What is forensic 'odontology'?

What is forensic 'odontology'?

Richard Saferstein (Former Chief Forensic Scientist) gives expert video advice on: What is forensic 'pathology'?; What is forensic 'anthropology'?; What is forensic psychiatry? and more...

Forensic Odontology is the study of teeth and forensic odontologists bring their skills to bear generally two areas. First in the case of a disaster where the identity of individuals have to be determined. The forensic odontologist will use his or her skills to examine the teeth and the x-rays taken of the teeth, in order to ascertain the identification of the human body. In a criminal investigation of an assault for example, the odontologist might be brought in to do bite mark impressions that are left on the skin of a participant in a crime. And the forensic odontologist will make for example, teeth mark comparisons between the impression left on the body and a suspect's teeth or set of teeth.