Abstract: An identification apparatus (10) having a personal information carrier (12) having information carried by a radiopaque configuration (12) which is radiographically discernable with the personal information carrier (10) secured to an external and noninvasive portion of a tooth (14) and to provide a method for radiographically marking a person with individual information, having the steps of providing a personal information carrier (10) having information carried by a radiopaque configuration (12) which is radiographically readable by conventional dental X-ray techniques and securing the personal information carrier (12) to an external and noninvasive portion of a tooth (14).

Abstract: A personal information carrier (10) having a radiographically readable code (12) uniquely identifying a person which is installed in a cavity (34) in the side (30) of the person's tooth (32) which is then filled with a radiolucent composite filler (50) to protectively seal the carrier (10) within the cavity (40). Detecting the location of a missing child is achieved by using a filler (50) which matches the color of the surrounding tooth surface (30) to conceal the presence of the personal information carrier (10) from a potential kidnapper and distributing the code (12) of the missing child to the authorities and professional dental community. Amnesics and corpses are also identified by radiographically reading the carrier (10) and comparing the code (12) to a list of codes (12) of missing persons which are listed in alphanumeric order.