The role of forensic odontology in mass disaster victim identification

Mass disasters, whether natural, man-made, or a combination of these, often result in numerous fatalities and present complex challenges in victim identification. Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is a structured, multidisciplinary process that aims to recover, identify, and repatriate deceased individuals. Globally accepted standards, such as the INTERPOL DVI guidelines, form the foundation of modern DVI operations and are actively applied across the Nordic countries. Key identification methods include dental records, DNA analysis, and fingerprint comparison, with dental identification playing a vital role, especially when remains are fragmented or degraded. Effective DVI requires collaboration between police, forensic experts, and healthcare professionals. This paper outlines the organisation, protocols, and identification techniques used in mass fatality incidents, with a focus on the Nordic context. It also addresses current challenges, such as a loss of antemortem data, contaminated DNA and technological limitations, and emphasises the importance of preparedness, training, and high-quality dental record keeping. As future mass disasters are inevitable, the dental profession must remain ready to contribute to DVI efforts by ensuring accurate and accessible documentation and engaging in forensic odontology networks.