Public awareness of forensic odontology and willingness to enroll in a prospective dental registry: A survey conducted in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundThe establishment of a national dental registry provides a great opportunity for the healthcare and criminal investigation systems. Its feasibility would rely mainly upon public knowledge and a willingness to contribute dental profiles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness among the Saudi public of forensic odontology and to evaluate their willingness to participate in a prospective national dental registry.MethodsA cross-sectional survey based on a self-administered survey questionnaire was conducted in 2018 at the Al-Janadriyah National Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Visitors were questioned about their demographic data and responded to 20 knowledge statements using the alternatives “correct”, “incorrect”, or “don’t know”. Their perception towards registries was assessed using 15 statements and a 5-point Likert scale. The percentage mean score (PMS) of knowledge, the mean positive response rate (MPRR) of participant perception, and their willingness to participate in a prospective dental registry were assessed with respect to their demographic characteristics.ResultsComplete surveys were received from 812 study participants (85.5% response rate). The PMS ± standard deviation of knowledge was 39.8 ± 22.5 and the MPRR of perception was 64.7 ± 25.5. More than two-thirds of the responders (n = 548, 67.5%) indicated a willingness to register in a future national dental registry. Differences in knowledge were identified with regard to sex, marital status, education, and occupation, while differences in perception and willingness to enroll were influenced by sex. After adjustment for possible confounders, female participants and employed participants were 1.7 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–2.4) and 1.6 times [95% CI = 1.1–2.5] more likely to enroll in the proposed registry (P = 0.004 and P = 0.03, respectively). Higher knowledge and perception scores were associated with more willingness to enroll in the national dental registry (adjusted [adj.] P = 0.03 and adj. P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsA future national dental registry in Saudi Arabia is expected to be well-received by the public. An improvement in the public’s knowledge regarding the importance of forensic dentistry is expected to encourage their active enrollment in such a registry. Although women and employed participants were more willing to enroll, it is too early to predict the rates of participation, given the fact that nationwide marketing surveys have yet to be launched.

Level of Knowledge and Perception Public of Forensic Odontology

“…13 This contradicts research carried out in Saudi Arabia where the majority of people in Saudi Arabia do not know that forensic odontology helps in medico-legal cases. 8 In this survey, the majority of respondents did not know that forensic odontology can help in cases of sexual harassment and violence. A systematic review paper revealed that a large proportion of the public has insufficient knowledge of the ability of forensic odontologists to handle cases of abuse.…”

“…This contrary to research conducted in Saudi Arabia, the majority of respondents did not know that the palatine rugae and tooth characteristics were different for each individual. 8 In the survey it was found that the majority of respondents knew that forensic odontology helped in medico-legal cases, identifying accident victims and investigating bite marks. This survey is in line with the empirical role of forensic odontologists in disaster management and victim identification by maintaining well-structured, comprehensive and accurate dental records for teaching and research purposes, as well as for legal matters.…”

“…18 In this survey, the majority of respondents wanted to provide their dental information in the future national forensic odontology data collection, this is contrary to research conducted in Saudi Arabia where the majority of Saudi Arabians refuse to register themselves in the database national forensic odontology. 8 In table 4, the average level of public knowledge and perception regarding forensic odontology is still categorized as moderate. This is in line with previous research which assessed the insufficient knowledge and awareness of forensic odontology in the community and research conducted in Saudi Arabia said the knowledge and awareness of the people in Saudi Arabia was still very low.…”

“…The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire adapted from the research of Salam M, et al 8 Saudi Dental Journal which consisted of two domains. The knowledge domain consists of 10 questions and the perception domain consists of 10 questions.…”

“…7 Although the benefits of establishing a national forensic odontology data collection are significant, their feasibility depends on the level of people's willingness to contribute to their dental profile, because the criminal investigation system does not involve public participation in this kind of national data collection. 8 Before attempting to undertake a national forensic odontology data collection, there is a need to evaluate public awareness of forensic odontology. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine public knowledge regarding the aspects of forensic odontology and public perceptions regarding forensic odontology.…”