Are there any forensic dentists around? I would like to know about this option and what the pros and cons are.

Thank you in advance!

I had never heard of forensic dentistry myself until I read a novel by Greg Iles called "Blood Memory." It was fantastic. I recommend it!

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

In my experience most forensic dentists are usually ordinary dentists who specialise in forensics as a hobby!

I realise that sounds strange but what I mean is that they will spend most of their time doing routine work and will only partake of forensics when it is necessary or asked to by the Police or the Pathologist.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Great question, I am a dentist and took a forensic's class in dental school. I can't say I know the specifics, but I know it takes a lifetime to get certified in my state. I remember my Course instuctor saying it took (i'm guessing) 15 cases to complete in order to be certified as a forensic dentist but he only averaged 1 to 2 cases per year. I have had one case in 4 years that I had to send radiographs to a coroner. Most often you would be dealing with bite marks and patient identification. As you can tell, there aren't enough cases to keep you busy full time. You must have a strong stomach as patient identification is typically used when bodied are decayed beyond all recognition (plane crashes, floaters, burns).
Also I agree with the above person. Most dentists do it as a hobby.

Update...I found the site for the American board of Forensic odontology they have a requirements posted
check it out at [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

hi frnds,
m doing my internship from india n wud like to know wat r prospects of doing forensic dentistry n which al countries provide this course n what all is the procedure
hope someone will help
thanx in advance

Hi everybody, I am a dentist from India and am training to be a forensic dentist in Australia. Forensic Dentistry is taught here and you can do a Graduate Diploma and go on to do a masters in this feild.

The main thing with forensic dentistry or rather any branch of forensics is a knowledge of the law esp. the criminal law as ultimately most of the cases that you work with are going to end up in court and you will have to be there to defend your work and make sure that you have done it according to the law.

About 10-15 years back, here in australia any dentist with an interest in forensics and a little bit of knowledge could work as a forensic dentist but times have changed and now you have to have completed atleast a grad dip in forensic dentistry to work as a forensic dentist. The course involves a unit on dental anatomy, a unit on law, another on dental aspects of forensics (recording bite marks, making impressions from bodies, DNA extraction from teeth, child abuse cases, etc, etc.) an a unit on forensic pathology (which also involves attending autopsies and sometimes assisting the pathologist).

Hope this gives you a basic idea and if there's anything specific do not hesitate to ask.

Cheers...

thanks, but wat are the job oppertunities bac home in india??