The Role of Forensic Dentist Following Mass Disaster

This review article focuses on mass disaster situations that may arise from natural or manmade circumstances and the significant role of forensic dental personnel in human identification following such occurrences. The various forensic dental modalities of identification that include matching techniques; postmortem profiling; genetic fingerprinting; dental fossil assessment and dental biometrics with digital subtraction were considered. The varying extent of use of forensic dental techniques and the resulting positive impact on human identification were considered. The importance of preparation by way of special training for forensic dental personnel; mock disaster rehearsal; and use of modern day technology was stressed. The need for international standardization of identification through the use of Interpol Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) for ms was further emphasized. Recommendations for improved human identification in Nigerian situation include reform of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); incorporation of dental care in primary health care to facilitate proper ante mortem database of the populace and commencement of identification at site of disaster

Dental Anxiety: Investigative and Management Techniques often Employed in a Cross Section of Nigerian Specialist Dental Clinics

Background: Information on the pattern of dental anxiety management in Nigeria is currently not available. Aim: The study was designed to determine the awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety assessment questionnaires as well as the current pattern in the management of dental anxiety in Nigeria. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires distributed among dental residents and house officers in Nigerian dental schools. Information requested included demographic variables; frequency of presentation of dental anxiety; awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety questionnaires. The respondents were also asked to rate the frequency of application of the outlined dental anxiety management techniques on a 5-point Likert scale. The median score and the range for each technique was determined and compared between the male and female respondents. Results: A total of 96 questionaires were sent out to dental surgeons of all grades. Response was obtained from 86 giving a response rate of 90. Only 23 (26.7) respondents were aware of dental anxiety questionnaires while only 13 (15.1) have seen the instrument applied. The percentage of patients with dental anxiety was estimated by the respondents to be 20. Behaviour therapy was the most frequently employed dental anxiety management technique. The female respondents employ behaviour therapy and intramuscular sedation more frequently. Conclusion: The awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety questionnaires appeared poor. Behaviour therapy was the most frequently employed dental anxiety management technique. It appears the female respondents employ behavior therapy and intramuscular sedation more frequently