Open AccessWhat′s the deal with dental records for practicing dentists? Importance in general and forensic dentistry
Author(s) -
Arishka Devadiga
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of forensic dental sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0975-2137
pISSN - 0975-1475
DOI - 10.4103/0975-1475.127764
Subject(s) - forensic dentistry , obligation , forensic odontology , duty , dentistry , duty of care , medicine , medical emergency , psychology , law , political science
DENTAL RECORDS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR DENTIST AND PATIENT PROTECTION, AND ITS MAINTENANCE IS CONSIDERED AN ETHICAL AND LEGAL OBLIGATION OF THE DENTIST: Ethical, because it satisfies the duty of care that the dentist has toward his patient and legal, as it is an investment for future protection against medico-legal complications. In addition to its legal and ethical role, the dental fraternity in India is slowly waking up to its importance in forensic dentistry. Dentists could play a vital role in assisting forensic investigators in providing information that would help in the identification of perpetrators or victims of crime and natural or manmade disaster situations. This information would be easily available and accessible through well-maintained patient records under dental care.