Reliability of lip prints in personal identification: An inter-racial pilot study

CONTEXT: Forensic science is a branch of science that deals with the application of science and technology in solving a crime and this requires a multidisciplinary team effort. The word “Forensic” is derived from the Latin word, “Forensis” which means the study of public. Dental professionals should develop interests in contributing to legal issues. AIMS: To study the lip prints among people of different races. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Descriptive study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The present study comprised of ninety subjects of which Group A comprised of Africans, Group B comprised of Dravidian, and Group C of Mongoloid race. Each group was then further divided into 15 males and 15 females for whom the lip prints were recorded and evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA test. RESULTS: ANOVA statistical analysis was used to compare three races of African, Dravidian, and Mongoloid races. The observed data among male and female were found to be significant with a P = 0.000492. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a significant difference in lip pattern among the three races. Perhaps future studies with a larger sample size and comparison between many other races may be done for better personal identification.