What key principle is forensic odontology based on?

Forensic odontology is primarily based on the uniqueness of dental patterns in individuals. Each person's dental structure, including the arrangement, shape, and number of teeth, as well as any existing dental work, is unique. This individuality can be compared and matched against dental records or remains, making it a reliable method for identification in forensic contexts.

In cases of human identification, such as after a disaster or in criminal investigations, forensic odontologists examine dental records to establish identities. The uniqueness of dental patterns is also crucial in scenarios like bite mark analysis, where the comparison of bite marks to a suspect's dental impressions can provide significant evidence.

The other options, while related to forensic science, do not form the foundational basis of forensic odontology. The study of fingerprints focuses on the uniqueness of fingerprint patterns, while the analysis of bite marks falls under odontology but is just one application of the broader principle of dental uniqueness. Lastly, the matching of hair samples pertains to forensic biology and DNA analysis, which is distinct from the principles guiding forensic odontology.