Forensic Dentistry In Dire Need Of Recognition As A Separate Entity In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Syeda Sadia  Zafar; Saba Hassan  Shamim; Mahrukh  Sheikh; Lubna  Avesi; Farheen  Danish; Quarat  ul Ain

doi:10.46568/bios.v4i1.71

Authors

Syeda Sadia Zafar Department of Oral Pathology, Dr. Ishrat-Ul-Ebad Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi-Pakistan
Saba Hassan Shamim Department of Histopathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi-Pakistan
Mahrukh Sheikh Department of Oral Pathology, Dr. Ishrat-Ul-Ebad Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi-Pakistan
Lubna Avesi Department of Histopathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi-Pakistan
Farheen Danish Department of Histopathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi-Pakistan
Quarat ul Ain Department of Orthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi-Pakistan Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46568/bios.v4i1.71

Keywords:

Dentistry, KAP survey, Odontology, Forensic, Subject, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: In this period of advancement, forensic dentistry plays crucial role in recognition of a person for ethical and the legal proceedings through the analysis of orofacial and dental characteristics with previous records. In this study, we aimed to assess the interest of dental professionals in participating in forensic dentistry courses and their willingness to introduce this subspecialty in the course curriculum of post graduate studies and to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness about forensic odontology among dental professionals of Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire with multiple close-end questions. In a convenient sample of 277 participants that includes academic faculty, undergraduates, postgraduates, house officers, dental care professional students (DCP) and dental technician/hygienist from Karachi, Pakistan. Data was measured using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results: The survey showed that a significant number of study participants have knowledge of forensic dentistry as a branch 70.02% (p value 0.000) of the respondents showed interest to integrate forensic dentistry in the core curriculum. 62% of the Participants showed willingness to opt forensic dentistry as a career or profession. Those who were unwilling had various reasons. A significant number of people maintain dental records (P value = 0.026). Conclusion: There is need for up gradation and recognition of forensic dentistry into the curricula of dentistry to meet the international trends and pursue it as career.

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