Development of vertically adjustable electrically-powered forensic dental examination table

Abstract Dental evidence for post-mortem identification is often examined on a dissecting table through unavailability of an identification table. In mass disasters, however, this is often done on the ground, floor, or in a simple coffin through lack of adequate facilities. We have designed a vertically adjustable, electrically-powered forensic odontological table. Adjustable from a height of 200–1015 mm, compact and light, it offers portability, work efficiency and prevention of infection. Head position components are angle-adjustable and removable from the main body of the table. This table offers the following advantages: (1) Adjustable height enables improved comfort for each type of work according to examiner’s height. This new table allows for the optimum posture for each examiner by easy adjustment to a comfortable height; (2) The detachable head component makes taking X-ray photos easy without having to rearrange the position of remains on the table; (3) Contamination of examiner’s clothes or personal effects is prevented by virtue of minimally sized top board. Portability and cost performance are enhanced by miniaturization and, most importantly, the integrity and dignity of the remains are improved and preserved. This table is very useful for personal dental identification.