Dermatoglyphics refers to study of the intricate dermal ridge configurations on the skin covering the palmar and plantar surfaces of hand and feet. It is a branch of physical anthropology, medicine and genetics. Dermatoglyphic patterns are assumed to be genetically controlled although the exact mechanism of inheritance in still unknown. After their complete formation, they are unaffected by the environment, and this explains their unique role, as an ideal marker for individual identification and the study of populations, as well as detection of defects due to intra-uterine irregularities in the early weeks of pregnancy. However it is still at infancy in the world of dentistry where the co-relation of dental conditions with that of dermatoglyphic patterns is done. Hence the present paper reviews the work conducted by various authors on application of dermatoglyphics in dentistry along with the advantages and patterns of dermatoglyphics.