IADR Abstract Archives
Assessment of dental graduate’s knowledge regarding Forensic odontology- A cross sectional study
Introduction: Forensic odontology dealt with the forensic dental evidence. It utilized the role and knowledge of dentist to serve the judicial system. In Pakistan the role of forensic dentistry is quite indistinct and rudimentary. However, its role cannot be deserted.
Objective: The objective of that study was to evaluate the knowledge of dental graduates regarding forensic dentistry.
Materials and methods: This was prospective, cross sectional survey had been conducted in different dental colleges of Karachi in the December 2017. Five hundred (500) Dental graduated students and undergraduates were asked through a pretested questionnaire related to forensic dentistry. The sample was collected through convenience sampling. The inclusion criterion was undergraduates and graduates of a recognized dental college. Respondents given verbal consent for the study. The exclusion criteria was non practitioners and quacks. All data entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 16.00.
Results: The results of the study have shown that females were the most respondents (66.6%). The response for record maintenance was highest through preprinted forms i.e. 83.2%.Overall 80.5% people were aware of the significance of maintaining dental records. The 89.2% of the respondents can estimate the age of an individual by examining the teeth. 64.7% can estimate the age and gender of the deceased in the event of a mass disaster. 60.8% of respondents testify as an expert witness in the court to present forensic dental evidence. The most accurate method of identifying an individual is Anthological examination i.e. 128 (33.7%). Overall 62.9% of people were aware of Bite marks. The 30.6% people recommend formal training in collecting, evaluating and presenting dental evidence. Willingness for formal training is 313 (82.4%). 80 %forensic dentistry should be included as part of curriculum of dentistry at undergraduate level.
Conclusion: It has been concluded that forensic odontology has a specific role in dentistry. Students and graduates must be aware of it and it should be taught at undergraduate level.
Objective: The objective of that study was to evaluate the knowledge of dental graduates regarding forensic dentistry.
Materials and methods: This was prospective, cross sectional survey had been conducted in different dental colleges of Karachi in the December 2017. Five hundred (500) Dental graduated students and undergraduates were asked through a pretested questionnaire related to forensic dentistry. The sample was collected through convenience sampling. The inclusion criterion was undergraduates and graduates of a recognized dental college. Respondents given verbal consent for the study. The exclusion criteria was non practitioners and quacks. All data entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 16.00.
Results: The results of the study have shown that females were the most respondents (66.6%). The response for record maintenance was highest through preprinted forms i.e. 83.2%.Overall 80.5% people were aware of the significance of maintaining dental records. The 89.2% of the respondents can estimate the age of an individual by examining the teeth. 64.7% can estimate the age and gender of the deceased in the event of a mass disaster. 60.8% of respondents testify as an expert witness in the court to present forensic dental evidence. The most accurate method of identifying an individual is Anthological examination i.e. 128 (33.7%). Overall 62.9% of people were aware of Bite marks. The 30.6% people recommend formal training in collecting, evaluating and presenting dental evidence. Willingness for formal training is 313 (82.4%). 80 %forensic dentistry should be included as part of curriculum of dentistry at undergraduate level.
Conclusion: It has been concluded that forensic odontology has a specific role in dentistry. Students and graduates must be aware of it and it should be taught at undergraduate level.