Determinants of knowledge and practice of forensic dentistry amongst dental practitioners

To evaluate the determinants of knowledge and practice of forensic dentistry (FD) amongst dental practitioners.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on dental practitioners working in private and public sectors in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A pilot tested self-administered questionnaire was distributed amongst an estimated sample of 323 dentists. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

In the study, 72.4% of the estimated sample returned completed questionnaires. There were 142 male (60.7%) and 92 female dentists (39.3%) in the study. There were 59 (25.2%) dentists who had the knowledge of FD and 27 (11.5%) handled the cases related to FD. Multivariable logistic regression showed that receiving FD training in undergraduate program (Adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 10.31, 95% CI = 4.67-22.76), and updating the information of FD (AOR = 6.68, 95% CI = 2.81-15.86) were significantly associated with increased odds of having the knowledge of FD. Similarly, updating the information of FD (AOR = 7.56, 95% CI = 2.54-22.51) and having ≥5 years of clinical experience (AOR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.00-21.40) were significant determinants of handling the cases of FD. The adjusted odds ratio for the maintenance of dental records was 4.16 times higher for specialists and consultants than general dentists.

The study found that the dentists who received FD training had greater chances of having FD knowledge. Updating information about FD was associated with improved knowledge and practice of FD. Dental curricula should provide knowledge and skills of FD to students in undergraduate programs and the dentists should learn about FD through different educational sources.