“Knowledge is Power” Are We Really Conversant with Forensic Odontology? - A Questionnaire Survey Renuga S1,*, Kulkarni Meghashyama2, Verghese Rhea3, Khatoon Hajira4 1Postgraduate Student, Government Dental College And Research Institute, Bangalore 2Postgraduate Student, Government Dental College And Research Institute, Bangalore 3Postgraduate Student, Government Dental College And Research Institute, Bangalore 4Postgraduate Student, Government Dental College And Research Institute, Bangalore *Corresponding Author : Dr. Renuga S, Postgraduate Student, Government Dental College And Research Institute, Bangalore, Phone : +91-8870457780, E-mail: renugasampath2795@gmail.com
Online Published on 28 July, 2023. Abstract Introduction Besides treating the patients, the dentists have a significant role to play in crime investigations and disaster victim identification. The Forensic world is constantly changing their trends and getting updated day by day. Accordingly the dentist should also reconcile. It is uncertain to predict when, what, how and where the dentist’s contribution is required in forensic scene. But they should always be ready to vanquish the challenges. For this they need adequate knowledge, awareness, updation and interest in the field of forensic dentistry. Aim To analyze the knowledge, awareness, updation and interest in forensic odontology among the dental students, academicians and practitioners. Materials and Methods Questionnaires of 16 close-ended questions were prepared and the survey was conducted among 312 dental students, acedemicians and practitioners through various social media platforms. The study has been done for a period of one month from 1st April to 30th April. Results There is lack of knowledge, awareness and updation in forensic odontology among the dental students, academicians and practitioners. But they are interested in the field of forensic odontology. Discussion Through this study we have not only analysed the knowledge, awareness, updation and interest in forensic odontology among the dentist but also tried to make them understand the necessity for their updation in these field. The success of acquiring such extensive knowledge and interest would be valid if better job opportunities in these fields would be increased. “For the capable, even grass can be a weapon”. So the dentist should be keenly awaiting for the moment of their contribution in forensic scene for which their knowledge need to be upgraded on a regular basis. Top Keywords Barr Bodies, Child Abuse, Odontogram, Virtopsy. Top |