Here is my powerpoint for the Careers in Forensic Science Project.

1. A Powerpoint by Chloe Sterner
FORENSIC
ODONTOLOGY
THE DENTAL IS IN THE DETAI LS

2. WHAT , WHERE, AND HOW MUCH
• Above, I have provided the definition of forensic odontology. The definition says it
all! Forensic odontology is very key in crime scene investigations. For example, by
being able to take impressions from a bite mark, forensic odontologists can try and
match those impressions with suspects’ dental records by looking for key dental-related
individual characteristics. They can also use bite marks on food, chewing
gum, and other articles for means of identification. Forensic odontology also plays
a vital role in identifying deceased victims where no other process of identification
has succeeded or is available other than dental examinations. In addition to all
these things, odontology, a common shortened term for forensic odontology, is
very valuable in natural disasters. Victims of natural disasters sometimes are not
able to be identified except through dental examinations.

3. WHAT , WHERE, AND HOW MUCH
• When there is a deceased victim, the forensic odontologist will attend the autopsy. There, he will
take pictures, dental impressions, X-rays, and cranial measurements from the deceased victim.
Here is an example of a
post-mortem dental
examination chart

4. Below is a video featuring Dr. Richard Bassed from the Victorian
Institute of Forensic Medicine. He is a forensic odontologist and here
he not only gives a description of odontology, but he also presents a
peak into his career as a forensic odontologist. Dr. Bassed additionally
shares some examples of the incredible results that can come from
after-death dental examinations.

5. WHAT , WHERE, AND HOW MUCH
interesting details about the working conditions of forensic odontologists www.explorehealthcareers.“Forensic odontologists usually work as regular dentists much of the time, performing forensic examinations as needed

6. WHAT , WHERE, AND HOW MUCH
Now, let’s talk about where. As far as places of employment,
forensic dentists, an informal term for forensic odontologists, can
be employed by the following companies/forces:
Medical Examiner’s Offices
Often, medical examiners, also known as forensic pathologists, hire
forensic dentists permanently or for consulting reasons. With the two of
their skill sets combined, much insight is given into many cases.
Insurance Carriers
Forensic dentists can also work for insurance carriers. They work on cases
that pertain to medical and/or dental fraud.

7. WHAT , WHERE, AND HOW MUCH
Now, let’s talk about where. As far as places of employment,
forensic dentists, an informal term for forensic odontologists, can
be employed by the following companies/forces:
Armed Forces
Forensic odontologists can work for the United States Military. The
armed forces also function as a place of education/training for forensic
dentistry.
Consulting Basis and Dental Practician
Many forensic dentists are primarily regular dentists. They work in a
dentist’s office and fulfill the duties of forensic odontologists when
requested by medical examiners, district attorneys, and law enforcement
agencies.

8. WHAT , WHERE, AND HOW MUCH
I researched the income of forensic odontologists, and here are my findings:
) www.explorehealthcareers.org stated that forensic odontologists make $150,000-$185,000 yearly.
2) www.work.chron.com said the following about the income of a forensic odontologist:
The median national wage for general dentists in 2011 was $142,740, or $68.62 an hour,
according to O*NetOnline.org. Consultant fees dentists charge for forensic work vary by
case. Members of Northern California Forensic Odontology charge a minimum of $150
per hour to review evidence and give a cursory opinion. A forensic odontologist in
New York, with nearly 40 years of case experience, charges a $1,000 hourly rate for a
similar consultation. Hourly rates for performing forensic dental identification can range
from $250 to $800 depending on the complexity of the work. Overall, the American
Dental Association says forensic dentists earn between $150,000 and $185,000 annually.

9. REQUIREMENTS:
SECONDARY
EDUCAT ION
To be eligible and ready to assume the position of a forensic odontologist, college degrees and
certifications are required. Forensic dentists must receive their D.D.S. or D.M.D./D.D.M. (which are
explained below) to become be able to be employed as a forensic odontologist. Those degrees are
earned at dental schools. Most dental schools require the incoming student to have already earned at
their bachelor’s degree in a science or to have already had 2-3 years of their bachelor’s degree
finished. So in basically, forensic odontologists must earn two degrees: their bachelors and then their
D.D.S. or their D.M.D./D.D.M. A D.D.S. is a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. A D.M.D. is a Doctor of
Medicine in Dentistry degree which is also called the D.D.M. which is a Doctor of Dental Medicine
degree. Here is an interesting note about these degrees: D.D.S. and D.M.D. (also D.D.M.) are both
the same degree. Both degrees offer very similar training and mean the same thing in the dentistry
world. Even some dentists aren’t aware of this fact! The whole thing originates in ancient medicine.
There were two groups, one who completed surgery for diseases and injuries with the help of tools
and one who healed people with diseases through the aid of medication. Here is the rest of the story
as explained by Dr. Simon Rosenberg, D.M.D.:
“Originally there was only the D.D.S. degree, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. It was given by independent schools of dentistry
that were more like trade or apprenticeship schools and in the beginning were not affiliated with any university.
This all changed in 1867 when Harvard University added a dental school. Harvard University only grants degrees in Latin. Harvard did not
adopt the D.D.S. or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree because the Latin translation was Chirurgae Dentium Doctoris or C.D.D. The people at
Harvard thought that C.D.D. was cumbersome. A Latin scholar was consulted. The scholar suggested the ancient Medicinae Doctor be
prefixed with Dentariae. This is how the D.M.D. or "Dentariae Medicinae Doctor" degree was started.”
So, whether you get a D.M.D, a D.D.S. or a D.D.M. all depends on what your college or university administers to its dental students.

10. REQUIREMENTS:
SECONDARY
EDUCAT ION
Some colleges and universities that offer D.D.S. and D.M.D. degrees:
- Harvard University
- University of Florida
- University of the Pacific
- University of Michigan
- University of California at Los Angeles
- University of California at San Francisco
- Temple University
- Howard University
- West Virginia University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
A forensic odontologist’s schooling usually takes about 4-8 years. Or, they have the option to expedite their graduation

11. REQUIREMENTS:
SECONDARY
EDUCAT ION
Dental school graduates must obtain licensure from their state board of dentistry to practice in
the profession. To attain licensure, candidates must pass both a written and practical exam.
Most of the time forensic odontologists like to receive certification through the AAFS (American Academy of forensic Science) • Possess a DDS, DMD or an equivalent dental degree from an accredited institution
• Have attended at least 4 annual meetings of a national forensic/forensic dental organization
• Have participated in at least 2 annual programs of a national forensic/forensic dental organization
• Be currently active and affiliated with a medical/legal agency such as a medical examiner/coroner’s office, mass disaster
team, insurance agency, or law enforcement agency for at least 2 years
• Have observed at least 5 medico-legal autopsies attested to by the pathologist in charge
• Have performed at least 30 legitimate forensic dental cases (will be 35 as of June 2014)
• Have performed at least 20 human identification cases, 15 of which resulted in a positive identification
Upon meeting the minimum requirements for certification, candidates must take and pass a comprehensive examination,
which includes the following topics:
• Demonstrating forensic odontology foundation skills
• Gathering, documenting, and maintaining evidence
• Demonstrating knowledge of identification
• Participating in mass disaster management
• Demonstrating knowledge of bite marks
• Demonstrate knowledge of human abuse
• Demonstrating knowledge of craniofacial, anatomy, anthropology, and pathology
• Demonstrating professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities

13. “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.
Education is the premise of progress, in every
society, in every family.”
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_knowledge.html#VccXWT88woZ5gkxR.99”
–KOF I ANNAN

14. This has been a presentation by Chloe Sterner
Science. Thank you for watching, reading, and learning alongside

15. SO… You want more information on forensic odontology…
received my information from. If you fit into either of these categories, I would like • http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/forensic%20odontology
• http://www.forensicsciencecareers.net/forensic-scientist/job-description.html
• http://www.youtube.com
• http://education-portal.com/how_long_does_it_take_to_be_a_dentist.html
• http://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/forensic-dentist/
• http://www.aafs.org
• http://asfo.org (did not use as a reference but this website features news about forensic
odontology)