ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Perception of forensic
Odontologists on the usefulness of palatal Rugoscopy in Ecuador
Percepción de peritos en Odontología
forense sobre la utilidad de la Rugoscopía palatina en Ecuador
Thalía Álvarez Centeno1. Ángela Gaibor
Durán2. Carlos Martínez Florencia3. Eva Mascaró Benites
4
1 Master’s degree in Forensic Medicine. Faculty member,
University of Guayaquil. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4979-1295
2 Specialist in Periodontics. Faculty member,
University of Guayaquil. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1686-8426
3 Master’s degree in Forensic Medicine. Faculty member, University
of Guayaquil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7492-341X
4 Master’s degree in Educational Technology and
Innovation. Faculty member, University of Guayaquil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6315-1920
Correspondence
to: thalia.alvarezc@ug.edu.ec
Received: 12/12/2025 Accepted:
10/02/2026
ABSTRACT
Human identification is a
fundamental process within forensic sciences, particularly in contexts where
traditional identification methods are limited or inconclusive. In this
framework, forensic odontology provides complementary techniques such as palatal
rugoscopy, which is based on the morphological analysis of palatal rugae due to
their individualizing characteristics and relative stability over time. The aim
of this study was to analyze the perception of forensic odontologists regarding
the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy as a method for human identification in
Ecuador. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The
population consisted of seven forensic odontologists, corresponding to the
entire identified universe, who completed a structured questionnaire using a
Likert-type scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including
absolute frequencies and percentages. The results revealed a predominantly
favorable perception of palatal rugoscopy, mainly recognized as a complementary
method in human identification processes, with agreement levels ranging from
71.4% to 100%. However, the experts also identified significant limitations,
such as the lack of technical regulations and standardized protocols, the
absence of antemortem records, and gaps in specialized training. It is concluded
that palatal rugoscopy has potential forensic value in the Ecuadorian context,
provided that standardized protocols, specialized training, and institutional
integration within the human identification system are strengthened.
Keywords: Palatal
rugoscopy. Forensic odontology. Human identification.
Forensic experts.
RESUMEN
La
identificación humana constituye un proceso esencial en las ciencias forenses,
particularmente en contextos donde los métodos tradicionales resultan
limitados. En este marco, la odontología forense aporta técnicas
complementarias como la rugoscopía palatina, basada en el análisis morfológico
de las rugas palatinas por su carácter individualizante y relativa estabilidad.
El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la percepción de peritos en
odontología forense sobre la utilidad de la rugoscopía palatina como método de
identificación humana en Ecuador. Se desarrolló una investigación de enfoque
cuantitativo, con diseño descriptivo y corte transversal. La población estuvo
conformada por siete peritos odontológicos forenses, correspondientes al total
del universo identificado, a quienes se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado con
escala tipo Likert. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística
descriptiva, utilizando frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Los resultados
evidenciaron una percepción mayoritariamente favorable hacia la utilidad de la
rugoscopía palatina, reconocida principalmente como método complementario en
procesos de identificación humana, con niveles de acuerdo entre el 71,4 % y el
100 %. No obstante, los peritos identificaron limitaciones relevantes, como la
ausencia de normativas y protocolos técnicos, la falta de registros antemortem
y brechas en formación especializada. Se concluye que la rugoscopía palatina
posee un valor forense potencial en el contexto ecuatoriano, condicionado a la
implementación de protocolos estandarizados, fortalecimiento de la capacitación
profesional e integración institucional dentro del sistema de identificación
humana.
Palabras
clave: Rugoscopía palatina. Odontología forense. Identificación humana. Peritos
forenses.
INTRODUCTION
Human identification
constitutes one of the fundamental processes within the field of forensic
sciences, as it allows the establishment of the identity of individuals
involved in judicial, criminal, humanitarian, and administrative contexts. This
process becomes particularly relevant in situations of violent death, mass
disasters, irregular migration, armed conflicts, or events in which human
remains exhibit high degrees of deterioration, fragmentation, or alteration. In
such scenarios, traditional identification methods, such as fingerprint
analysis and DNA testing, although still considered reference standards, are
not always applicable due to the absence of viable tissues, the lack of
comparative records, or the logistical and economic limitations inherent to
certain national contexts (1)(2).
Within this framework,
forensic odontology has become a strategic discipline within the human
identification system, providing methods based on the resistance of oral and
maxillofacial structures, as well as on the individuality of their anatomical
characteristics. Odontological analysis allows for
the identification of both living and deceased individuals, even under extreme
conditions such as carbonization, advanced decomposition, or severe trauma.
Among the techniques employed are the analysis of dental records, odontometry, cheiloscopy, and
palatal rugoscopy, the latter being recognized for the unique morphological
characteristics of palatal rugae (3).
Palatal rugoscopy is based
on the study of palatal rugae, which are transverse mucosal folds located in
the anterior region of the hard palate, whose shape, arrangement, and pattern
exhibit individual variations comparable to an “anatomical fingerprint.”
Numerous studies have demonstrated that these structures develop early in life,
maintain relative stability over time, and are anatomically protected from
external factors, which confers them significant potential for human
identification (4)(5). These characteristics have motivated their
inclusion as a complementary method in human identification, particularly when
other procedures cannot be applied effectively.
Nevertheless, despite the
scientific evidence supporting its anatomical foundations, the application of
palatal rugoscopy in forensic practice remains limited and heterogeneous,
particularly in Latin American countries. Recent literature indicates that its
use faces multiple challenges, including the absence of standardized protocols,
limited availability of antemortem records, variability in classification
methods, and insufficient specialized training among forensic professionals (6)(7).
These difficulties have generated debate regarding its reliability,
reproducibility, and evidentiary value within judicial systems.
In the Ecuadorian context,
this issue is further exacerbated by the lack of specific regulations governing
the use of complementary odontological techniques in
human identification processes, as well as by the absence of systematized
databases that include palatal records. Although forensic odontology is part of
the expert system, the use of methods such as palatal rugoscopy largely depends
on professional judgment, the individual experience of the expert, and the
specific conditions of each case. This situation highlights a gap between the
theoretical development of the method and its practical implementation within
the national forensic system.
Within this scenario, the
perception of forensic odontologists plays a central role in understanding the
actual usefulness of palatal rugoscopy. Professional perception not only
reflects the degree of acceptance or skepticism toward a given technique, but
also integrates accumulated experience, technical knowledge, operational
limitations, and the demands of the legal context in which expert practice is
carried out (8). Analyzing these perceptions makes it possible to
identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, providing
relevant information for institutional decision-making, the planning of
training programs, and the design of technical protocols.
Several recent studies have
emphasized the need to incorporate expert opinion–based approaches to assess
the applicability of emerging or complementary forensic methods, particularly
in contexts where empirical evidence remains limited (9)(2). From
this perspective, exploring the perception of forensic odontological
experts in Ecuador regarding the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy represents a
relevant contribution to the field of forensic odontology, as it provides
contextualized evidence that may contribute to strengthening human
identification processes and consolidating this technique within expert
practice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A quantitative study with a
descriptive, cross-sectional design was conducted to analyze the perception of
forensic dentistry experts regarding the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy as a
method of human identification in the Ecuadorian context. The quantitative
approach allowed for the systematic description of participants’ opinions
through the measurement of perceptual variables, while the descriptive design
was appropriate for characterizing trends, levels of agreement, and
professional criteria without establishing causal relationships (10).
The study population
consisted of seven (7) forensic odontologists accredited by the Council of the
Judiciary who perform expert forensic functions in Ecuador and had direct
experience in human identification processes. Given that the number of
identified experts was limited and that access to the entire group was
available, the study followed a census approach. Applying the data collection
instrument to 100% of the population, without resorting to sampling procedures.
The unit of analysis was each participating in forensic odontologist. The
census nature of the study allowed for the comprehensive collection of
perceptions from all individuals comprising the target population, eliminating
sampling error and strengthening the internal validity of the results within
the specific context analyzed.
The technique employed was
a survey, selected for its usefulness in exploring perceptions, attitudes, and
professional assessments in descriptive studies. The instrument consisted of a
structured questionnaire specifically designed for the study, composed of
closed-ended questions organized using a five-point Likert-type scale (strongly
agree, somewhat agree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat disagree, and
strongly disagree), as well as questions related to professional
characterization.
The questionnaire addressed
dimensions related to academic training and forensic experience; perception of
the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy; applicability of the method in human
identification processes; technical, regulatory, and operational limitations;
and recommendations for strengthening its use in the Ecuadorian context. The
use of Likert scales is appropriate for capturing gradients of perception and
has been widely validated in research on expert judgment and professional
evaluation in forensic and health sciences (11).
Data collection was carried
out at a single point in time using Google Forms. The questionnaire was
administered individually to each expert, ensuring homogeneous application
conditions. Prior to participation, the objective of the study and its academic
nature were explained to all participants. Participation was voluntary, and no
financial incentives were offered. Once the surveys were collected, the
information was reviewed to verify completeness and coherence, after which
responses were coded for subsequent analysis. The data obtained was processed
using descriptive statistics, including absolute frequencies and percentages.
Given that the size of the study population was seven participants, each
response represented an approximate percentage value of 14.3%. The results were
organized and presented in tables in accordance with the article’s formatting
standards, to facilitate interpretation and analysis.
No inferential statistical
tests were applied, as the objective of the study was not statistical
generalization, but rather the description of the professional perceptions of
all included experts, in accordance with the census design of the study. The
study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of research in
the health and social sciences. Confidentiality of the information, anonymity
of the participants, and the exclusive use of the data for academic and
scientific purposes were guaranteed. In addition, informed consent was obtained
from all experts prior to the application of the instrument, ensuring their
right to participate freely and voluntarily, in accordance with international
ethical recommendations for research involving human subjects (12).
RESULTS
The results are presented
through descriptive statistical analysis, considering absolute frequencies and
percentages corresponding to the total study population (n = 7). The
professional characteristics of the experts, their perception of the usefulness
of palatal rugoscopy, the identified limitations, and the recommendations for
strengthening its use in the Ecuadorian forensic context are described.
Table 1.
Sociodemographic and professional characterization of the experts
|
Variable |
Category |
n |
% |
|
Years of
forensic experience |
0–2 years |
2 |
28.6 |
|
6–10 years |
3 |
42.9 |
|
|
More than 10
years |
2 |
28.6 |
|
|
Academic
background |
Specialization |
1 |
14.3 |
|
Master’s
degree |
4 |
57.1 |
|
|
No forensic
postgraduate training |
2 |
28.6 |
Source: Surveys
administered to forensic dentistry experts. Ecuador, 2025. Authors’
elaboration.
The study population
consisted of seven (7) forensic odontologists accredited by the Council of the
Judiciary, representing 100% of the identified population; therefore, the
results reflect the entirety of the perceptions of the analyzed group.
Regarding years of forensic experience, 42.9% (n = 3) of participants reported
having between 6 and 10 years of experience, while 28.6% (n = 2) indicated more
than 10 years of professional practice. The remaining 28.6% (n = 2) reported
having 0 to 2 years of experience. This distribution demonstrates the
participation of experts with consolidated professional trajectories as well as
others in the initial stages of forensic practice (Table 1). With respect to
academic background, 57.1% (n = 4) of the experts reported holding a master’s
degree in areas related to forensic odontology or allied sciences, 14.3% (n =
1) indicated having a specialization, while 28.6% (n = 2) reported not having
specific postgraduate training in the forensic field. These results reflect a
predominance of advanced academic training, although relevant academic gaps
within the group are also evident (Table 1).
Table 2.
Perception of the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy as a method of human
identification
|
Evaluated
item |
Strongly
agree |
Somewhat
agree |
Neither
agree nor disagree |
Somewhat
disagree |
Strongly
disagree |
|
Palatal
rugoscopy is useful for human identification |
5 (71.4%) |
2 (28.6%) |
0 (0.0%) |
0 (0.0%) |
0 (0.0%) |
Source: Surveys
administered to forensic dentistry experts. Ecuador, 2025. Authors’
elaboration.
Regarding the usefulness of
palatal rugoscopy as a method of human identification, 71.4% (n = 5) of the
experts reported being strongly in agreement with its usefulness in the
forensic field, while 28.6% (n = 2) indicated being somewhat in agreement. No responses
were recorded in the neutral or disagreement categories. These findings
demonstrate a positive and homogeneous trend in the experts’ assessment of the
method. When analyzing the perception of palatal rugoscopy as a complementary
method in cases where other identification procedures are not viable, 85.7% (n
= 6) expressed being strongly in agreement, while 14.3% (n = 1) fell into the
somewhat in agreement category. The absence of negative responses reinforces
the favorable perception of the method as an auxiliary resource within the
forensic odontological techniques arsenal (Table 2).
Table 3.
Perception of palatal rugoscopy as a complementary method of identification
|
Evaluated
item |
Strongly
agree |
Somewhat
agree |
Neither
agree nor disagree |
Somewhat
disagree |
Strongly
disagree |
|
Palatal
rugoscopy is useful as a complementary method when other methods are not
viable |
6 (85.7%) |
1 (14.3%) |
0 (0.0%) |
0 (0.0%) |
0 (0.0%) |
Source: Surveys
administered to forensic dentistry experts. Ecuador, 2025. Authors’
elaboration.
Regarding the limitations
for the application of palatal rugoscopy in Ecuador, 100% (n = 7) of the
experts agreed in identifying the absence of official regulations and
standardized protocols as one of the main barriers to its systematic
implementation. Likewise, 85.7% (n = 6) identified the lack of antemortem
records and palatal databases as a significant obstacle to its practical use in
human identification processes. Additionally,
71.4% (n = 5) of participants indicated that there is limited technical
knowledge and specialized training in the technique within the forensic system,
while 57.1% (n = 4) pointed to insufficient institutional integration among the
entities responsible for human identification as a factor restricting its
application. These findings indicate that the main perceived limitations are
related to structural and organizational factors rather than to inherent
deficiencies of the method itself (Table 3).
Table 4.
Perceived limitations for the application of palatal rugoscopy in Ecuador
|
Identified
limitations |
n |
% |
|
Absence of
official regulations and standardized protocols |
7 |
100.0 |
|
Lack of antemortem
records and databases |
6 |
85.7 |
|
Limited
specialized technical training |
5 |
71.4 |
|
Insufficient
institutional integration |
4 |
57.1 |
Source: Surveys
administered to forensic dentistry experts. Ecuador, 2025. Authors’
elaboration.
Regarding the actions
necessary to strengthen the use of palatal rugoscopy, 100% (n = 7) of the
experts stated that they strongly agreed with the need to establish
standardized technical protocols at the national level. Likewise, 85.7% (n = 6)
considered it a priority to strengthen academic training and continuous
professional development of experts in this technique. Additionally, 71.4% (n =
5) is recommended incorporating palatal rugoscopy into institutional human
identification procedures, while 57.1% (n = 4) emphasized the importance of
promoting research lines and developing palatal databases as key strategies for
its consolidation within the Ecuadorian forensic context. Table 4.
Table 5.
Recommendations to strengthen the use of palatal rugoscopy in the Ecuadorian
forensic context
|
Proposed
recommendations |
n |
% |
|
Establish
standardized technical protocols |
7 |
100.0 |
|
Strengthen
specialized education and training |
6 |
85.7 |
|
Incorporate
the technique into institutional procedures |
5 |
71.4 |
|
Develop
palatal databases and applied research |
4 |
57.1 |
Source: Surveys
administered to forensic dentistry experts. Ecuador, 2025. Authors’
elaboration.
A relevant consensus is
observed among forensic dentistry experts regarding the actions necessary to
strengthen the use of palatal rugoscopy in Ecuador. One hundred percent of
participants consider the establishment of standardized technical protocols to
be essential, indicating that the main perceived limitation is of a regulatory
nature. Likewise, 85.7% highlight the need to strengthen specialized education
and training, reflecting gaps in technical preparation for the systematic
application of the technique. Additionally, 71.4% recommend incorporating
palatal rugoscopy into institutional human identification procedures, while
57.1% emphasize the importance of developing palatal databases and promoting
applied research. Taking together, these results indicate that institutional
strengthening is key to consolidating this technique (Table 5). Overall, the
statistical results demonstrate a highly favorable perception among forensic
dentistry experts regarding the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy, with agreement
levels ranging from 71.4% to 100% across the different dimensions evaluated. At
the same time, clearly defined structural limitations were identified and
recognized by more than 70% of participants, underscoring the need for
regulatory, educational, and institutional interventions to enhance the
application of the method.
DISCUSSION
The findings of the present
study show a highly favorable trend toward palatal rugoscopy as a human
identification resource in Ecuador; however, they also demonstrate that its
implementation largely depends on structural conditions, including technical
standardization, specialized training, institutional incorporation, and the
availability of antemortem records. This pattern is consistent with recent
international literature, which recognizes the identificatory potential of
palatal rugae due to their individualizing nature and relative anatomical
protection, but also warns that their evidentiary value is strengthened only
when a robust, reproducible methodological framework supported by comparable
records is in place (13)(14).
Regarding the unanimous
recommendation to establish standardized technical protocols (100%),
international evidence indicates that one of the major obstacles to
consolidating palatal rugoscopy as a forensic method lies in the heterogeneity
of recording, analysis, and classification systems, which increases
interobserver variability and limits comparability among experts, institutions,
and countries (13). In this regard, the transition toward digital
approaches—including intraoral scanning and three-dimensional analysis—has been
proposed as a pathway to improve objectivity, reduce bias, and increase
reproducibility, particularly in complex or large-scale identification
scenarios (15). Thus, the local consensus on the need for protocols
aligns with an international trend promoting the formalization of standardized
and auditable workflows.
The high priority assigned
by experts to specialized education and training (85.7%) is also consistent
with recent literature, which suggests that the actual usefulness of the method
depends not only on the anatomical stability of palatal rugae, but also on the
technical competence of the evaluator, standardized recording procedures, and
interpretation based on comparable criteria. Contemporary reviews emphasize
that palatal rugoscopy may play a particularly valuable complementary role in
resource-limited settings or in cases where traditional identification methods
are unfeasible; however, its proper application requires specific training,
familiarity with both conventional and digital recording methods, and clearly
defined ante-/postmortem comparison criteria (14)(13). Consequently,
the emphasis placed by Ecuadorian experts on training may be interpreted as an
enabling condition for the technique to evolve from a theoretical resource into
an operational tool within the forensic system.
With respect to the
recommendation for institutional incorporation into formal identification
procedures (71.4%), international literature shows that methods based on
palatal morphology gain greater value when integrated into organized identification
systems and standardized documentation strategies. Advances in
three-dimensional comparison and automated alignment have reinforced
discussions on the feasibility of incorporating palatal records into digital
databases and more rapid and reproducible identification workflows. For
example, recent studies on palatal morphology–based identification describe
three-dimensional comparison approaches aimed at increasing accuracy and
process consistency, supporting the notion that institutionalization of the
method additionally requires recording infrastructure, interoperability, and
standardized protocols (16). Although the present study focuses on
perception rather than technical validation, the convergence between local
recommendations and global innovation suggests that Ecuador could benefit from
progressive integration strategies, beginning with standardization and training
and advancing toward digitalization and database development.
The less frequently
mentioned—though still majority—recommendation to develop palatal databases and
applied research (57.1%) reveals a critical issue widely discussed in the
literature: the need for antemortem data to support comparative analysis.
International evidence emphasizes that, without prior records (models, scans,
or images), palatal rugoscopy loses strength as an individual comparative
method and becomes limited to descriptive approaches. In line with this,
systematic reviews underline that the reliability of the method increases when
comparable ante- and postmortem records exist and when validated metrics and
procedures are applied (13).
Therefore, the moderate
level of interest in database development may be explained by the perception
that its implementation requires greater institutional effort, including
infrastructure, regulation, interoperability, and data management, although it
remains an essential component for the long-term consolidation of the method. A
central aspect of international discussion—and relevant for interpreting the
caution expressed by some experts—is the stability of palatal rugae in the
presence of dental interventions, particularly orthodontic treatments. Recent
literature, including systematic reviews, warns that procedures such as palatal
expansion may generate morphological or dimensional changes that affect the
reliability of superimpositions and comparisons, recommending caution in
patients with a history of expansion and proposing the selection of more stable
reference areas (16). Likewise,
meta-analyses on the influence of orthodontic treatments indicate that,
although morphology may remain identifiable in many cases, quantitative changes
do occur, requiring cautious interpretation of results and favoring combined
approaches (17). These considerations reinforce the need—already
highlighted by experts—for protocols, training, and institutional integration,
since accurate forensic interpretation requires accounting for clinical
confounding factors and therapeutic histories.
In summary, the profile of
recommendations derived from Ecuadorian forensic odontologists is consistent
with recent international evidence: palatal rugoscopy is primarily valued as a
complementary method with forensic potential, whose practical performance is
optimized when supported by standardization, technical competence, comparable
records, and increasingly, digital tools that enhance reproducibility.
Accordingly, the literature also suggests that its implementation should be
gradual, guided by methodological validation, clearly defined usage scenarios,
and articulation with other identification methods. In the Ecuadorian context,
the results suggest that the main challenge is not the acceptance of the
method, but its institutionalization—transforming a potentially useful
technique into a technically sound, normatively supported, and operationally
integrable procedure within the human identification system (14)(13)(16).
CONCLUSIONS
The present
study made it possible to analyze the perception of forensic odontologists
regarding the usefulness of palatal rugoscopy as a method of human
identification in Ecuador, revealing a predominantly favorable professional
assessment of this technique. The results indicate that experts recognize its
identificatory potential, particularly as a complementary method in contexts
where traditional procedures cannot be applied or prove insufficient, thereby
confirming the fulfillment of the general objective of the research.
With respect to
the specific objectives, a high level of agreement regarding the usefulness of
palatal rugoscopy was observed, reflecting professional acceptance grounded in
forensic experience and knowledge of its anatomical foundations. This positive
perception is not based on systematic empirical application, but rather on
recognition of its theoretical characteristics and its potential contribution
in complex forensic scenarios. In addition, the study clearly identified the
main limitations affecting the application of the method in the Ecuadorian
context, notably the absence of official regulations and technical protocols,
the lack of antemortem records and palatal databases, and gaps in specialized
training. These limitations confirm that the obstacles to implementation are
not inherent to the technique itself, but rather structural, regulatory, and
institutional in nature.
Likewise, a
significant consensus among experts was evident regarding the need to
strengthen standardization, professional training, and institutional
integration of palatal rugoscopy within human identification processes. These
recommendations are consistent with recent international scientific literature
and reinforce the relevance of moving toward regulated and technically
validated models of application.
Finally, it is
concluded that palatal rugoscopy has potential forensic value in the Ecuadorian
context, conditioned upon the implementation of institutional policies,
technical protocols, and specialized training programs. From the experts’
perspective, consolidation as a complementary method would contribute to
strengthening the human identification system, if it is developed under clearly
defined scientific, ethical, and regulatory criteria.
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AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
“Conceptualization and design: Eva Mascaró and Carlos Martínez; Literature review: Thalía Álvarez; Methodology and validation: Ángela Gaibor; Formal
analysis: Eva Mascaró; Investigation and data
collection: Thalía Álvarez; Resources: Not
applicable; Data analysis and interpretation: Ángela
Gaibor; Writing – original draft preparation: Thalía Álvarez; Writing – review and editing: Thalía Álvarez; Supervision: Carlos Martínez; Project
administration: Not applicable; Funding acquisition: Not
applicable.”
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there were no conflicts of
interest during the conduct of this research. In addition, the manuscript was
submitted exclusively to the Revista Científica “Especialidades Odontológicas UG” for review and publication.
FUNDING
The authors report that personal funds were used to
carry out this research.
COPYRIGHT
HOW TO CITE:
Álvarez, T. Gaibor, A. Martínez, C.
Mascaro, E. Perception of forensic
Odontologists on the usefulness of palatal Rugoscopy in Ecuador. Revista
Científica Especialidades Odontológicas UG. 2026:9(1):8-14