Forensic OdontologistForensic Odontologist

By: Brandon DorrBy: Brandon Dorr

What is an Odontologist?What is an Odontologist?

A person who deals with the proper A person who deals with the proper examination, handling and examination, handling and presentation of dental evidence in a presentation of dental evidence in a court of law.court of law.

What they doWhat they do

Identify human remains through Identify human remains through dental recordsdental records

Estimate age (both from the living Estimate age (both from the living and dead)and dead)

ID of bite marks (on victims and other ID of bite marks (on victims and other substances, such as wood or leather.substances, such as wood or leather.

Can determine age, smoking habit, Can determine age, smoking habit, and state of oral hygieneand state of oral hygiene

Provide expert testimonyProvide expert testimony

School and RequirementsSchool and Requirements

Doctor of Dental Science Degree is Doctor of Dental Science Degree is requiredrequired

Additional lectures, demonstrations, Additional lectures, demonstrations, and practical courses are available, and practical courses are available, and are encouraged.and are encouraged.

Have to be able to work with people, Have to be able to work with people, think on your feet, and deal with think on your feet, and deal with some nasty stuff.some nasty stuff.

Different Jobs and PayDifferent Jobs and Pay

Work with coroners or in medical Work with coroners or in medical examiners office.examiners office.

With the local, state, or federal With the local, state, or federal branches of government.branches of government.

MilitaryMilitary Also private sectors (insurance Also private sectors (insurance

companies and legal firms.)companies and legal firms.) Avg. starting pay is $30,000 a year.Avg. starting pay is $30,000 a year.