Awareness among Medical Students about Forensic Odontology

Abstract

Every tooth possesses a set of unique characteristics and the way the teeth are arranged in different oral cavities
are unique in every individual. Therefore, dentition is useful for individual identification and comparison,
especially in mass disasters where the bodies of the victims become mutilated beyond recognition. Forensic
odontology deals with the science of dentistry to aid in the administration of justice. There is a huge void in
the number of forensic odontology experts required to meet the demand and those that are actually getting
trained in this concern. In order to ease this, there is a need to incorporate MBBS undergraduate curriculum
with the shortlisted particulars of forensic dentistry. The study was conducted to evaluate the awareness and
knowledge about forensic dentistry amongst the 2nd Year MBBS under graduates in Mahavir Institute of
Medical Sciences. The study showed that the level of awareness on topic was adequate in the participants
but they had little knowledge about the practical application of forensic odontology in routine practice.
Conducting regular seminars and workshops can be helpful to develop the practical skill required in handling
forensic odontology related cases in emergency department.