Abstract

Introduction: Forensic odontology is the branch of forensic medicine which deals with the proper handling, examination and presentation of dental evidence in the best interest of justice. The present study was conducted to determine the awareness in medical students regarding the field of forensic odontology. Material and Methods: A preformulated standardized questionnaire was circulated among 121 2nd year medical students. Results: 96.69% students knew that Forensic Odontology is branch of forensic that deals with teeth while 95.04% students correctly said that Forensic Dentistry is a branch of Forensic Medicine. Only 3.3% students knew that Forensic Dentistry is useful for identification of person. 42.14% students were aware of the most reliable method of identification. 81.81% students were aware that DNA can be obtained from teeth. However only 28.92% students knew that gender could be identified from teeth. Students were aware that age can be estimated from teeth and that Bite marks are useful for identification. Majority of the students correctly answered that the evidence of forensic dentistry is legally acceptable in court. Conclusion: Medical students were aware of the significance of the branch of forensic odontology. Practical application of the knowledge of the subject is lacking as there is deficiency of forensic dentistry department. Use of forensic odontology along with the other scientific knowledge can be used to impart swift, impartial and adequate justice.

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