Survey on knowledge, attitude and practice of forensic odontology among private dental practitioners in Ghaziabad city, India

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Author Details : Sharma A, Shokeen S, Arora R, Dhaginakatti SA

Volume : 3, Issue : 1, Year : 2015

Article Page : 43-47

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Abstract

Introduction: Forensic odontology involves application of dental sciences in the identification of deceased individuals through comparison of ante-mortem and post-mortem records. Aim: To study knowledge, attitude and practice of forensic odontology among private dental practitioners in Ghaziabad city.
Material and Methods: A questionnaire based cross–sectional survey was conducted on 137 private dental practitioners in their dental clinic at Ghaziabad city. A 20 Item Structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of dentist about the significance of dental records, indicators of child abuse, dental age estimation, identification of an individual, bite marks and dentist as a witness in the court for forensic evidence. Questions regarding their attitude and practice about maintenance of dental records and source for update on recent advances in dental practice were assessed.
Results In our study only 11% B.D.S and 23% M.D.S dental practitioners maintain dental records in their clinic. 98.4% of B.D.S and 90% of M.D.S dental practitioners said that their knowledge level/ awareness regarding forensic odontology were perceived to be inadequate. 77% of B.D.S and 66% of M.D.S dental practitioners did not know the relevance of maintaining dental records for identification of criminals and dead-bodies. 96.7% of B.D.S and 95.9% M.D.S dental practitioners were not confident in handling forensic dentistry related cases.
Conclusion: Our study revealed prevalent inadequate knowledge, poor attitude and lack of practice pertaining to patient’s dental record maintenance and clinical knowledge of forensic odontology among dental practitioners in Ghaziabad.

Keywords: Forensic odontology, Dental practitioners, Ghaziabad, knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Dental record.

How to cite : Sharma A, Shokeen S, Arora R, Dhaginakatti Sa, Survey on knowledge, attitude and practice of forensic odontology among private dental practitioners in Ghaziabad city, India. J Dent Spec 2015;3(1):43-47

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