Apprehension About Forensic Odontology Amidst Police Personnel in Chennai, India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Forensic odontology is a fascinating branch of dentistry which primarily involves the identi𿿿cation of living and deceased individual bycomparing the ante and post-mortem records. Aim: This study aims to analyse the awareness about forensic odontology among police personnel in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Method and Material: Data was collected by means of a questionnaire containing a set of 20 questions that assess the knowledge about forensic odontology, their attitude about the𿿿eld and their willingness to utilize the forensic odontologist in heir practice. Statistical Analysis: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19.0. was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were employed. Results: The study included both male (500) and female (57) of𿿿cials. About 23% f them were aware that a forensic odontologist is a general dentist and 51.9% of the participants knew that forensic odontologist is required in case of victim identi𿿿cation in mass disasters, rape cases and child abuse. 75% f the participants greed that tooth can be used as a tool for identi𿿿cation of gender, age and n NA nalysis. 69.2% of the participants did not agree on the requirement of a forensic odontologist in a crime scene investigation.Conclusion: Majority of the police of𿿿cials felt that there exists a less recognitionof forensic dentistry in India, as well, the of𿿿cials felt that the forensic dentistryplaysan essential role only in rape cases and related murder.