A call for a new speciality: Forensic odontology as a subject

BACKGROUND: Forensic science is defined as a discipline concerned with the application of science and technology to the detection and investigation of crime and administration of justice, requiring the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Dental identification remains one of the most reliable and frequently applied methods of identification. Hence, it can be defined as the science that deals with evidence from the dental and oral structures and is a specialty in itself. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the level of awareness of Forensic Odontology amongst the individuals from the field of dentistry with the help of a survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared and a survey was conducted with a sample size of 200 divided in four groups. RESULTS: Revealed inadequate knowledge, poor attitude, and lack of practice of forensic odontology prevailing among the dentists. CONCLUSION: Our study reflects the current situation of our country in the field of forensic odontology, which could be improved by introducing forensic odontology as a subject in the dental curriculum at both the undergraduate and the post-graduate levels.