How to Be Forensic Dentist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Forensic Dentistry is an integral part of the criminal justice system as it helps to identify individuals and link them to crime scenes. Forensic dental evidence can provide important information in criminal investigations, such as pinpointing a suspects identity, estimating the time of death, and determining the cause of death. This is because dental records, such as x-rays, dental charts, and dental photographs, are unique to each individual and are less likely to be altered or destroyed.

Forensic dentists are also able to identify bite marks on victims, which can often be used to link suspects to the crime scene. Without the expertise of Forensic dentists, criminal cases would not have the same level of accuracy and justice would not be served as effectively.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Forensic Dentist, you must first complete a four year bachelor's degree in a field related to dentistry, such as biology, chemistry, or anatomy.
Complete a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program. After completing your undergraduate degree, you must then apply to and complete an accredited Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program.
Obtain a License to Practice. You must obtain a license in your state or country to practice dentistry. This is typically done by completing the necessary exam and submitting an application for licensure.
Complete a Forensic Dentistry Residency Program. After you have obtained your license to practice dentistry, you must then find and complete a residency program in forensic dentistry. These programs are typically two-year programs that provide in-depth instruction in the field of forensic dentistry.
Become Board Certified in Forensic Dentistry. After completing your residency program, you can apply to become board certified in forensic dentistry by taking the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO) exam. Once you have passed this exam, you will be board certified and eligible to practice as a forensic dentist.

Forensic dentists, also known as odontologists, must stay ahead and capable in order to provide their services. To do so, they must stay up to date with the latest advancements in dental technology, develop new skills and techniques, and stay informed of the legal requirements for their field. In addition, they must stay abreast of recent criminal cases and scientific research associated with their work.

This can help them keep up with the changing demands of their profession and stay ahead of their competitors. Furthermore, they must remain current on the latest trends in the forensic science industry, in order to provide their clients with the best possible service. By staying ahead and capable, forensic dentists can ensure that they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

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Job Description

Perform dental examinations and analyze dental records to help identify a deceased person.
Collect and analyze dental evidence from crime scenes for use in criminal investigations.
Examine dental prints, bite marks, and dental materials for use in court proceedings.
Utilize x-rays and other imaging technologies to assess dental records and evidence.
Provide expert testimony in criminal cases related to dental evidence.
Analyze dental remains in order to provide estimates of age and sex of a deceased individual.
Prepare detailed reports and presentations outlining the forensic evidence gathered and provide recommendations for further investigation.
Consult with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and other professionals as needed.
Keep abreast of advances in forensic dental practices and technologies.
Attend specialized training courses and conferences as required.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology
Comprehensive understanding of forensic science and forensic dentistry
Proficiency in dental radiography, dental photography, dental charting and dental record keeping
Ability to identify and analyze dental evidence related to identification and trauma analysis
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to forensic dentistry
Expertise in using specialized dental instruments and equipment
Ability to perform assessments, evaluations and consultations
Ability to assess and interpret dental records, medical records and other documents
Expertise in creating reports and records in accordance with legal protocol
Ability to testify in court or other legal proceedings as an expert witness
Proficiency in using computer systems and software related to forensic dentistry
Understanding of ethical practices related to the dentistry profession

Forensic dentists have an important role to play in solving criminal cases. Their expertise helps to identify victims and suspects by examining dental records, bite marks, and other dental evidence. To be successful in this field, forensic dentists must have a thorough understanding of anatomy and dental science, as well as knowledge of the law.

They must also have excellent problem-solving and communication skills. A forensic dentist must be able to interpret the evidence and draw reasonable conclusions from it. Furthermore, they must be able to work well with other professionals, such as police officers, lawyers and medical examiners.

Without the skills of a forensic dentist, it would be difficult for law enforcement to identify victims or suspects in criminal cases.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in forensic dentistry?
How have you been able to apply your dental skills to forensic cases?
What challenges have you encountered while working on forensic cases?
Describe a successful case you worked on in the past.
What experience do you have with using dental records as evidence in criminal investigations?
How do you stay current with advances in forensic dentistry?
What experience do you have with computerized dental charting systems?
What techniques do you use to accurately identify human remains based on dental records?
What safety protocols do you practice when working with potential biohazards?
How would you explain the importance of forensic dentistry to someone unfamiliar with the field?

Common Tools in Industry

Scanning Electron Microscope. Used to analyze dental remains and identify unique characteristics of the remains such as shape, size, and texture. (eg: Analyzing a tooth to determine its age)
Digital X-ray Imaging. Used to view the internal structure of teeth and other dental remains. (eg: Examining a tooth to find evidence of trauma)
Forensic Anthropology. Used to analyze the remains of a deceased individual to determine age, sex, ancestry, and cause of death. (eg: Analyzing a skull to determine the identity of a murder victim)
DNA Analysis. Used to analyze the DNA of dental remains and compare them to other individuals. (eg: Identifying a suspect through the DNA found in a tooth)
3D Imaging. Used to create three-dimensional images of dental remains for further analysis. (eg: Analyzing a shattered tooth to determine the force of impact)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Society of Forensic Odontology
American Board of Forensic Odontology
International Association for Identification
National Academy of Forensic Engineers
National Institute of Justice
American Board of Forensic Anthropology
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners
International Association of Forensic Toxicologists

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Common Important Terms

Odontology. The scientific study of teeth, including their anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Forensic Anthropology. The application of physical and biological anthropology to the legal process.
Forensic Odontology. The application of dentistry and odontology to legal issues, typically involving identification of individuals from their teeth or bite marks.
Bite Marks. An injury caused by a human or animal bite, which can be used to identify the perpetrator and/or the victim in a criminal investigation.
Dental Records. A collection of records that provides information about a persons dental history, including previous treatments, and current medications.
DNA Typing. A method of determining the identity of an individual by analyzing the genetic material obtained from a sample of their body tissue or fluids.
X-rays. A form of radiation used in imaging to create images of bones and other structures inside the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Forensic Dentist? A1: A Forensic Dentist is a specialized dentist who has training in the identification of human remains using dental records. Q2: What type of evidence do Forensic Dentists examine? A2: Forensic Dentists examine dental evidence such as teeth, dental x-rays, dental restorations and bite marks. Q3: What is the purpose of Forensic Dentistry? A3: The purpose of Forensic Dentistry is to identify individuals or determine the cause of death by studying dental records, x-rays and bite marks. Q4: How long has Forensic Dentistry been used? A4: Forensic Dentistry has been used since the late 19th century and is an important tool for identifying victims of crimes, disasters and war. Q5: How many forensic dentists are there in the US? A5: According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, there are approximately 1,000 to 1,500 forensic dentists in the United States.

Web Resources

Master of Science in Forensic Dentistry - Lincoln Memorial www.lmunet.edu
Fellowship in Forensic Dentistry - Lincoln Memorial University www.lmunet.edu
Forensic Odontology: An Overview and Bite Mark Controversy www.dental.umaryland.edu