• FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

Virtopsy: a new developing science in forensic odontology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2022.9(3-4).art.6

Abstract

Background ‘Virtopsy’ is made up of two words ‘virtual’ and ‘autopsy’. ‘Virtual’ means digitally available, while ‘autopsy’ means examination of deceased to find out the cause of death.
Objective This review aims to provide an overall view about virtopsy in forensic odontology.
Data sources A narrative review was performed with a literature search in the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases.
Study selection Reference lists included full papers of any study design, published in peer-viewed English till June 2022.
Data extraction Current literature indicates various methods and applications of virtopsy in forensic odontology. Moreover, recent advances in forensic odontology are discussed.
Data synthesis Virtopsy is a virtual alternative to traditional autopsy. Conventional autopsy has its own pitfalls as it is an invasive procedure and not socially as well as emotionally accepted in certain religions. Virtual autopsy is a better adjunct for conventional autopsy. Virtual autopsy has its own advantages as digital storage of data can be done. Virtopsy used in forensic odontology is known as ‘Virdentopsy’. Various equipment and robotic science have also developed in this field of Virdentopsy.

Keywords

Dental autopsy; Forensic odontology; Human identification; Virdentopsy; Virtopsy