A forensic odontologist is a dentist that specializes in investigative dentistry. There can be a need for forensic dentists to examine teeth to determine personal identification in the case of accidents and crime scene investigations. You can become a forensic odontologist by first graduating from college and attending dental school. After school is completed and you are regionally licensed as a dentist, you may be able to obtain certification to become a forensic odontologist. Certification standards typically vary by region and the standards set by area professional organizations, but they generally include completing additional training and education.
Sometimes, the only way to identify a body is to compare the teeth to existing dental records and x-rays. When a crime occurs, bite marks on a victim may need to be analyzed and compared to that of a suspect to help determine guilt or innocence. Should tragedy occur with many people gravely injured beyond comparison, dental record identification can assist with naming victims. All of these tasks can be completed by a forensic odontologist.
Police stations, hospitals, and regional governmental agencies may all have a need to employ a forensic odontologist at some point or for some period of time. Many odontologists work on contract basis, and are only hired when their skills are needed for a particular task. In the meantime, odontologists can work as typical dentists or they can teach courses within their field.
To become a forensic odontologist you first need to receive traditional training as a dentist. Typically, students enter dental school after completing an undergraduate degree and passing an entrance exam. The dental school entrance exam varies based on region, but it generally asks questions about math, biology, and chemistry. It can also ask questions to gauge a student's reading comprehension. The test is usually multiple choice, and is offered several times a year.
In addition to taking the dental school entrance exam, aspiring students who want to become a forensic odontologist may need to complete a comprehensive application to dental schools in order to receive acceptance. During dental schools, students who know they wish to become a forensic odontologist may want to seek out mentors within the field. Professional forensic odontology organizations can provide students with a list of people to contact. Students may also want to take any applicable courses with the field offered at their school.
Once dental school is completed and students are licensed dentists, the next step to become a forensic odontologist is to receive certification. The certification process is administered by regional professional organizations. It typically involves attending lectures, completing courses, and passing an exam.