Awareness of forensic dentistry among dental practitioners

Abstract

Background-Dental identification has proved its importance in identifying deceased individuals, and recently it has evolved as a new ray of hope in assisting forensic medicine, but its importance and role in forensic medicine is still in a state of infancy in India. Very less institutions offers formal training in forensic odontology, with the lack of job opportunities for qualified forensic odontologists who have obtained degrees abroad. Materials and Methods-A cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 dental practitioners of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire (Based on Attitude, Knowledge and Practice criteria.) Questionnaire used in study. Informed consents were obtained. Results-A total 70 dental practitioners responded to the questionnaire out of these 20% not maintain dental records in their clinic, 77% maintained dental records, 3% participants did not answer the question. Conclusion-For an efficient forensic investigation, we need a dental team, comprising personnel from all branches of dentistry, working in close association with experts from other branches of forensic science. The government has a social obligation to recover, identify and hand over the remains of a deceased person to the relatives and every effort must be made to achieve this.