Bitemark Evidence Collection and Analysis

Bitemark analysis is the most complex and controversial area of forensic

odontology. Consequently, some forensic dentists are reluctant to enter into

this arena. Bitemarks can occur in a wide variety of substrates, although the

most common of these is, unfortunately, human skin. The proper documentation

of a bitemark is not overly complex, and the techniques for collecting

evidence are manageable by most forensic dentists with practice and attention

to detail. The bite site can be evaluated in the third dimension by using a

very accurate dental impression material and dental stones or resins to create

a solid model for viewing under magnification, light microscopy, or with

scanning electron microscopy. This three-dimensional model of the bitten

area can then be compared to suspects’ dental casts. Technique shortcomings

exist and include that solid models of bitemarks on skin are nonelastic. The

problems associated with bitemark analysis will be discussed more fully in

Chapter 14.