Original Article

Year : 2017 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 1 | Page : 16 - 20

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Forensic Odontology among Undergraduate Dental Students

R Hannah, Pratibha Ramani, Anuja Natesan, Herald J Sherlin, Gheena S, Abilasha Ramasubramanian,

Gifrina Jayaraj, K R Don, Archana S

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. R Hannah,

E‐mail: rgrace_89@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Background:

Natural teeth are the most durable organs in human body. It helps in the identification of people in mass disasters, accidents, or where the victim’s

bodies cannot be recognized by visual methods. Forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice. Through forensic odontology, a dentist plays a very important role in crime investigation of any type.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of forensic odontology among undergraduate dental students.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross‐sectional, institution‐based survey conducted among 154 undergraduate dental students of age group 19–21 years. Simple random sampling was done. Each participant was given a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a set of 15 questions. Both yes or no and multiple choice questions were present. The answers received were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Results:

All the participants were aware of the branch in dentistry called forensic odontology. Eighty‐two percent of the participants pointed their source of knowledge about forensic odontology to be from lecture and workshops in college. More than 80% of students had good knowledge about forensic odontology. Eighty‐three percent of the participants were interested to undergo a formal training in forensic odontology. 89.6% of participants said that there is a good scope for forensic odontology as a profession.

Conclusion:

Forensic odontologist plays a major role in medicolegal cases, there is an urgent need to promote this specialty. The dental undergraduates need to be sensitized toward this specialty and encouraged to be part of investigation and identification teams. This can help establish forensic odontology as a separate specialty under dental sciences.

Keywords: Crime, dental evidence, forensic odontology

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Hannah R, Ramani P, Natesan A, Sherlin HJ, Gheena S, Ramasubramanian A, et al. Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of forensic odontology among undergraduate dental students. Int J Orofac Biol 2017;1:16-20.