A questionnaire survey on forensic odontology: Are we really aware?

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Ankita Sahni
Shweta Rehani
Yulia Mathias
Priyanka Kardam
Ruchi Nagpal
Rashmi Kumari

Abstract

Introduction: The role of a dentist is not only to examine and treat the oral diseases but also to assist the legal authorities by means of its branch—forensic odontology. Through forensic odontology, a dentist plays a very important role in crime investigation of any type. Objective: To analyze the knowledge, awareness, and interest of forensic odontology among the dental teaching staff who are working in the dental colleges within the Delhi NCR. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire of 12 questions (both open-ended and close-ended) was prepared and the survey was conducted with 200 dental teaching staff. Results: A sufficient knowledge but poor awareness and interest among the dental teaching staff was observed. Conclusion: The study highlighted that although dental teaching staff themselves have sound knowledge regarding forensic odontology, their awareness and interest need to be upgraded on a regular basis. The success of acquiring such extensive knowledge would be valid if better job opportunities in these fields would be increased.

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How to Cite
Ankita Sahni, Shweta Rehani, Yulia Mathias, Priyanka Kardam, Ruchi Nagpal, & Rashmi Kumari. (2016). A questionnaire survey on forensic odontology: Are we really aware?. Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences, 8(2), 144–148. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-1475.186377

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