A statistical analysis focused on the degree of agreement in identifying the filling materials according to the individual's clinical career. The participants were divided into two groups: those with careers of 1-20 years and those with careers of 21 years or more. Findings revealed that the group with clinical careers of 1-20 years had superior identification rates. In addition, the rates of agreement among the police dental surgeons were higher for gold inlay and gold foil filling than were those for silver alloy inlay and palladium alloy inlay. Results suggested that caution is needed in identifying new filling materials that are elaborately finished. Tables, figures, and 10 references (Author abstract modified)