Digitization Of Dental Records And Its Application In Forensic & Legal Perspective: Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Among The Dentists In West Bengal: Digitization Of Dental Records And Its Application In Forensic & Legal Perspective

Arjun Kundu; Lakshmi Sai Sneha Nedunuri; Avaish Chand; Abraham Johnson

doi:10.70284/njirm.v11i2.2771

Authors

Arjun Kundu PG Student,M.Sc. Forensic Odontology,Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, Institute of Forensic Science, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Lakshmi Sai Sneha Nedunuri *PG Student, M.Sc. Forensic Odontology, Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, Institute of Forensic Science, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Avaish Chand *PG Student, M.Sc. Forensic Odontology, Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, Institute of Forensic Science, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Abraham Johnson Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, Institute of Forensic Science, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70284/njirm.v11i2.2771

Keywords:

Dental Records, Digital Patient Records, Forensic Odontology, Medicolegal practices, Survey, Dentists

Abstract

Background: Stepping into the twenty-first century, the computer technology has become an integral part of the clinical practice of dentistry. Dental practitioners should have thorough knowledge of dental records as it has a legal and forensic implication with respect to identification of missing and deceased individuals, settlement of insurance claims, etc. Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess and evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of accurate dental records and the need of digitization among the dentists. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 242 dentists from West Bengal with relevant questions focusing on awareness of dental record maintenance, its importance and its need for digitization. The data were summarized and were subjected for descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Only 65.7% of dentists maintained dental records regularly in their clinical practice. 37.2% were aware about the time-period for maintaining dental record and 64.9 % were aware that they have a professional and a legal obligation to maintain clinically relevant, accurate dental records of patients. Lastly, 82.6% preferred in digitizing & archiving dental records. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a need of proper awareness of dental records & its maintenance among fellow dentists. Also, it demonstrates the trend towards increased adoption of digital platforms for dental record management. [Kundu A Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(2):64-69]

Digitization Of Dental Records And Its Application In Forensic & Legal Perspective: Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Among The Dentists In West Bengal