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Forensic odontologists use teeth to identify bodies, estimate age of skeletal remains, and establish the source of bite mark injuries. They require academic qualifications, experience, physical and mental strength, and precision. They work like normal dentists but can be called to crime scenes or mass disasters any time. They use tooth mapping and fillings to identify an unknown body and can identify bite marks that can be directly linked to the criminal offender.
A forensic odontologist is a highly skilled and skilled dentist who uses teeth to identify bodies, estimate the age of skeletal remains, and establish the source of bite mark injuries, particularly during criminal investigations or mass disasters. To become a registered forensic odontologist, one must be a qualified dentist with a graduate degree in forensics. Experience is also required, usually performed under a senior forensic odontologist.
The skills required, however, do not just extend to the academic qualifications, exams and initial number of hours of experience required to register. A forensic odontologist’s job is not for the faint of heart, as it involves working with organs that may be involved in accidents or serious crimes. Not only do forensic dentists need to be physically strong, but also mentally and emotionally, as much of the work can be psychologically harrowing. Debriefing and regular therapy are generally recommended.
Most cases where forensic odontologists are involved can result in lawsuits. For this reason, a forensic odontologist needs to be extremely precise and methodical with regards to correct procedures and documentation to ensure that there is no loss of evidence. In some cases, they may be called to testify in court, so the dentist needs to feel comfortable in court, speaking in front of people.
Precision and accuracy and attention to detail are essential in gathering information as a forensic odontologist. In most cases, they work like normal dentists, but they need to be available at all times as they can be called to crime scenes or mass disasters any time, any day. An acceptance of the sometimes long and inconsistent hours is also required.
When using forensic dentistry to identify an unknown body, the dentist will use tooth mapping and fillings. Many other characteristics can also be identified on careful examination of the teeth, such as hygiene, habits and age at death. Determining these things, however, requires an expert eye.
Bite marks are often missed by those who don’t know what they’re looking for, as they can look like just bruises or scratches. Forensic dentists have helped in many criminal cases to identify perpetrators of crimes such as sexual assault and child abuse, purely by identifying bite marks that can be directly linked to the criminal offender. Again, an experienced eye, attention to detail and accuracy are essential.
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