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Forensic Odontology is a critical field within forensic science, with significant importance in legal contexts and the identification of victims in mass disasters or cases of abuse. This article focuses on the efforts made by the European University Cyprus (EUC) School of Dentistry to raise awareness among dental students regarding legal and forensic dentistry practices. Through voluntary visits to the Anthropological Laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, students gain firsthand experience and insights into anthropological analysis for identifying missing individuals. These visits provide students with practical application opportunities, emphasizing record-keeping practices, oral tissue morphology analysis, and unique aspects of restorative work during identification processes. Feedback from participating students highlights the value of experiential learning in increasing awareness about forensic odontology’s importance and relevance in real-world scenarios. The initiatives undertaken by the EUC School of Dentistry contribute to enhancing legal and forensic dentistry awareness among future dental professionals in Cyprus. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, comprehension, and practices concerning forensic odontology among dental students and faculty at a Dental School in Cyprus. An online, cross-sectional, descriptive survey, employing an adapted, self-administered questionnaire, was disseminated to all dental students and faculty at the School of Dentistry, European University Cyprus, in November 2022. The survey assessed participants’ demographic information and explored their awareness with questions alluding to knowledge, attitudes and practices in forensic dentistry. Of those surveyed, 47 faculty members and 304 students responded, yielding response rates of 66.2% and 80%, respectively. Statistical analysis, including Kendall’s tau test and χ² test were employed to examine correlations and associations, with Cramer’s V used to measure the strength of significant associations. The predetermined significance level was α = 0.05. Awareness levels were assessed through participants’ responses to specific questions in the survey. It was revealed that 87% of faculty and 65% of students were familiar with forensic odontology. A noteworthy 94% of faculty and 85% of students recognized teeth as DNA repositories. A high percentage, 98% of faculty and 89% of students, acknowledged the role of forensic odontology in the identification of criminals and deceased individuals. Awareness of age estimation through dental eruption patterns was evident in 85% of faculty and 81.6% of students. A substantial proportion (80% of faculty) maintained dental records, while 78% of students recognized the importance of dental record-keeping in ensuring quality care. Interestingly, 57% of students and 64% of faculty were aware of the possibility of dentists testifying as expert witnesses. The majority, 95.7% of faculty and 85% of students, concurred that physical harm, scars, and behavioral alterations predominantly indicate child abuse. The findings, revealing robust awareness among respondents, underscore the importance of enhancing faculty engagement in relevant seminars to further strengthen their knowledge. Additionally, emphasizing improved record-keeping practices for potential forensic applications emerges as a crucial aspect. These insights have implications for refining dental education in Cyprus and enhancing forensic practices by promoting ongoing professional development and emphasizing meticulous record-keeping within the dental community. Full article

Forensic odontology is the application of dentistry within the criminal justice system. Forensic expertise, including dental identification, mostly relies on dental records. We explored the practice of maintaining dental records among Croatian dentists, as well as their knowledge of legal regulations and the application of dental records in forensic odontology. In all, 145 dentists participated in an online survey. Questions covered general information on dentists, maintenance of dental records, and knowledge of legal requirements and forensic odontology. Overall, 70% of dentists obtain and archive written informed consents, while 87% record dental status. Generally, non-carious dental lesions and developmental dental anomalies were not recorded. About 72% of dentists record filling material and surfaces. Only 32% of dentists know the legal requirements for keeping records, whereas 21% have no knowledge of forensic odontology and its purpose. The survey revealed different practices in the maintenance of dental records, including significant flaws and lack of awareness of its forensic importance. This obvious need for additional education on proper maintenance of dental records could be met by including forensic odontology in compulsory undergraduate courses and postgraduate dental education. Establishing national and international standards in dental charting would comply with contemporary trends in health care and the requirements of forensic expertise. Full article