Forensic Dentistry

This retrospective validity study evaluates the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) in determining gender from mandibular morphometric linear measurements. The study utilizes pre-existing Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of adult Egyptian dental patients. After automatic segmentation of the mandible from these scans, a radiologist will manually perform measurements from certain anatomical points. These measurements will be the reference standard for the AI models. A three-dimensional deep learning model will be developed to perform two tasks: 1. To identify the anatomical points and make the specified linear measurements from these points on the segmented mandibles 2. To accurately predict gender based on these measurements. (Main Objective) The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of machine learning algorithms in gender identification from linear morphometric measurements of the mandible. The known gender from patient records will serve as the reference standard. This study will assess the reliability of AI as an objective tool for gender determination for forensic purposes.

This study aims to evaluate the reproducibility and repeatability of a standardized digital overlay protocol used in forensic odontology for bite mark analysis. Bite mark analysis methods have been increasingly questioned due to concerns about their scientific reliability. This study focuses on the methodological evaluation of an overlay generation protocol independently of biological trace interpretation. Thirty adult participants requiring routine dental care involving intraoral scanning will be included. A digital impression of the maxillary dentition will be obtained using a standard intraoral scanner, which is a non-invasive and routine clinical procedure. Digital dental models will be anonymized and processed using dedicated software to generate overlays. Four operators with different levels of expertise will independently perform the overlay procedure at two separate time points. The study will assess intra-operator repeatability and inter-operator reproducibility using quantitative 2D and 3D metrics. The objective is to determine the variability of the protocol and to contribute to the standardization and reliability of overlay-based analyses in forensic dentistry.