Identification: dental records: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Identification: dental records

Sample item

Why can dental records assist in identifying an unknown deceased person?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Dental restorations and anatomical features can be compared with antemortem records

Dental identification compares postmortem dentition, restorations, radiographs, and anatomical features with reliable antemortem records. It is especially useful when records are available and remains one part of a multidisciplinary identification process.

Option by option

  • A. Dental charts replace DNA testing in every case

    DNA may be needed in some cases and no single method fits every case.

  • B. Teeth always contain a person's name

    Teeth do not inherently contain names.

  • C. Only deciduous teeth are useful

    Permanent and deciduous teeth may both provide information.

  • D. Dental restorations and anatomical features can be compared with antemortem records (correct)

    Correct. Comparison with existing records can establish identity.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Dental restorations and anatomical features can be compared with antemortem records. Dental identification compares postmortem dentition, restorations, radiographs, and anatomical features with reliable antemortem records.

Why is "Dental charts replace DNA testing in every case" not the answer?

DNA may be needed in some cases and no single method fits every case.

Why is "Teeth always contain a person's name" not the answer?

Teeth do not inherently contain names.

Why is "Only deciduous teeth are useful" not the answer?

Permanent and deciduous teeth may both provide information.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: dental records in Forensic Medicine. It is especially useful when records are available and remains one part of a multidisciplinary identification process.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Identification: dental records?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.