Which field focuses on the evaluation of dental evidence?

Forensic odontology is the specialized field that focuses on the evaluation of dental evidence. This branch of forensic science utilizes the unique characteristics of an individual's dental records, including teeth alignment, dental work patterns, and bite marks, to assist in the identification of human remains and in legal investigations. Dental evidence can be particularly crucial in cases where other forms of identification are insufficient, such as in severely decomposed or burned bodies, where the teeth may remain intact.

This field plays a significant role in mass disaster scenarios, child identification cases, and even criminal investigations where bite mark evidence is pertinent. The study of dental patterns is backed by the notion that no two individuals have identical dental records, making them highly reliable for forensic purposes.

The other fields mentioned, while related to forensic science, do not specifically analyze dental evidence. Forensic entomology pertains to the study of insect evidence, typically to estimate time of death, forensic toxicology focuses on the analysis of bodily fluids for poisons and drugs, and forensic botany involves the examination of plant evidence to support criminal investigations.