What if teeth could tell a person’s story? That’s exactly what Dr. Jayasankar P. Pillai has achieved. Over five years, he traveled 37,000 km across 23 states, analyzing 2.23 lakh teeth to create India’s most comprehensive forensic dental morphology database.
Dr. Jayasankar P. Pillai is a pioneering dental researcher and faculty member at the Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, specializing in forensic odontology. His work, which earned him a PhD from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), bridges the gap between dental science and forensic investigations, helping identify victims in disasters and crimes with remarkable accuracy. Dr. Pillai’s research highlights how teeth encode genetic and regional ancestry, making him a trailblazer in the field of forensic dentistry in India.
Why It Matters
India has long lacked a systematic dental records system. In disasters or crime investigations, identification often relies on photos or incomplete records. Dr. Pillai’s work provides genetic and regional insights from teeth, helping authorities identify victims with greater accuracy.
- His method currently identifies gender from dental samples with 63% accuracy and regional origin with 36% accuracy—figures expected to improve with AI integration.
- Teeth show remarkable genetic patterns: from shovel-shaped incisors in the northeast to molars with multiple cusps in western India, reflecting ancestry encoded in enamel and dentine.
How It Works
Dr. Pillai analyzed each tooth across 15 parameters using global standards like the ASUDAS/Turner-Scott system. He discovered patterns linking Indian dental traits to Central Asian and Western European populations. Certain features, like the Cusp of Carabelli, previously associated with Caucasians, also appear in India.
Real-World Impact
This database isn’t just academic—it has practical forensic applications:
- Helps in disaster victim identification
- Supports crime investigations
- Serves as a reference for future forensic research
Dr. Pillai plans to expand the database further and make it available to agencies handling unidentified persons. His dedication highlights how dentistry can contribute far beyond clinics—into genetics, forensics, and public safety.
Analyzing thousands of teeth revealed that our genetic history is literally etched in enamel. Your teeth aren’t just tools for chewing—they’re a biological signature!
REFERANCE
Ahmedabad Dentist Creates India’s First Forensic Dental Database
