THE LEGAL VALUE OF ELECTRONIC IMAGE FILES IN DENTAL RADIOLOGY

Abstract

Introduction and objective: This study aimed to investigate scientific productions about the legal value of electronic image files in dental radiology. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted, from search in professional journals using the key words: forensic dentistry, dental digital radiography and liability in the BIREME database. At the end of search found 23 articles (18 national and 05 international) published between 2000 and 2014. The content of the articles was analyzed and discussed, according to the purpose of this review. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that over the study period, the use of electronic image files in dental radiology functions as important allies in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of various pathologies of the stomatognathic system. Digital files have their legal validity questioned as they are subject to manipulation, digital certification is what ensures the authenticity and integrity of documents legally. Conclusions: The image of electronic files promote benefits in the dental field as better therapeutic results, since that aid in more precise opportune diagnosis. These files require the digital certification linked to ICP-Brazil to ensure their guaranteed-legal value as a procedural evidence. Further research concerning the legal validity of electronic image files focused on dental radiology.