1Professor and Head, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai
2Tutor, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai
3Assistant Professor, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai
4Senior Lecturer, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai
*Corresponding Author : Dr. Dhanraj Ganapathy, Professor and Head, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Phone : +91-9841504523, E-mail: dhanraj@saveetha.com
Online Published on 28 July, 2023.
Since insects may be used as a specimen of evidence when traditional toxicological samples have decayed or are no longer accessible, forensic entomotoxicology has gained favor as a tool in the study of deaths caused by poisoning. Research trials have shown that it is possible to detect, identify, and quantify medicines and harmful compounds in insects.
The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness of forensic entomotoxicology among dental students
A cross-sectional research was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire containing ten questions distributed amongst 100 dental students. The questionnaire assessed the awareness of Forensic entomotoicoogy in forensic medical applications, the insects with Forensic value, and Postmortem interval determination with insects,limitations of forensic entomotoxicological investigations and willingness to train in Forensic entomotoxicological investigations.The responses were recorded and analyzed.
12% of the respondents were aware of the medicinal applications of Forensic entomotoxicology. 9 % were aware of the insects with Forensic value, 7 % were aware of Postmortem interval determination with insects and 5 % were aware of limitations of forensic entomotoxicological investigations. and,92 % expressed willingness to train in Forensic entomotoxicological investigations.
There is inadequate awareness and knowledge about Forensic entomotoxicology among dental students. However, a majority expressed willingness to learn more and receive training in forensic entomotoxicology to foster their skills and knowledge in forensic applications.
Awareness, Forensic Entomotoxicology, Insects, Identification, Post Mortem
