NCJ Number
217233
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 151-156
Date Published
January 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the effectiveness of the new DentalPrint computer software in generating comparison overlays in bite-mark analysis.
Abstract
Study findings show that DentalPrint is a useful, accurate tool for comparing bite-mark patterns collected at a crime scene with bite-mark patterns obtained from possible suspects. DentalPrint software generated comparison overlays while avoiding the bias inherent in observer subjectivity, since the entire procedure for generating overlays is automatic. Excellent intra-class correlation coefficients and confidence intervals were obtained for all measurements by the same examiner. Interobserver consensus was also excellent. Seventeen dental casts that exhibited variations in the presence, status, and arrangement of their upper or lower anterior teeth were selected for the study. Each set of models was used to produce experimental bite marks in pigskin as an accurate representation of human skin. The bite mark was digitally photographed and stored in JPEG format in a personal computer. The best reproduction of each bite mark was selected. Dental casts were scanned with a 3D contact-type scanner. The 3D images were imported to the DentalPrint software and processed. Comparison overlays from 3D images of the dental casts were obtained in three steps. First, the teeth involved in the bite mark were identified. Second, a contact plane was created from the three highest points detected in areas defined in the 3D images of the dental cases. Finally, biting edges were obtained with DentalPrint, which allows the contact plane to extend deep into the teeth. The perimeter of the suspect's biting edges can be printed on transparent acetate film or converted into a bmp file. 4 tables, 3 figures, and 22 references