Primary teeth as DNA reference sample in disaster victim identification (DVI)

Abstract The identification of disaster victims through the use of DNA analysis is an integral part of DVI response, regardless of the scale and nature of the disaster. DNA analysis is performed to assist in the identification of victims through kinship (familial matching to relatives) or direct (self source sample) matching of DNA profiles. The exfoliated primary teeth can be an alternative self-sample used as an antemortem record for direct matching in DVI context. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the possibility of DNA extraction in primary teeth with probative value for identification, despite being stored for long periods of time (until 18 years).