KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

ABSTRACT

Background:

Forensic odontology is an expanding field within the domain of forensic sciences, where dental knowledge is applied in identification of individual(s) through analysis of the dental related records. In this study we aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practices of dentists in the field of forensic odontology.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted over 248 dentists practicing in teaching hospitals as well as private practice in Karachi, Pakistan. Multiple close-ended questions were answered by the respondents, in which their knowledge and awareness about forensic odontology was evaluated. They were also asked about their practices of maintaining dental records of the patients.

Results:

Majority of the dentists had knowledge about importance of forensics in dentistry (86.2%) and mostly (88.7%) were aware that they could be of help to forensics experts if they maintain proper records. But when asked about their practices in maintaining dental records, only 64.5% responded positively.

Conclusion:

The results of this study show that the dentists have sufficient knowledge and positive attitude in the field of forensic odontology. Lack of practice in dental record management was demonstrated amongst majority of the dental practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

Dental Practices, Forensic dentistry, dental records

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