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New research using the structure of teeth could help forensic investigators identify bodies when traditional methods fall short.

In just a few years, forensic odontology at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has grown from strength to strength, with research outcomes making a difference across dentistry and various other sectors.

Forensic odontology is the study of identifying human remains from dental records and material.

Contributing to UWC’s academic growth in this field is the groundbreaking research undertaken by postgraduate researcher Dr Krishka Ramchuran.

Her work is being conducted in the Department of Craniofacial Biology, Pathology, and Radiology, managed by Prof Manogari Chetty, with Dr Susan Chandler providing dedicated leadership and supervision, and additionally co-supervised by Dr Amanda Alblas.

The study explores the use of odontometric measurements to estimate the height of deceased individuals in the Western Cape population, offering a valuable tool for forensic identification in contexts where traditional methods, such as long bone analysis, are not possible.

Dr Krishka Ramchuran measuring intercanine distance, using a digital calliper (model of a mandible). Image supplied.

This research was presented at UWC Dentistry Research Day 2025 under the title, The use of odontometric measurements to determine the estimated height of deceased individuals from the Western Cape population.

Dr Ramchuran illustrated how forensic odontology could directly address the challenges of identification in mass disasters or cases involving severely decomposed remains. By demonstrating that teeth, amongst the most durable anatomical structures, could provide critical information for stature estimation, she investigated whether odontometric measurements - specifically the distances between canines, premolars, and molars - could be used to estimate stature when other skeletal data was unavailable.

The research was conducted using the Kirsten Skeletal Collection at the Biomedical Research Institute at Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg campus. This collection includes a diverse sample of South African individuals, making it ideal for developing population-specific forensic tools. A total of 70 males and 34 females were included in the study, with strict inclusion criteria to ensure accurate dental measurements.

Using digital callipers and osteometric boards, Dr Ramchuran recorded intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar distances from both the mandible and maxilla, alongside femur lengths to establish stature baselines. Statistical analysis revealed moderate positive correlations between mandibular measurements and stature, with the strongest association found in molar-to-molar distances.

Reflecting on her research's significance in forensic identification, Ramchuran said: "Forensic Odontology is not just about teeth; it is about giving identity to the unknown, truth to the courts, and closure to families. As a master's student, I see each case as an opportunity to bridge science with humanity."

Professor Chetty contextualised the broader impact of this work: "Our work in craniofacial biology and pathology is not only about diagnosing disease, but about building Africa's next generation of clinician-dentist-scientists who will translate patient needs into transformative research and care."

Whilst the predictive power was modest in this research output, the findings demonstrated that dental measurements could serve as valuable supporting evidence in forensic cases. This proves particularly relevant in South Africa, where high crime rates and limited access to dental records pose challenges for forensic pathology services.

Dr Ramchuran's work highlights the societal impact of forensic odontology, advancing not only scientific practice in South Africa but also offering a model with relevance across Sub-Saharan Africa, where resource constraints often limit access to conventional forensic technologies. Such projects underscore how UWC's forensic odontology programme, enriched with modern technologies, national and international collaborations, and strong leadership, is making a tangible difference in strengthening forensic sciences for African societies.

@uwconline Forensic odontology at UWC is bridging science and humanity. Dr Krishka Ramchuran’s research uses teeth to aid identification, giving closure to families and supporting justice. #IAmUWC ? VLOG Dramatic Calming BGM(1390605) - SKUNK