Exploration of the usage of dental composite resin and the perception of its potential implications in forensic odontology among Lebanese dentists

Composite resins are widely used restorative dental materials due to their aesthetic and mechanical properties. Their diversity in brands, filler types and shades may contribute to distinctive restorative characteristics, providing supportive comparative data when combined with comprehensive ante-mortem records for forensic identification; however, they are often under-documented in patients’ dental records. This study surveyed 79 Lebanese dentists to explore the use of composite resins and their perception of its importance in forensic odontology. Results show a preferable choice for the brand of 3M Filtek (60.1%) among the Lebanese dentists. The preferred composite resin types are both micro and nanohybrid (58.2%). Regarding shade selection, 71 dentists adapt A2 shade in their clinic. While 44.6% of the respondents recognized composite resin as a tool for victim identification, only approximately 21–25% of them documented the material-specific details, highlighting gap in forensic-relevant record-keeping. Prior legal training is shown to have significantly influenced the perceived level on the importance of composite resins in forensic odontology (p = 0.024) and the need for further research (p = 0.012). To conclude, this study highlights the potential forensic values of composite resins and emphasizes the need to integrate legal and forensic education for the enhancement of forensically relevant documentation and research during dental practice, underscoring a universal need for precise record-keeping that transcends national boundaries.