Importance Of Forensic Odontology

In today’s situation when crime records are at peak, identification of the victim or the mode of crime is a brain storming process. Dentist plays a small yet significant role in crime investigation through the speciality known as forensic odontology. According to Keiser-Neilson, forensic odontology is a branch of forensic medicine which deals with the proper handling, examination and presentation of dental evidence in the best interest of justice.1 Forensic odontology involves the management, examination, evaluation and presentation of dental evidence in civil or criminal proceeding along with research. Thus, forensic odontologist assists the legal authorities by examining the dental evidences in these situation.2 Although globally forensic odontology has taken giant steps in the technical advancements. Ironically in India forensic odontology is still miles behind. There is increased need for dental surgeons to have a good knowledge about forensic odontology as it is useful in identification of an individual and to detect abuse among all ages.

Greater knowledge and awareness of forensic odontology among the dental practitioners would be required in the growing field of medicine. The practice of forensic odontology has gained importance in a number of developed countries across the world. In developing countries like India, it is yet to attain its significant position. Dentists who are working in the various dental colleges are constantly in touch with the academics and latest articles etc thus there knowledge and awareness should be good. The interest about forensic is doubtful because in India it is not well established subject till yet. Keeping this as the background, thus the present study was undertaken to evaluate the awareness, knowledge & interest of forensic odontology among the dental teaching faculty in Delhi – NCR