RFID-tags within dental prostheses have been suggested as a means of labeling such devices and permitting rapid and reliable identification of the wearer. The antenna enables the chip to transmit identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID-tag into digital information that can then be passed on to a computer that contains relevant software. Regarding the issue of personal security, a fear of both civil liberties groups and some in the general public is that anyone can read remotely a passive RFID-tag without the wearer’s knowledge. There is a need for a quantitative assessment of the scanning range of a typical RFID-tag, in order to determine whether this perception is justified. The in vitro test found a maximum read-out distance of 3 cm; with a minimum read-out distance of 1-2 mm. Results of the in vivo test show a reduced maximum scanning range of approximately 1-1.5 cm. No difference in the maximum scanning range could be determined between upper (encased in denture base resin) and lower baseplates. The findings indicate a need for authorities to agree upon a unified standard for chip and reader specifications and protocols in order to avoid cases in which RFID-tags may fail to be read by an incompatible reader. It is also reasonable to conclude that further empirical studies are required regarding incentives for postmortem assaults on RFID-tags in dental appliances in order to prevent victim identification. 2 figures and 29 references