Introduction to Forensic Dentistry

Before my team and I can actually start bringing you guys to embark on this adventurous journey on how we tackle cases, first of all, we have to explain briefly the roles of a forensic dentist.

In this 21st century era, with crime rates increasing together with the advancement in science and technology, a new eye-opening world of forensic science is introduced to help solve cases which puzzle even the wisest of man. No matter how careful, smart or even experienced a criminal is, clues such fingerprints, footprints, body fluids, bones, teeth and even bite marks are always left behind. Maybe this is one way God made man to be imperfect to a certain extent that criminals will always be put behind bars.

If you choose to walk down the part of forensic dentistry with us in the future, you shall be known as a “FORENSIC ODONTOLOGIST”. Before that, we will like you to discover the important roles that you play in a forensic team as crime solving is definitely not a one man's job, and even the great Sherlock Holmes had a dear friend to help him through thick and thin.




The word 'Forensic' comes from a latin word 'Forensis' meaning with regards to having a discussion or debate. Basically, you will work as a regular dentist, but trained with high level of experience to help in identifying unknown remains and bite marks on a specific individuals. You will be called to perform forensic examinations as requested by local law enforcement or your medical colleagues of forensic pathologist, expect to be called in by police officers, medical examiner or even coroner (an officer who holds inquests in regard to violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths). Forensic odontology requires attention to collect details and the ability to work patiently so as to complete a lengthy step-by-step process without rushing.

Below are examples of cases a Forensic Odontologist will be called in:

• Identify human remains that can no longer be identified.
• Determine the source of bite mark injuries, in cases of suspected abuse, murder, rape and etc.
• Identify bodies in mass fatalities such as accidents (aeroplane crash) and natural disasters.
• Estimate the age of skeletal remains.
• Ethnicity of the victim is unknown.
• Sex identification.
• Testify in cases of dental malpractice.

Henceforth, you will be dealing with most of the cases that are related to oral cavity. Since crimes and disasters can happen at any time, you will receive “on-call” regardless of where you are and what you are doing, and you will be required to enter the area of crime scene. These investigation of crimes and mass disasters can be sometimes be emotionally disturbing, and drain even the most trained professional mentally and physically.

Otherwise, you'll have to attend the autopsy session and take photographs, measuring the skull, take dental impressions and x-rays from the remains. Besides that, you will have to compare the exemplars to those already known missing individuals and if a match is made, you are able to identify the remains. Forensic Dentistry demands for extremely fine motor skills and requires extraordinary precision as well as accuracy. Imagine a person with the mind of Sherlock Holmes, but with the hands of Michelangelo.

Apart from that, you have to write an accurate and complete detailed report to explain the procedures done and what conclusions can be made based solely on the physical evidence available. The report done will be used in court and you will be asked to explain and testify your conclusions.

Below is a video by Doctor Larry Klein regarding the job description of a Forensic Odontologist.