Individual Evidence

• Bite marks, like fingerprints, are unique and a forensic dentist will be able to make a cast or take pictures of the bite marks

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Forensic dentists use several different terms to describe the type of bite mark:

• Abrasion - a scrape on the skin• Artifact - when a piece of the body, such as an

ear lobe, is removed through biting• Avulsion - a bite resulting in the removal of skin• Contusion - a bruise• Hemorrhage - a profusely bleeding bite• Incision - a clean, neat wound• Laceration - a puncture wound

Types of Bites

• A clear impression means that there was significant pressure;

• obvious bite signifies medium pressure • noticeable impression means that the biter

used violent pressure to bite down.

Clear, obvious, noticeable

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Characteristics

• A human bite mark will often be elliptical or circular and will display the specific characteristics of the teeth

Food can be evidence

• Comparing the Bite patterns on food

Measurements

Matching mold to bite mark

Analysis of Bite Mark

Class Characteristics

• Shape of the mouth arch• Tooth alignment, thickness,width and spacing• Missing teeth• Other unique features

Terminology

• Positive identification-exact match• Possible identification-consistencies exist, but

not enough to make an exact match• Insufficient evidence-not enough evidence• Exclusion-do NOT match

Becoming a Forensic Dentist• In the United States, many forensic dentists are certified by the

American Board of Forensic Odontology. There is a long list of qualifications to obtain this certification, including:

• Complete coursework at an approved school such as the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology or the School of Dentistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio

• Be present and participate in meetings of national organizations related to forensics or forensic dentistry

• Work with a coroner, medical examiner's office or law enforcement for at least two years

• Work on at least 25 forensic dental cases, including 15 positive identification cases and two bite-mark cases

1 – Fold the Styrofoam plate in half.

2 – Label one side MAXILLA and the other MANDIBLE.

3 – Gently bite down on the plate to leave your bite mark impression.

4 – Place a sheet of the plastic film over the impression and use a permanent marker to recreate the pattern to match that of your bite mark.

5 – Use a ruler to make the measurements shown and record in the table below along with any notes regarding unique characteristics you observe in the teeth.

Part 1: Make an Impression

WidthDepth

http://forensicfact.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/cast_negative_resized_copy.jpg

Maxilla

Mandible

Maxilla

Mandible