Forensic Odontology (From Scientific and Expert Evidence Second Edition, P 721-754, 1981, Edward J Imwinkelried, ed. - See NCJ-88831)

• NCJ Number: 88842
• Author(s): N D Sperber
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: Practicing Law Institute
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Forensic odontology involves the identification through dental means of persons who cannot be recognized by usual means and the identification of the owner of bite marks on victims, suspects, and materials found at a crime scene.

Abstract

Odontological examinations to verify should include (1) color photographs of the body, head, and undisturbed dentition; (2) proper preparation of the oral cavity so that exact charting of the dentition is possible; (3) a full radiographic series of the decedent; and (4) closeup photography of the prepared dentition with identifying labels. In 'John Doe-Jane Doe' dental identifications, in addition to proceeding as in verification cases, age, sex, race, and economic bracket should be ascertained. Steps in examining bite marks on a victim include photography (black-white and color), swabbing for salivary residue, impression of bite marks, biopsy of the bite mark (deceased victim) if necessary, and dental impressions of the victim to distinguish when the victim was bitten by the assailant and the victim's accidental or nonaccidental biting of himself/herself. Examination of bite marks on a suspect (dead or alive) involve photography, dental impressions, bite registrations, salivary samples (usually taken by law enforcement agency), and blood sample taken by the law enforcement agency. Comparisons of three-dimensional bite marks involve the use of replicas and photographs of the bite mark with models of the suspect. The comparison of two-dimensional bite marks includes the use of transparent overlays, direct comparison of bite mark photographs and photographs of the suspect's teeth, direct comparison of bite mark photograph and a model of the suspect, contour maps, scanning electron microscopy, computer enhancement, and videotape analysis. Conclusions can be drawn when there are no unexplained inconsistencies and bite marks are consistent with dentition. Photographic illustrations are provided, along with 8 footnotes and 10 bibliographic listings.