1

Forensic Odontologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Odontologist information

See salary details

$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic odontologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic odontologist in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do forensic odontologists do?

Forensic odontologists identify human remains and analyze bite marks by examining dental evidence, often working with law enforcement and legal teams. They use dental records, radiographs, and expertise in dental anatomy to assist in criminal investigations and disaster victim identification.

What is a forensic odontologist?

A forensic odontologist is a specially trained dentist who uses their expertise to help identify human remains and analyze dental evidence in legal cases. They compare dental records, analyze bite marks, and assist in cases involving mass disasters, criminal investigations, and unidentified bodies. Forensic odontologists often work closely with law enforcement and medical examiners to help solve crimes and provide expert testimony in court.

What degree do you need to be a forensic odontologist?

To become a forensic odontologist, one typically needs a dental degree such as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), followed by specialized training or certification in forensic odontology. Additional education in forensic science or related fields can enhance qualifications, and licensing requirements vary by region.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a Forensic Odontologist within multidisciplinary investigative teams?

Forensic Odontologists frequently collaborate with law enforcement, medical examiners, forensic pathologists, and legal professionals to identify human remains and analyze bite mark evidence. This role often involves providing expert testimony in court, participating in case discussions, and sharing specialized dental knowledge to support broader forensic investigations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as findings from dental examinations often contribute to the overall success of the investigation and legal proceedings.

What are the jobs of a forensic odontology?

A forensic odontologist examines dental evidence to identify human remains and assist in criminal investigations. They analyze bite marks, compare dental records, and provide expert testimony in court. The role requires knowledge of dental anatomy, forensic techniques, and often involves working with law enforcement agencies.

What is the difference between Forensic Odontologist vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectForensic Odontologist

Forensic Odontologists specialize in identifying human remains through dental records, analyzing bite marks, and providing expert testimony in legal cases. They typically hold dental degrees and specialized training in forensic science. Forensic Pathologists, on the other hand, perform autopsies to determine cause of death, often requiring medical degrees and pathology certifications. While both work in forensic science and may collaborate in criminal investigations, their focus areas and credentials differ. Forensic Odontologists are more involved in dental identification, whereas Forensic Pathologists focus on medical examinations of deceased individuals.

How much do forensic odontologists make?

Forensic odontologists typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work in government agencies, private practice, or research. Salaries tend to increase with specialized training, certifications, and years of experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Odontologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Odontologist, you need a dental degree, specialized training in forensic science, and strong analytical skills for examining dental evidence. Familiarity with dental radiography, forensic imaging software, and case management databases is typically required, along with board certification from recognized forensic odontology organizations. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work under pressure are important soft skills for collaborating with law enforcement and providing expert testimony. These skills and qualities are vital for accurately identifying individuals and supporting legal investigations through dental evidence.
More about Forensic Odontologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Odontologist jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Odontologist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Forensic Odontologist jobs? The top employers for Forensic Odontologist jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Odontologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Odontologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Odontologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Open Rank of Forensic Pathology

Open Rank of Forensic Pathology

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Office of the Medical Investigator, administratively housed at the University of New Mexico, is seeking three, full time, forensic pathologists to join an amazing team of forensic pathologists housing one of the most reputable forensic pathology fellowship programs that has trained 121 forensic pathologists since 1975.

The Office of the Medical Investigator is a statewide, centralized, academically based medicolegal death investigative agency for New Mexico. This agency investigates approximately 7,000 of the 18,000 deaths that occur each year in New Mexico and performs approximately 2,000 autopsies and 2,500 external examinations each year.  The office has been NAME accredited since 1976. Detailed death investigation data (1977-present) is recorded in an electronic database.

About New Mexico

New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the United States and is home to roughly 2.1 million people. New Mexico offers one of the most diverse landscapes of any U.S state, from auburn deserts, grasslands, mesas, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Experience over 300 days of sunshine and all four seasons! Outdoor pursuits await in our beautiful state.

New Mexico is also full of diversity, with roughly half the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and is home to the fourth largest Native American community in the U.S.

About theOMI

  • A cohesive teamof board-certified forensic pathologists, two forensic anthropologists, aforensic odontologist, two neuropathologists, pathologist's assistants, andPathology and Radiology consults at the University of New Mexico.
  • NAME accreditedand modernized facility.
  • On-siteComputed Tomography (CT) scanner used to triage every case.
  • Work/lifeBalance: An average of ten exam days per month when fully staffed. Telecommuteoptions when not performing examinations.
  • ForensicPathology Fellowship Program: Funded for four fellows with an incredibletraining track-record.
  • University ofNew Mexico: Faculty appointments within the Pathology Department.
  • RotatingPathology residents and medical students, providing ample mentor and educationopportunities.
  • Researchopportunities: A full-time epidemiologist, physicist, and staff for statisticalanalysis.
  • Grief servicesdepartment assists with family communication.
  • Completesupport staff: Investigators who respond to scenes and staff the office 24/7;morphology technicians and full administrative support staff.
  • Histologyservices provided by a local laboratory. Toxicology testing is provided by anationally recognized external laboratory.
  • Privatetransportation services for judicial hearings within New Mexico.

Benefits

  • Multipleretirement plan options
  • Definedcontribution plan options (similar to a pension) with significant employercontribution
  • Tax deferredvoluntary retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b)
  • Annual leave:21 days/year (252 hours maximum accrual)
  • Sick leave: 10working days
  • Parental leave:Up to 120 consecutive days or 17 weeks (inclusive of holidays)
  • Professionalleave: Up to 12 working days in a fiscal year
  • 3000 annually,for professional/education/travel expenses
  • Relocationpackage
  • Medical,Dental, Basic Life, and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • TuitionRemission for employee and spouse/domestic partner

What University Of New Mexico employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom