Royal Dental College

Background: Dermatoglyphics refers to the study of epidermal ridge patterns on fingers, palms, and soles. As fingerprint patterns and dental enamel share a common ectodermal origin and develop during a similar period of intrauterine life, dermatoglyphics has been proposed as a potential genetic marker for dental caries susceptibility.

Aim: To evaluate the predominant fingerprint pattern among school children and to assess its association with gender and dental caries experience.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 school children (100 males and 100 females) aged 13–15 years. Right thumb impressions were obtained using the ink method and classified into loop, whorl, and arch patterns according to standard dermatoglyphic criteria. Dental caries experience was recorded using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test to determine associations between fingerprint patterns, gender, and dental caries.

Results: The loop pattern was the most predominant fingerprint pattern in both males and females. No statistically significant association was found between fingerprint patterns and gender or between fingerprint patterns and dental caries experience (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The loop pattern was the most common dermatoglyphic pattern among the study population. Dermatoglyphic patterns showed no significant association with gender or dental caries prevalence. Dermatoglyphics alone may not be a reliable predictor of dental caries in school children.