Awareness of Forensic Entomotoxicology among Dental Students Ganapathy Dhanraj1,*, Ganesan Priya2, Murthykumar Karthikeyan3, Arthanari Abirami4 1Professor and Head, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 2Tutor, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 3Assistant Professor, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 4Senior Lecturer, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai *Corresponding Author : Dr. Dhanraj Ganapathy, Professor and Head, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Phone : +91-9841504523, E-mail: dhanraj@saveetha.com
Online Published on 28 July, 2023. Abstract Introduction Since insects may be used as a specimen of evidence when traditional toxicological samples have decayed or are no longer accessible, forensic entomotoxicology has gained favor as a tool in the study of deaths caused by poisoning. Research trials have shown that it is possible to detect, identify, and quantify medicines and harmful compounds in insects. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of forensic entomotoxicology among dental students Materials and Method A cross-sectional research was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire containing ten questions distributed amongst 100 dental students. The questionnaire assessed the awareness of Forensic entomotoicoogy in forensic medical applications, the insects with Forensic value, and Postmortem interval determination with insects,limitations of forensic entomotoxicological investigations and willingness to train in Forensic entomotoxicological investigations.The responses were recorded and analyzed. Results 12% of the respondents were aware of the medicinal applications of Forensic entomotoxicology. 9 % were aware of the insects with Forensic value, 7 % were aware of Postmortem interval determination with insects and 5 % were aware of limitations of forensic entomotoxicological investigations. and,92 % expressed willingness to train in Forensic entomotoxicological investigations. Conclusion There is inadequate awareness and knowledge about Forensic entomotoxicology among dental students. However, a majority expressed willingness to learn more and receive training in forensic entomotoxicology to foster their skills and knowledge in forensic applications. Top Keywords Awareness, Forensic Entomotoxicology, Insects, Identification, Post Mortem. Top |