To become a forensic (crime scene investigations)
odontologist, one must first earn
a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental
Medicine (DMD) degree, followed by specialized
training in forensic odontology and hands-on experience.
Obtaining board certification from the American Board
of Forensic Odontology requires completing specific
casework and passing a qualifying exam.
Forensic odontology is unique in that almost no one does
forensic odontology as a full-time, standalone job. Instead,
nearly all forensic dentists are practicing general dentists
or dental specialists who provide part-time consulting
services to coroner offices, medical examiners,
and law enforcement agencies.
The average standalone pay rests at $61,156 per year
(or about $29.40 per hour).
Minor consulting can yield from $41,900 – $54,000,
and being an Expert Witnesses can possibly
bring in $121,000 – $203,000.
Big city metropolitan medical examiner
offices that employ full-time staff forensic dentists
typically offer stable government salaries ranging
from $120,000 to $160,000, accompanied by public benefits.
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