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What to do if…
you are asked for photos or dental information to help identify a deceased person

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Confirm which medical examiner, coroner, or law-enforcement office is asking. Use the office’s official main number, ask for the case number if available, and ask exactly what they need and how to send it.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t send photos, dental details, or personal information to an unverified caller, text number, or email address.
  • Don’t post photos or identifying details online while trying to confirm identity. Ask the investigating office before sharing anything publicly.
  • Don’t assume you must view the remains. Ask the office to explain the identification process and your options.
  • Don’t send entire documents or unrelated personal information unless the verified office asks for them and explains what is needed.
  • Don’t assume you must obtain dental charts yourself. Ask whether the office will request records directly or wants you to contact the provider.

What to do now

  1. Confirm the requesting office.
    Ask for the office name, the staff member’s name, a call-back number, and the case number if one is available. Then use the office’s official website or published main number to call back and confirm the request.

  2. Ask what is needed today.
    Ask: “Do you need recent photos, dentist or orthodontist details, dental records, or something else? How should I send the information safely?”

  3. Send only the requested photos.
    Use clear, recent images if the office asks for them. Ask whether they need a particular view or any other detail. Include the person’s name and the approximate date of each photo if requested.

  4. Provide dental-provider details if asked.
    Share the dentist or orthodontist practice name, city and state, contact details if you have them, and the approximate period when the person was seen there. Ask whether the office will request the records directly.

  5. Ask about the next contact.
    Ask whether any form, authorization, or additional information may be needed, who will update you, and when an update may be available if the office can estimate that.

  6. Keep a simple record.
    Note the office name, case number if available, staff names, call-back numbers, and what you sent.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide broader arrangements or make public announcements immediately unless the office gives you a time-sensitive instruction.
  • You do not need to gather every photograph or reconstruct a full dental history before asking what the office needs.
  • You do not need to decide about viewing the remains, cause-of-death questions, or later legal steps right now.

Important reassurance

A request for a recent photo or dental information can be part of identification work. Dental records can be compared for identification, and family members may be asked for information that helps locate useful records. A direct viewing is not always needed.

Scope note

These are first steps only: confirm the request, share the minimum information needed, and keep communication organised. Later decisions may need help from the investigating office or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Procedures vary by state and by local medical examiner, coroner, and law-enforcement practice.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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