries, and child abuse. Pedodontist is concerned with the proper management, examination, evaluation and preservation of child dental evidence in criminal or civil legal proceedings in the interest of justice. Dental records of pediatric patient should be retained until the patient reaches the age of maturity. In case of adults, the record should be kept for 7-10 years.Dental records includes various clinical tests, laboratory tests, study casts, prosthesis,photographs, and radiographs.Pedodontists have the responsibility to understand the forensic implication associated with their practice. As pediatric dentistry is a specialty which constantly deals with a child, it plays an important role in child abuse and neglect.