Introduction to forensic odontology
In this field you will be working within the coronial, criminal, and family court justice services, and you might be called upon to give evidence in court as an expert witness.
Becoming established in forensic odontology takes years, and even once you are established, case work can be sporadic, with many odontologists completing only a handful of cases each year. The cost of specialised forensic equipment and the low financial return can be significant drawbacks.
You might be called out for a case at any time, which could disrupt the day to day running of your practice. This work also involves considering the relatives of the deceased, who should not be kept waiting any longer than necessary.
Other than hands-on experience, there is no full preparation for the sights and smells you will encounter as an odontologist. Academic training does not adequately prepare you for the odours of decomposed or infested bodies, or the fragility of evidence from mummified, burnt bodies, or cremains. This field requires time and commitment, with no guarantee of regular work.
Similar to how implantology is not currently a GDC-recognised specialty, forensic odontology is not either. However, the British Association for Forensic Odontology (BAFO) promotes education and good practice in forensic odontology, reviews performance, and provides mentoring for practitioners in this field.