Awareness of Forensic Odontology in a Sample of Dental Physicians in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: Forensic odontology is the proper management, analysis, and interpretation of dental evidence to present it on behalf of justice. Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the forensic odontology knowledge, practice, and attitude of a random sample of dental physicians in Upper Egypt. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 450 dental physicians from different specialties. An English-language online self-administered survey was utilized for the study. Three sections comprised the questionnaire: knowledge of forensic odontology, use of forensic odontology in daily practice, and attitudes towards forensic odontology. Results: Sixty-seven percent of the participants were familiar with forensic odontology. Nearly 72% of the participants knew DNA could be found in teeth. According to 86% of the participants, forensic dentistry helps identify offenders and the deceased. Most of the dentists in the survey kept dental records. The vast majority of the studied dentists felt they did not know adequately about forensic odontology. A little over 63% of those surveyed said they would be keen on attending forensic dentistry courses. Conclusion: The current study indicated that dental physicians in Upper Egypt had insufficient knowledge, lacked forensic odontology practice, and a positive attitude toward it. There is a greater awareness of forensic dentistry among male physicians and physicians with more experience and higher educational levels. Measures should be taken to raise the awareness of forensic odontology.