Awareness of Forensic Odontology in a Sample of Dental Physicians in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: Forensic odontology is the proper management, analysis, and interpretation ofdental evidence to present it on behalf of justice. Objectives: The goal of this study was toassess the forensic odontology knowledge, practice, and attitude of a random sample of dentalphysicians in Upper Egypt. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 450 dentalphysicians from different specialties. An English-language online self-administered survey wasutilized for the study. Three sections comprised the questionnaire: knowledge of forensicodontology, use of forensic odontology in daily practice, and attitudes towards forensicodontology. Results: Sixty-seven percent of the participants were familiar with forensicodontology. Nearly 72% of the participants knew DNA could be found in teeth. According to86% of the participants, forensic dentistry helps identify offenders and the deceased. Most of thedentists in the survey kept dental records. The vast majority of the studied dentists felt they didnot know adequately about forensic odontology. A little over 63% of those surveyed said theywould be keen on attending forensic dentistry courses. Conclusion: The current study indicatedthat dental physicians in Upper Egypt had insufficient knowledge, lacked forensic odontologypractice, and a positive attitude toward it. There is a greater awareness of forensic dentistryamong male physicians and physicians with more experience and higher educational levels. Measures should be taken to raise the awareness of forensic