NCJ Number
97974
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This training key discusses forensic odontology, the application of dental technology to identify victims or suspects in criminal investigations.
Abstract
Every human being possesses a unique tooth structure, so dental evidence can be used by medical examiners and pathologists to identify unknown individuals in much the same way that police investigators compare fingerprints. Bite marks can also provide excellent physical evidence when matched against the tooth structure of a suspect. To be of value, the bite mark must be detected and preserved promptly. Evidence may be collected through photographing; swabbing; making impressions; or other techniques, such as drawing on transparent plastic or use of fingerprint technology. Bite marks may occur on foodstuffs at the scene of the crime, on the skin of crime victims, or they may be left by the victim on the attacker. Dentures may also provide valuable evidence. Four footnotes are included.