Who knew a simple question like “Can a dentist work for the coroner?” would end up needing a full legal opinion from the Ohio Attorney General? But here we are.
Highland County found itself in that exact spot after using a dentist as part of death investigations. Before anyone in Columbus started firing off sternly-worded memos, Highland County Prosecutor Anneka P. Collins asked the AG to double-check whether the arrangement was actually legal.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost delivered the answer: Dentists can help investigate deaths, but they cannot be deputy coroners.
So yes, a dentist can join the coroner’s team — but no, they won’t suddenly be performing autopsies or slapping on a badge that says “Deputy Coroner, DDS.” Ohio law draws a firm line: only physicians can serve as deputy coroners.
And honestly? That’s probably for the best. Nobody wants their cause of death determined by the same person who once lectured them about flossing.
Why a Dentist Was Even Involved
Rural counties like Highland are dealing with the same problem: there just aren’t enough medical doctors to staff coroner’s offices. Dentists, on the other hand, bring valuable skills such as reading dental records — a major tool in identifying deceased individuals.
Ohio law also doesn’t demand much in the way of formal requirements for coroner investigators. If you can gather information, sort through paperwork, and help piece together what happened, you’re largely good to go.
But deputy coroners? Totally different job. They’re the ones who actually determine cause of death, order autopsies, and stand in the coroner’s shoes when needed. That role requires a physician’s license, which is something your neighborhood dentist simply cannot provide under Ohio law.
Reactions Across Ohio
Reactions to the ruling fell into predictable camps:
- Smaller counties sighed with relief. They can keep using the professionals they already have — including dentists — to help with investigations.
• Medical organizations nodded approvingly. They like that medical authority stays strictly with licensed physicians.
• Others grumbled. Some argue the investigator role is too loosely regulated and should require consistent training across counties.
Still, the ruling gives counties options, and options are a luxury in rural public service.
Bottom Line
Dentists can help solve mysteries — they just can’t run the morgue.
SIDEBAR: Who Does What at the Coroner’s Office?
What Does a Coroner Do?
The county coroner investigates suspicious, unexplained, or violent deaths.
They determine how someone died, order autopsies, and certify the cause of death.
What’s a Deputy Coroner?
A licensed physician who acts on behalf of the coroner.
They can perform autopsies, issue medical findings, and handle cases when the coroner is unavailable.
What’s a Coroner’s Investigator?
The person who gathers information at the scene, interviews witnesses, and assists the coroner.
Ohio doesn’t require investigators to be physicians — hence the whole dentist situation.
Where Does a Dentist Fit In?
Dentists can:
• help identify bodies,
• review dental records,
• assist with investigative work.
Dentists cannot:
• act as deputy coroners,
• perform autopsies,
• make official medical determinations.
