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