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In general, all forensic scientists must acquire at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

criminalistics, and biological sciences. Meanwhile, individuals who want to work in the field of forensic dentistry must possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. Some forensic specialists must become certified by a board, such as the American Board of Forensic Odontology, or complete specific Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Department of Justice (DOJ) courses to help them prepare for certification. There are various professional organizations that offer forensic analysts the ability to become certified in their particular subdiscipline. These include the International Association of Identification, the American Academy of Forensic Science, and the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners. Certifications are valuable because they demonstrate that a forensic scientist has truly achieved a certain level of expertise in a particular field. They are also opportunities for continuing professional development to help forensic analysts stay up to date with the most recent science and technology that is applicable to their work. In addition to education and certification, expert forensic analysts—both those who investigate crime scenes and those who work in labs—must also obtain practical, on-the-job training.

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Introduction: The Value of a Lasting Impression