Abstract

Background: Forensic odontology is a fascinating branch of dentistry which primarily involves the identification of living and deceased individual by comparing 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 field and their willingness to utilize the forensic odontologist in their 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) officials. About 23% of 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 identification in mass disasters, rape cases and child abuse. 75% of the participants agreed that tooth can be used as a tool for identification of gender, age and in DNA analysis. 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 officials felt that there exists a less recognition of forensic dentistry in India, as well, the officials felt that the forensic dentistry plays an essential role only in rape cases and related murder.

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