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Human identification via dental comparison is only possible if sufficient antemortem dental records are available. These records are sourced from dental practices. New 3D digital technologies are increasingly being used by dentists in Australia for routine clinical procedures and offer significantly more data for individualizing people than traditional 2D records. However, it is uncertain whether clinicians are aware of the importance of these records for forensic purposes. The collection of antemortem records from clinical practices is critical to successful identification by forensic odontology. A survey across 71 dental practices in South Australia explored both the availability of 3D dental records and the level of awareness among practitioners regarding their significance in forensic investigations. While 3D dental records are frequently produced in dental settings, there is a notable lack of awareness among practitioners of their critical value in forensic contexts. Retention practices for all records were highly variable. Despite the production of 3D records, their potential remains underutilized due to gaps in knowledge of forensic applicability. The findings highlight a significant opportunity for enhancing forensic identification through better education and management of 3D dental records. Addressing this gap is essential for improving the efficiency of forensic odontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]