Overview
Forensic odontologists are highly experienced, specially trained dentists who use their expertise to help identify unknown remains and trace bite marks to a specific individual.
Forensic odontologists or forensic dentists are typically called in to:
- Identify human remains that cannot be identified using fingerprints or other means
- Identify bodies in mass fatalities, such as plane crashes and natural disasters
- Determine the source of bite mark injuries, in cases of assault or suspected abuse
- Estimate the age of skeletal remains
- Testify in cases of dental malpractice
The forensic odontologist may be called in by police officers, the medical examiner or the coroner.
In death cases, the forensic odontologist attends the autopsy and takes photographs, cranial measurements, dental impressions and xrays from the remains. These exemplars are then compared to those of known missing individuals. If a match can be made, the remains can be identified.
In cases where bite marks are found on the body of a victim or suspected perpetrator, or on food, chewing gum or another item, the forensic odontologist uses the same procedure to determine the source of the bite marks.
The forensic odontologist then writes a detailed report explaining what was done and what conclusions can be made. The forensic odontologist must be prepared to explain the process and justify the findings in court.
This career profile was reviewed and approved by Max Houck, M.A., Director, Forensic Science Initiative, West Virginia University.
You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:
Forensic Odontology 14 May 2008 [pdf, 159 KB]
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Salary:
$150,000
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$185,000
[*]
Years in school:
4
-
8
after high school graduation
Job outlook:
Excellent
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