ABSTRACT
The unique nature of human teeth has always been a special aid in personal identification throughout history.[1] Forensic odontology is a branch of dentistry that deals with the application of dental knowledge to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by the investigative agencies in a criminal justice system.[2] Dental tissues are the strongest tissues in the human body and therefore their characteristics remain unchanged even in extreme environment and can survive long periods in conditions like burial under soil, fire and exposure to any biological agents in the environment.[3] Therefore, the importance of teeth in forensics is profoundly increasing. Endodontics in particular plays a pivotal role in forensic investigation by providing adequate knowledge of root canal anatomy, periapical radiographs, dental restorations, which favour comparison and personal identification of a deceased person.[1]We wanted to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of the role of endodontics in forensic odontology among postgraduate students enrolled in the specialty of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.METHODSA standardized web-based questionnaire survey was conducted in a group of post graduate students n=306 (endodontists) in which 20 questions related to the role of endodontics in forensic odontology were included. The responses were recorded, and the data was analyzed using statistical analysis. Based on the responses obtained, data was analysed, and the frequencies and percentages were calculated.RESULTSThe results of the present survey revealed that 6% of total participants had good awareness (>16 Qs), 62% of total participants showed moderate awareness (10-16 Qs) and 32% of total participants had poor awareness (<10 Qs)CONCLUSIONSThis survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness on practical usefulness of endodontics in forensic odontology. By considering the present expansion in field of forensic odontology, endodontists should be knowledgeable of the role and importance of their specialization in personal identification.