ABSTRACT
With regard to unidentified persons, it is the ME/C who requests records for identification. For the missing person, it is usually the law enforcement agency who requests records in order to enter them into the NCIC database for possible matching. It is important for the family of the missing person to submit these records as soon as possible, so that law enforcement will have these on file and they will not have to remind the family again whenever there is a possible identification. The original records may be returned to the dentist if requested by the dentist or by the family, after the dental identification is completed or, in the case of a criminal trial, adjudication has been made. It is usually advisable for the forensic odontologist or ME/C to retain these records indefinitely, especially in cases when the remains are still unidentified or if there is any indication that there will be a trial. In the event that the dentist refuses to deliver the records promptly, a subpoena would be served and any failure to obey would then result in a contempt of court citation (Appendix, Figure A.6).
