Application of the rASUDAS software in ancestry analysis based on dental models

Resumo

Introduction: Dental morphology has become a fundamental tool in Forensic Anthropology, particularly in ancestry estimation, due to its high variability and heritability. However, the lack of standardized protocols and effective statistical tools limits its practical application (Edgar, 2013; Scott et al. 2018).

Objective: Evaluate the usefulness of the rASUDAS software in determining ancestry from dental models of different origins, contributing to human identification in forensic contexts.

Materials and Methods: Initially, the dental models will be classified by origin, and subsequently, 14 of the 21 dental traits described in the rASUDAS software will be analyzed. These traits refer to characteristics observable on the dental crown, since the models used do not allow for the study of root traits (Edgar, 2013). A qualitative approach will be adopted for the evaluation of morphological traits, and a statistical analysis will be conducted to assess the software’s success in predicting ancestry.

Results: The results obtained are expected to validate the potential of rASUDAS as a complementary tool in Forensic Anthropology and Dentistry, promoting the standardization of procedures and greater accuracy in ancestry estimation (Edgar, 2013; Delgado et al, 2018).

Discussion: The application of the rASUDAS software may contribute to the standardization of adopted procedures and strengthen the reliability of dental morphology analysis for ancestry determination (Edgar, 2013). However, the future inclusion of data from contemporary populations and the expansion of the reference sample are important aspects for increasing the applicability of this method.

Conclusions: The rASUDAS software is expected to be a promising tool for ancestry estimation in forensic contexts, with the potential to improve the accuracy and standardization of the methods used.