Are there any forensic dentists around? I would like to know about this option and what the pros and cons are. <br /><br />Thank you in advance!<br />

It is a very interesting branch of dentistry.Scope of practice is limited.

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

http://www.gregiles.com/web_pages/site_entry.htm

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.

http://www.forensicdentistryonline.org/forensichomepage.htm

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 http://www.abfo.org/