Forensic dentistry?

Question

Are there any forensic dentists around? I would like to know about this option and what the pros and cons are.

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Great question, I am a dentist and took a forensic's class in dental school. I can't say I know the specifics, but I know it takes a lifetime to get certified in my state. I remember my Course instuctor saying it took (i'm guessing) 15 cases to complete in order to be certified as a forensic dentist but he only averaged 1 to 2 cases per year. I have had one case in 4 years that I had to send radiographs to a coroner. Most often you would be dealing with bite marks and patient identification. As you can tell, there aren't enough cases to keep you busy full time. You must have a strong stomach as patient identification is typically used when bodied are decayed beyond all recognition (plane crashes, floaters, burns).
Also I agree with the above person. Most dentists do it as a hobby.

Update...I found the site for the American board of Forensic odontology they have a requirements posted
check it out at http://www.abfo.org/

Answer 2

In my experience most forensic dentists are usually ordinary dentists who specialise in forensics as a hobby!

I realise that sounds strange but what I mean is that they will spend most of their time doing routine work and will only partake of forensics when it is necessary or asked to by the Police or the Pathologist.

http://www.forensicdentistryonline.org/forensichomepage.htm

Answer 3

General Applications of Forensic dentistry in legal prospects are: Forensic medical specialty plays an important role in establishing associate personal identity of the unidentified human remains. Within the cases of mass disasters, wherever the quantity of deceased exceeds the capability of native jurisdiction answerable for Forensic investigation; then Forensic dentistry is that the final and most powerful tool which will be used for the identification of mass disaster victim’s by analysing their ante-mortem dental records. Bite-mark analysis is that the most vital requisite of a Forensic Odontologist. Bite-mark injuries are unremarkably encountered in cases associated with sexual assaults, ill-treatment or abuse etc. Bite-marks are of great worth, as they will facilitate in establishing the identity of the wrongdoer of the crime. In cases of alleged abuse, bite-mark analysis is of utmost significance, as already mentioned. But, in addition disfigurement of oro-facial bones owing to injury will aid within the assessment of cases of abuse. Age estimation of associate unidentified body are often done close to victimization the dental records. As a matter of reality, we tend to all recognize that at a particular age solely bound teeth erupt. Thus, estimation older is of prime importance for associate investigator. In addition, associate professional Forensic odontologists will even confirm the race associated sex of an unidentified stay.

Answer 4

I had never heard of forensic dentistry myself until I read a novel by Greg Iles called "Blood Memory." It was fantastic. I recommend it!

http://www.gregiles.com/web_pages/site_entry.htm

Answer 5

Never See Dentist Again : http://DentalBook.uzaev.com/?yqOQ

Answer 6

It is a very interesting branch of dentistry.Scope of practice is limited.