Dental Expert Witness in the spotlight of trivialization

Abstract

Court-appointed experts are professionals who contribute to judicial proceedings by providing specialized technical and scientific expertise, thereby elucidating facts and addressing uncertainties relevant to all parties involved. Among the professional domains formally recognized by the Federal Council of Dentistry is Forensic Odontology, within which expert practice constitutes a core area of activity. Nonetheless, an increasing tendency has been observed toward the trivialization of expert work, particularly in civil proceedings, commonly referred to as judicial expertise. This practice is frequently portrayed as straightforward, easily performed, and financially attractive, which may lead to professional engagement without the requisite methodological rigor. Such an approach risks undermining professional credibility and may compromise the proper resolution of legal disputes. Against this backdrop, the present study seeks to promote critical reflection and foster scholarly debate concerning the necessity of rigorous training and appropriate regulation of expert practice in Forensic Odontology.