332 Forensic dentistry
have become available. These include programs at the Armed Forces Institute
of Pathology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,
McGill University in Montreal, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s
Office, the University of Detroit –Mercy School of Dentistry, and others.
Annual programs at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the
American Society of Forensic Odontology highlight ongoing research and
casework in forensic dentistry. The American Board of Forensic Odontology
sponsors workshops in dental identification, bitemark analysis, and expert
witness testimony. Research, education, and due diligence are required if
forensic odontology is to progress and, in the process, minimize the prob-
ability of the occurrence of future problem cases.
14.2 Bitemark Characteristics
14.2.1 Bitemark: Definition
A bitemark is a patterned injury in skin or a pattern in an object caused by
the biting surfaces of human or animal teeth. The ABFO manual defines a
bitemark as (1) a physical alteration in a medium caused by the contact of
teeth and (2) a representative pattern left in an object or tissue by the dental
structures of an animal or human. The manual then describes a bitemark
as “a circular or oval patterned injury consisting of two opposing symmet-
rical, U-shaped arches separated at their bases by open spaces. Following
the periphery of the arches are a series of individual abrasions, contusions,
and/or lacerations reflecting the size, shape, arrangement, and distribution of
the class characteristics of the contacting surfaces of the human dentition”^35
(Figures 14.25 and 14.26). There has been much discussion about whether
bitemark should be written as one word or two (bite mark) or hyphenated
(bite-mark), for any of the forms the meaning is understandable and gram-
matically correct. Some will say one word is preferable as fingerprint is one
word. Others will prefer two words, as in tool mark. The authors contend that
this is a pointless argument and choose to use the single word form except in
quoted material that uses other forms.
14.2.2 Bitemarks and Teeth Marks
Some distinguish between the terms bitemark and tooth mark or teeth marks,
pointing out that marks can be left by teeth without the action of biting. This
may occur when skin or other objects contact the teeth instead of a biter
intentionally closing his jaws, and hence his teeth, into skin or an object. This
is a valid distinction. A fist striking the teeth in an affray is a common and
dangerous example often referred to as a clenched fist injury or “fight bite.”