Artificial Intelligence Assisted Forensic Dentistry: Conceptual Framework, Applications, and Forensic–Legal Implications

Forensic dentistry plays a pivotal role in human identification, age estimation, sex determination, and disaster victim identification. Conventional forensic odontological methods, although well established, are limited by subjectivity, inter-observer variability, and the increasing demand for rapid analysis of large and complex datasets. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning and deep learning, offers a transformative approach by enabling automated pattern recognition, objective decision support, and high-throughput data processing. This concept paper explores the integration of AI into forensic dentistry by outlining its theoretical foundations, current and emerging applications, advantages, limitations, ethical concerns, and legal admissibility. A conceptual framework is proposed in which AI functions as an assistive expert-support system rather than a replacement for forensic odontologists. Emphasis is placed on explainability, population specificity, and forensic validity to ensure the responsible and legally defensible adoption of AI within judicial systems.