Requests for Assistance

We want to extend a big thank you to the profession for your efforts this year in assisting police services and coroner’s offices with the search for dental records.

We saw a record number of requests this year and, thanks to many of you, were able to provide successful identification in several cases.  

Your efforts do not go unnoticed. We often receive positive comments from our partners thanking the College for offering this important service and dentists for their responsiveness.

 ‘The Office of the Chief Coroner - Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC-OFPS) is incredibly grateful to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and all of its registrants. Your collaboration and assistance has enabled us to identify numerous individuals, assisting medicolegal death investigation stakeholders including coroners, forensic pathologists, police services, and the criminal justice system, in addition to bringing closure to family, friends, and loved ones.’ – Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner

Alerting dentists about requests for dental records from our partners is an important priority for the College. We hope that, with your help, we can continue to provide this assistance and support.

For more information on requests for assistance please see our August 2023 article: Releasing dental records of deceased or missing individuals.