Peer-reviewed article
Pakistan's position in the world of forensic odontology and dental records.
F M Shah Syed, S Shoro, S Manica ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This peer-reviewed study surveys dental professionals in Pakistan about their awareness and training in forensic odontology, a field used to identify victims in disasters and investigate child abuse. The survey of 476 dentists found that while most are aware of forensic odontology, it is not taught in dental schools and almost no one has formal training. The study produced educational materials to increase awareness of the importance of dental records.
Key points
- 98.53% of respondents confirmed forensic odontology was not taught in Pakistani dental schools
- 89% of dental professionals expressed interest in training in forensic odontology despite 99% having no formal training
- 60.92% of dentists do not produce detailed dental charts, though 55% maintain them manually
- Forensic odontology has applications for child abuse investigation, age estimation for child marriages, and disaster victim identification in Pakistan
- No governing body for forensic odontology exists in Pakistan and the field has minimal education and implementation
Limitations
This study documents awareness and practice patterns among dental professionals but does not evaluate outcomes for children or the effectiveness of any child protection intervention. It cannot tell us whether improved forensic odontology capacity would actually improve identification of abused children or outcomes in child cases.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Forensic Odontology (FO) still strives for recognition in some countries such as Pakistan. Natural and man-made disasters, along with child abuse cases and age estimation for child marriages and juvenile imprisonments in Pakistan justify its applicability. AIMS: This study investigated the awareness, information, training, practice and interest in FO in dental professionals in Pakistan. Another aim was to design tools to deliver primary knowledge about FO and emphasize the importance of dental records. METHODOLOGY: A 10 question paper-based survey was distributed among 560 dental professionals and postgraduates of 14 public dental institutes/hospitals in Pakistan. The results were quantitatively analyzed by graphs using Microsoft Excel (version 16.22). An educational video and an information leaflet were produced after the survey was undertaken to explain the scope of FO and the importance of dental records respectively. RESULTS: 476 dentists (51%♀, 49 %♂) aged 20 - 50+ years responded and 98.53% confirmed that FO was not taught in the dental schools. 66% were aware of the field and 62% were only informed. 99% were not trained and 89.7% were not working in this field; however, 89% were interested in training within Pakistan. Considering dental charts, 60.92% do not produce detailed charts but 55% maintain them and the majority do so manually. Radiographs were the most stored type. CONCLUSIONS: Most dentists are aware of the existence of FO, but they need to acknowledge the significance of dental record keeping and encourage implementation of FO. Regardless of the absence of any governing body for FO and negligible education, training and implementation in Pakistan, this field is gradually progressing. The authorities should introduce detailed guidelines for recording, managing and storing dental records. They should ensure the future acknowledgement of this subject in the education system and assign forensic odontologists to the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team.