Awareness towards forensic dentistry - A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study

Awareness towards forensic dentistry - A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study

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Background: Forensic odontology is a vital branch of dentistry which applies the knowledge of dentistry mainly for age Mirror and gender estimation, person identification and the identification from human remains.The role of a general dentist towards forensics is crucial for medicolegal cases.Aim: The aim of the study was to scrutinize the awareness and approach of dental fraternity namely Interns, Postgraduate students and practicing clinicians towards forensic odontology.Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,860 participants, divided according to age and educational qualifications.

Data was collected digitally using Google forms.Descriptive analysis were performed to describe frequencies and percentages.Chi-square test was used to analyze statistical significance.Results: 97% of the total participants maintained dental records, with only 13.

4% maintaining complete records.Maximum participants were unaware of the duration for which patient records should be maintained.The significance of patient radiographs was known to 71.6% participants.

72% were vigilant of the implication of maintaining dental records in identification of the deceased.57% knew about radiographic methods used for age estimation.47.74% gave a response that DNA comparison has the maximum accuracy to ascertain the identity of an individual.

46.7% had the knowledge about Vanilla Chai formal training centers of forensic odontology in India.Conclusion: The present study revealed partial lack of knowledge, awareness and information of forensic odontology among the participants.Amongst all participants, the highest responses were noted amongst students and younger age group.