A call for a new speciality: Forensic odontology as a subject

Abstract

Background:Forensic science is defined as a discipline concerned with the application of science and technology to the detection and investigation of crime and administration of justice, requiring the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Dental identification remains one of the most reliable and frequently applied methods of identification. Hence, it can be defined as the science that deals with evidence from the dental and oral structures and is a specialty in itself.Objectives:To analyze the level of awareness of Forensic Odontology amongst the individuals from the field of dentistry with the help of a survey.Materials and Methods:A questionnaire was prepared and a survey was conducted with a sample size of 200 divided in four groups.Results:Revealed inadequate knowledge, poor attitude, and lack of practice of forensic odontology prevailing among the dentists.Conclusion:Our study reflects the current situation of our country in the field of forensic odontology, which could be improved by introducing forensic odontology as a subject in the dental curriculum at both the undergraduate and the post-graduate levels.

Teaching of forensic odontology in basic dental programmes in nine Australian dental schools: A survey

“…15 These findings were similar to those found in two Indian surveys. 2,16 This particular study in Australia 15 did not discuss how much forensic odontology awareness or exposure the dentists received during their undergraduate years. It is possible that if more emphasis or time was given in dental record-keeping and how it relates to forensic odontology and vice versa, it could lead to an overall improvement of the dental record-keeping quality.…”

“…The psychological trauma when exposed to disrupted human remains cannot be underestimated as well-trained police officers are not immune to the psychological and emotional impact when exposed to such remains. 2,21 According to the INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)…”

Competencias Genéricas para la Educación en Odontología Forense: Pensamiento Crítico y Responsabilidad Social

“…Debido a la escasez de programas y cursos en el período de postgrado, algunos autores consideran que es necesario un impulso general para mejorar y extender los programas de odontología forense en el pregrado (Lorkiewicz-Muszynska et al, 2013). Wadhwan et al (2014), afirman que en India, donde la gran mayoría de los odontólogos desconocen las pocas oportunidades existentes para una capacitación formal en el área, no existen laboratorios específicos, y la misma disciplina no ha sido incluida en los currículos académicos sino hasta hace poco tiempo. Mientras que la mejor instancia para recabar información continúa siendo la publicación, son muy pocos los odontólogos interesados en leerlas.…”

A Study on Forensic Odontology as Future Perspective among Private Dental Practitioners of Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Not only does Forensic Odontology help in manmade disasters, but also after natural calamities like Tsunami, earthquake, or in identification of decomposed and charred bodies as in drowning, burns and victims of motor vehicle accidents [3].…”