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
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
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
Part 1: Make an Impression 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. Maxilla Mandible Depth Maxilla Width Mandible http://forensicfact.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/cast_negative_resized_copy.jpg