Forensic odontology (FO) plays a crucial role in legal and humanitarian investigations, providing expert testimony and contributing to disaster victim identification (DVI). However, comprehensive global data on the demographics, distribution, and professional activities of forensic odontologists (FOs) remain limited. This pilot study aimed to explore the global landscape of FO by examining the demographic profiles, geographic distribution, professional engagement, and career trajectories of practitioners in the field. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a 26-item self-administered online questionnaire developed via Microsoft Forms. The survey, comprising both open-ended and multiple-choice questions, was disseminated globally to FOs and FO students through WhatsApp®, LinkedIn®, ResearchGate®, and professional associations' email lists. A total of 206 qualified FOs and students participated in the study. The results indicated that 40.3% of respondents practice in regions where FO is formally recognized as a specialty, with notable regional disparities. Although a significant proportion reported involvement in forensic casework, 27.7% expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support and professional recognition. One of the most pressing barriers identified was the absence of FO in undergraduate dental curricula and the limited availability of specialized training programs. The survey also underscored the diverse professional roles of FOs, including participation in court proceedings, mass disaster response, and forensic research. Key challenges reported by respondents included limited recognition of the field (21.8%), restricted career opportunities (18.4%), and inadequate access to training resources (13.1%). Additionally, specific technical challenges—such as bite mark analysis and dental age estimation—were highlighted as areas requiring further attention. This study offers valuable insights into the geographic distribution and professional scope of FOs, providing a foundation for future research with expanded outreach to ensure a more globally representative sample.

Harin Cheong, Akiko Kumagai, Sehyun Oh, Sang-Seob Lee. Anat Cell Biol 2023;56:474-81. https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.23.140

Objective to re-examine measures to prevent oral mucositis caused by drugs in head and neck cancer patients during cancer treatment by measuring salivary excretion of 5-fluorouracil. Saliva, blood, and urine were simultaneously collected from oral cancer patients and breast cancer patient at the point in time of before, during, and after the administration of 5-FU, then the 5-FU levels of the samples were quantitatively analysed using LC-MS/MS. In all patients, the 5-FU levels in saliva and serum peaked at 30 min to 3 h after the start of 5-FU treatment, and high levels were maintained throughout the administration of the drug. With regard to urinary 5-FU levels, they remained high from 3 to 120 h after the start of 5-FU treatment. After the completion of 5-FU treatment, even though it not appeared in the patients’ serum and urine promptly, 5-FU was detected in saliva at 12 h after the completion of 5-FU treatment in one oral cancer patient and at 48 h after the completion of 5-FU treatment in the breast cancer patient. It was suggested that the level of hydration after the completion of chemotherapy may be involved in the differences in 5-FU excretion.