Forensic Odontologists

Forensic Odontologists apply dental science to legal investigations, and with the rapid advancement of dental technologies, their ability to analyze and interpret evidence has significantly improved. High-resolution intraoral and extraoral scanners allow for precise digital documentation of dental features, which can be compared quickly against existing dental records. 3D imaging and printing enable accurate reconstructions of jaw structures or bite marks, even from damaged remains, which is particularly valuable in mass disaster victim identification or cases involving skeletal remains. The integration of CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) also allows for non-invasive, detailed analysis of dental and craniofacial structures that were previously difficult to assess.

Emerging tools such as AI-assisted dental recognition systems are streamlining the comparison of dental records, reducing human error, and speeding up the identification process. Innovations in DNA extraction techniques from dental pulp and salivary residues further strengthen the forensic value of oral evidence. These methods are especially useful in situations where other biological identifiers are compromised. Digital databases and cloud-based case management systems now allow for faster, more collaborative cross-agency investigations, even across borders. With such advancements, dental forensic science continues to evolve into a more accurate, efficient, and respected discipline in both criminal investigations and disaster response scenarios.