CarolinasDentist Blog

The Benefits of Forensic Dentistry

Yellow crime scene tape saying CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS

Modern dentistry helps keep people healthy and have great smiles for life. But there’s an important field of dentistry that is less well known: forensic dentistry. Forensic dentistry serves an important role in our society that not many think about. This could be because some of the subject matter is unpleasant, but there are many benefits of forensic dentistry.

All About Forensic Dentistry

Forensic dentistry is the study of teeth and the mouth as it applies to civil and criminal law. Forensic dentists aid investigative organizations by identifying victims and perpetrators of crimes, as well as victims of disasters. Teeth are unique and forensic dental experts can discover important facts to be used as evidence in trials and investigations.

How Forensic Dentistry Can Help

In disasters such as fires or earthquakes, when many victims may remain unidentified, a forensic dentist can help determine identity. This is done using ante-mortem and post-mortem photographs of the mouths of people in question. Forensic dentists can help identify bite mark injuries, cases of abuse, and the age of both victims and perpetrators. Many crimes are solved with the help of forensic dentistry, and many families whose loved ones die in mass casualties have found peace and closure with the help of this field of study.

A firefighter in front of a pile of rubble points his finger instructing someone what to do after a fire or earthquake

As a society, we’ve greatly benefitted from all forms of dentistry, but we owe a debt to those who study dental remains and crime scenes. It’s definitely not a pleasant examination, but to the families of those who were lost in heinous crimes and unfortunate disasters, it can make all the difference.

Reach Out to Our Team!

Contact our expert team to learn additional interesting tidbits about dentistry or to schedule your next appointment at one of our locations across North Carolina: Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Raeford, Southern Pines, or Spring Lake.

Contact Us

Related Posts

Back To Top

Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

Choose your location:      

Select Office To Make Payment To