A questionnaire survey on forensic odontology: Are we really aware?

INTRODUCTION: The role of a dentist is not only to examine and treat the oral diseases but also to assist the legal authorities by means of its branch—forensic odontology. Through forensic odontology, a dentist plays a very important role in crime investigation of any type. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the knowledge, awareness, and interest of forensic odontology among the dental teaching staff who are working in the dental colleges within the Delhi NCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of 12 questions (both open-ended and close-ended) was prepared and the survey was conducted with 200 dental teaching staff. RESULTS: A sufficient knowledge but poor awareness and interest among the dental teaching staff was observed. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted that although dental teaching staff themselves have sound knowledge regarding forensic odontology, their awareness and interest need to be upgraded on a regular basis. The success of acquiring such extensive knowledge would be valid if better job opportunities in these fields would be increased.