The word dermatoglyphics is derived from two Greek words (derma, skin and glyphe, carve) and refers to the friction ridge formations which appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Dermal ridge configurations begin to develop about the 13th week of gestation. Dermatoglyphic traits are formed under genetic control but may be affected by environmental factors. The genetic basis of dental caries has been acknowledged since long. Recently, researchers have tried to draw the attention to the culprit genes without undermining the overwhelming environmental influences. These methods...