The external human ear is considered to be highly variable among individuals. Hence, forensic applications could be explored for human identification. This research compares the usefulness of Cameriere's ear identification method, in samples originating from six different countries (Brazil, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Turkey) in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. A sample of 2,225 photographs of the external human ear (1,134 left and 1,091 right ears) from 1,411 individuals (633 females and 778 males) was collected. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders and without any craniofacial trauma, maxillofacial abnormalities, auricular anomalies, ear diseases or previous auricular surgery. Cameriere's ear identification method was applied and measurements were performed on the images of each ear, considering four anatomic regions: helix, antihelix, concha, and lobe. The quantified measurement values were converted into a proposed coded number system. A search for identical codes was accomplished to find out the distinctiveness of the morphology of the human ear. The combined codes of left and right ears of each of the 814 subjects were not repeated in this multi-ethnic study sample. Dirichlet's distribution and the inherent study equation showed that the probability of two different individuals having the same code (false-positive identification) was found to be <0.0007. Because of the distinctive metrics of the ratios of external human ears, studies with Cameriere's ear identification method may be valuable for human identification. Studying the differences between the left and right ears of the same individual and across different ethnic groups could contribute to the development of supplementary tools for human identification.

The effect of impaction on third molar development is disputable as the scientific literature is not uniform. In parallel, population-specific studies have been encouraged in dental age estimation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of impaction on third molar formation in a sample of Lebanese individuals. The sample consisted of 518 panoramic radiographs of females (n=229) and males (n=289) between 15 and 23.9 years. Mandibular third molars were classified based on their position as non-impacted and impacted (with horizontal, vertical, mesioangular, and distoangular impaction). Dental development was classified according to Demirjian's 8-level staging system. Most teeth presented mesioangular impaction (#38=29.7%, #48=33%). Developing third molars were predominantly distributed between stages D and G. The mean age of most developmental stages was higher among impacted teeth, meaning that third molar mineralization could be slower in the presence of impaction. In general, the delayed dental development did not have statistically significant effects (P12 months-suggesting a potential clinical significance (despite the lack of a statistical one). Furthermore, differences changed based on sex and side (#38/#48). Therefore, dental age estimation from third molars in the selected Lebanese population should preferably be performed in non-impacted third molars whenever available.

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.

The validity of third molar index (I_{3 M} = 0.08) for discriminating minors from adults was tested in a sample of 620 panoramic radiographs of Lebanese subjects (293 females and 327 males), aged between 14 and 23 years. The technical error of measurements (TEM), the relative technical error of measurements (rTEM), the coefficient of reliability (R) and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated for testing intra- and inter-observer agreement. The I_{3 M} values gradually decreased as age (years) increased across all the age groups in both sexes. For females, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 0.61 (95% CI: 0.53–0.69) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93–0.98), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for males were 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56–0.70) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83–0.93), respectively. The accuracy values (number of correct assessments) were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74–0.83) for females and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70–0.79) for males. Estimated post-test probabilities were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.91–0.99) for females and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83–0.94) for males. The I_{3 M} was a useful further indicator for discriminating between adults and minors in this Lebanese sample of adolescents and young adults.

Introduction: Forensic odontology (FO), an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of dentistry and legal investigations, has witnessed significant growth and evolution in theory and methodology since its inception. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze this evolution through...