What is a forensic odontologist?
Forensic odontologists–also known as forensic dentists–use their dental backgrounds to help assist with legal cases. In some cases, they work to identify dead people or help to apprehend criminals.Identifying RemainsDuring cases where someone cannot be identified–such as when someone has been the victim of a violent crime, fire or car accident–forensic odontologists help to identify them. This is done by comparing the teeth of the deceased person to dental records of people who have been reported missing.Bite MarksIn some violent crimes–such as murders and sexual assaults–criminals may bite their victims. In these cases, forensic odontologists compare the bite marks on the victim to the dental impressions of the people suspected of the crime.Dental ProfilesForensic odontologists prepare dental profiles when someone cannot be identified through dental records–which provides information that can help identify someone. These profiles include information about someone’s age, gender
