Awareness about Importance of Forensic Odontology among General Dental Practitioners in Jammu Region

Abstract Introduction: Forensic odontology is a branch of dentistry that deals with age and gender estimation and personal identification from human remains by using tooth as a source of evidence. Its awareness is crucial among dental practitioner for proper identification. Aims: Aim of this study was to create awareness about knowledge and practice of forensic odontology among the general dental practitioners in Jammu region. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted in a sample of 161 dentists and the data was collected by means of questionnaires. Results: 74% of the participants did not maintain the complete dental records for more than ten years. Hardly 11% maintained the complete dental records. Conclusion: The present study revealed lack of awareness, knowledge and practice regarding the role of forensic odontology in human identification.