Why is dental information included in a missing person record?

Dental information is included in a missing person record primarily for matching purposes. This information can be crucial in the identification process, as dental records provide unique and specific data that can be cross-referenced with found remains or any other dental records that may be available. Dentists often create comprehensive records that include X-rays, specific dental work, and other identifiers that are not often found in other forms of identification. When a person is reported missing, having access to dental information allows law enforcement and investigative teams to quickly verify a match if remains are discovered, expediting the identification process and providing closure to families.

The inclusion of dental information is specifically targeted at identifying individuals, rather than assisting with clothing identification or addressing potential health concerns related to dental issues. Additionally, while legal documentation is important, the primary purpose of including dental records in missing person cases is the efficient and accurate identification of individuals.