A forensic odontologist is a highly trained dentist who uses teeth to identify bodies, estimate the age of skeletal remains, and determine the source of bite mark injuries, primarily during criminal investigations and mass disasters. A qualified dentist with a post-graduate qualification in forensics is required to become a registered forensic odontologist. Experiential training, usually under the supervision of a senior forensic odontologist, is also required.
Academic qualifications, exams, and the initial number of hours of experience required to register are not the only skills required. A forensic odontologist’s job is not for the faint of heart because it entails working with bodies that may have been involved in serious accidents or crimes. Forensic odontologists must be strong not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally, as much of their work can be emotionally draining. Debriefing and therapy on a regular basis are usually recommended.
The majority of cases in which forensic odontologists are involved may end up in court. As a result, a forensic odontologist must be extremely precise and methodical when it comes to the proper procedures and documentation in order to avoid evidence loss. They may be called to testify in court in some cases, so the odontologist must be at ease in a courtroom setting and speaking in front of a crowd.
As a forensic odontologist, you must collect information with precision, accuracy, and attention to detail. They work as regular dentists in most cases, but they must be available at all times because they may be called to crime scenes or mass disasters at any hour, on any day. Acceptance of the occasionally long and irregular hours is also required.
The charting of teeth and fillings will be used by the odontologist when using forensic odontology to identify an unknown body. Many other characteristics, such as hygiene, habits, and age at the time of death, can be gleaned from a thorough examination of the teeth. However, determining these factors necessitates the use of a trained eye.
Bite marks are often overlooked by those who don’t know what to look for because they resemble bruises or scrapes. In many criminal cases, forensic odontologists have assisted in identifying perpetrators of crimes such as sexual assault and child abuse solely by identifying bite marks that can be directly linked to the offending criminal. Again, a keen eye, meticulous attention to detail, and precision are required.