There are many opportunities for forensic odontologists
to have formal appointments or consulting relationships
with coroners, medical examiners offices, state and local
government agencies, and branches of the military. Reimbursement
is on a fee-for-service or contractual basis. Private
consultations are possible with insurance companies and
legal firms.
It is common for court qualified forensic odontologists
to testify in criminal and civil courtrooms. Expert testimony
in civil and criminal litigation involves dental issues
such as personal injury law, workers compensation, professional
malpractice, disputes regarding aspects of the dentist-patient
relationship, and identification of bite marks in criminal
cases.
Once a commitment is made to enter this field, the dental
investigator needs to be current in the most accurate
methods available, be aware of ethical values and conflicts,
and possess the dedication to render assistance in a timely
and professional manner.
Computer generated outline of teeth
placed onto
digital picture of a human bite mark.
Digital close-up image of the bite edges of a suspect's
teeth placed next to injury pattern seen in bite mark.
