Sex determination using cheiloscopy and mandibular canine index as a tool in forensic dentistry

INTRODUCTION: Establishment of a person's individuality is important for legal as well as humanitarian purpose and gender determination is an essential step in identifying an individual. In forensic odontology the sum total of all the characteristics of teeth and their associated structures provide a unique totality and forms the basis for personal identification. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the accuracy of various methods employed in sex determination such as cheiloscopy and mandibular canine index (MCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprises adults between 20 and 25 years of age, who were assessed for gender identification using lip prints and MCI. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: MCI and lip prints were found to be accurate and specific for sex determination. CONCLUSION: There is scope for use of these methods in criminal investigations, personal identification, and genetic studies. Thus, dental tissues make good witnesses although they speak softly, they never lie and they never forget.