Free Dental ID Kit With DNA Test

Dental Associates announces the development of a child safety support program that will give the parents of current patients, and open house attendees, a free permanent identification record of their child should it ever be needed.

Endorsed by Congresswoman Nancy L. Johnson (R) Fifth District and the Newtown Police Department, Dental Associates will kick off its Toothprints child identification program at an open house event at its Newtown office, 11 Church Hill Road, on Sunday, June 1, from noon to 3 pm (rain date will be June 8).

Developed by a pediatric dentist, Toothprints is a thermoplastic wafer that dental professionals can use to record children’s individual tooth characteristics, tooth position within the arch, and the upper to lower jaw relationship –– all important information for identification. Like fingerprints, dental imprints are unique to every person so bite impressions serve as an accurate method of identification. Dental restorations and X-rays have historically been the primary basis for dental identification, but the successful fight against tooth decay has left many children with no cavities and, thus, no dental records.

A Toothprints impression also captures saliva, which is a powerful source of human scent making Toothprints effective for scent-tracking dogs. In addition, sufficient proteins in the saliva remain on the wafer from which a DNA test can be successfully performed. Parents keep the Toothprints record themselves for confidentiality and quick access.

Dental Associates will offer this child identification device on an ongoing basis at its Danbury, Newtown, and New Milford Pediatric Dentistry offices at no cost.