What is a forensic odontologist and what is the scope of their work?
Forensic odontology is a branch of forensic medicine and, in the interests of justice, deals with the proper examination, handling and presentation of dental evidence in a court of law. The work of a forensic odontologist covers: • Identification of unknown human remains through dental records and assisting at the scene of a mass disaster • Age estimations of both living and deceased persons including neo-natal remains • Analysis of bite marks found on victims of attack • Identification of bitemarks in other substances such as wood, leather and foodstuffs • Analysis of weapon marks using the principles of bite mark analysis • Presentation of bite and weapon mark evidence in court as an expert witness • Assistance in building up a picture of lifestyle and diet at an archeological site.
