odontology

[oh-don-tol-uh-jee, od-on-]

noun

1. the science dealing with the study of the teeth and their surrounding tissues and with the prevention and cure of their diseases.

odontology

/ ɒˌdɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌɒdɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the anatomy, development, and diseases of teeth and related structures

Other Word Forms

• odontological adjective
• odontologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of odontology¹

First recorded in 1810–20; odonto- + -logy

Example Sentences

Among the specialists called on to assist in the identification of victims is Jim Wood, an expert in forensic odontology, the use of dental records to match teeth found in the ashes.

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Its free services include forensic odontology and fingerprint examination, as well as forensic anthropology and DNA analyses through the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification laboratories.

Read more on Seattle Times

Dentistry, and by implication odontology, thus treads a fine line between being fraught and fascinating.

Read more on Nature

He has served as president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the odontology board.

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The report that had the biggest impact on the commission's decision was one from a scientist who was once regarded as a proponent of forensic odontology.

Read more on BBC