Use of palatal rugae as a form of identification for forensic purposes in children

• Grant number: 24/03988-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Edgard Michel Crosato
• Grantee: Camila Alves de Faria
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02107-6 - The University of São Paulo twin panel: research on twins' behavior, health, and well-being, AP.TEM

Abstract

Alternative techniques to forensic identification by means of DNA have been widely investigated, especially in developing or underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study, in the last analysis, will be to verify whether the palatal rugae allow us to differentiate pairs of gems to be used for this forensic purpose. For this purpose, the palatal rugae of 300 pairs of gems included in the next section, within the P10 project, will be scanned. Objective: This study aims to verify the differences between palatal rugoscopy in gems. Methodology Thirty pairs of gems from a section of the Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP will be subjected to digital scanning of palatal rugae. The scan will be done, in each two gems, by a trained researcher and will be assembled in new form for subsequent analysis. Two independent and calibrated observers will carry out the classification of palatal rugae, using the classification of palatal rugae from Briñón. Next to the generation of an electronic bank with rugoscopic and demographic information tabulated and displayed in terms of absolute and relative values.