CrimeStoppers and dentists are teaming up to provide a new method of identifying children in case of an emergency.

A youngster bites into a thermo-plastic wafer, leaving DNA, teeth marks and a scent. Parents then place the product in a plastic bag and store it away.

“None of us likes the fact that we are seeing a lot more lost, kidnapped and traumatized children who need to be identified,” said Dr. David Jones, a Lawrence orthodontist who is challenging dentists to make the device, called “Toothprints” available to their patients.

Jones has joined with CrimeStoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County to take the toothprints of children starting Thursday, July 31, at “Family Night” at the Douglas County Fair.

Jones said the 30-second procedure didn’t hurt and would take an impression of the shape, arrangement and alignment of the teeth. It also will contain DNA from the child’s saliva, and the scent of the child, which tracking dogs could follow to help find or identify a child.

“This incorporates all of the above all in one little deal,” he said.

The device, which looks like a mouthpiece, is warmed in water to become pliable. The youngster bites down on it for about 30 seconds, leaving an impression that later hardens.

“Hopefully, no one has to go through,” the trauma of trying to find a lost child or identify a body, said Teresa Smith, president of the board of CrimeStoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County.

But the “Toothprints” will provide another way of identification.

Sometimes fingerprints aren’t available, and sometimes dental records are incomplete or nearly non-existent, especially in recent years when children are experiencing fewer cavities.

¢ADA.org — Tooth prints: a unique ID tool

CrimeStoppers and Jones have 400 kits and will make the first 200 available for $1 at the fair and the second 200 for $2.

No one will be making a profit from the device, Smith said.

Developers of “Toothprints” recommend that because of growth and changes in teeth, “Toothprints” be taken at ages 3, between 7-9 and 12-14.

Lawrence orthodontist David Jones, above, is partnering with CrimeStoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County to introduce a new way to identify children in an emergency. Toothprints is a thermo-plastic wafer, which a child bites to imprint teeth marks. The child's DNA, from saliva, and scent also are left on the mold.