Knowledge, practice and opinion of forensic dentists on denture marking

Abstract

Introduction: Denture marking or identification is done through the incorporation of metallic, non-metallic or other labels in the material of the prosthesis, or by marking the surface. Despite being recommended by governmental and forensic organizations, it is not widely used in Brazil. Objective: To analyze the level of knowledge and describe the opinion and experience of Brazilian forensic dentists with denture marking. Material and methods: A semi-open questionnaire about the knowledge, opinion and practice with denture identification was applied to forensic dentists. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel software. Results: Responses were obtained from 43 experts from the five regions of Brazil. 76% said they knew the term, but only 14% reported having practical experience and 95% thought it was important. Of those who have performed the practice and described it, all of them used it in forensic situations with corpses. The biggest obstacles pointed out to the implementation of the practice were the lack of knowledge, the lack of official guidelines and the cost. Regarding the need to implement marking in clinical practice, 77% answered that it is necessary in all cases, but regarding the obligation to implement it, 56% declared that it should be recommended, but not mandatory and 39%, that it should be mandatory. Conclusion: The knowledge of forensic dentists about denture marking is considerable and most consider it important, however, few had contact with the practice and none performs it in the clinic. The need for the elaboration of guidelines or recommendations by the CFO emphasizing the socio-legal importance of the practice is evident.