Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of the Nurses towards Forensic Dentistry: A questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

Introduction: Forensic odontology has an important role in crime investigation. Dentistry has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crime or in civil proceedings. Indeed, nursing is considered as a noble profession owing to the care and sympathy with greater understanding for all human beings regardless of any dissonances. They are being called the bulwark of healthcare profession becoming a significant connecting link between the victims and forensic odontologists. So, forensic dental fieldwork requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of dental sciences. Aim: To analyse the knowledge and attitude towards forensic odontology among nursing students and nursing staff. Materials & Method: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey using google forms was conducted among nursing students and nursing staff. The questions assessed their knowledge and attitude towards forensic odontology. Results: In this study, 83.7% participants were interested in formal training in the field of forensic odontology. Also 57.7% help doctors in maintaining dental records of their patients. About 52.6% agreed that like thumbprint we can use tongue print for identification of an individual.69.9% knew that DNA analysis can be done using teeth. Overall, 89.1% were interested to participate in workshops and seminars on forensic odontology. Conclusion: Forensic odontology requires interdisciplinary knowledge of dental science. A questionnaire was circulated among 256 nursing students and staff. In which Nursing Students had inadequate knowledge and awareness 47.7% and 43.6% and Nursing Staff 52.3% and 56.4% respectively. This survey showed that nursing students and staff are interested in attending formal training in Forensic Odontology.