Bitemarks 365
Forensic odontology certifying bodies must begin to properly test and
periodically retest their certified members for proficiency in bitemark analysis.
The requirements for board certification in North America, as they relate to
bitemark analysis, are inadequate. Receiving board certification after being the
principle investigator on one bitemark and co-investigator on another cannot
be justified as sufficient experience. A remarkably modern list of recommen-
dations was written as “Suggested Procedure for Future Cases” by Dr. Warren
Harvey et al. following their analysis of the bitemarks in the 1967 murder of
Linda Peacock. Included at the end of the list was this perceptive and prudent
advisory statement, “Perhaps after the 5th or 6th case a forensic odontologist
might have acquired the skill, knowledge and experience necessary properly
to assess skin abrasions in bite-marks; lesser mortals will not lose face but
will gain in wisdom by humbly sitting at the feet of a forensic pathologist who
may have spent a lifetime specialising in this subject.”^8 The language may be
considered archaic but the sagacity is “spot on,” and the “ sitting at the feet”
could be considered a metaphor for demonstrating an effort to control the
“ totalitarian ego.”
The future of bitemark analysis depends upon those forensic odontologists
who have impeccable ethics combined with protocols, procedures, and opin-
ions firmly rooted in science, and their egos in check. They must have commit-
ted to continuously study, experiment, and learn, and if called upon to do so,
they must have the vision, energy, and courage to make necessary changes.
References
- Lerner, K.L.B. 2006. Odontology, historical cases. World of Forensic Science.
http://www.enotes.com/forensic-science/odontology-historical-cases. - Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2005. The Merriam-Webster dictionary, xviii. Springfield,
MA.: Merriam-Webster. - Burr, G.W. 1914. Narratives of the witchcraft cases 1648–1706, 216–23. New
York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. - Pierce, L. 1991. Early history of bitemarks. In Manual of forensic odontology,
ed. D. Averill. 2nd ed. Colorado Springs, CO: American Society of Forensic
Odontology. - Harvey, W. 1976. Dental identification and forensic odontology, xii. London:
Kimpton. - Pitluck, H.M. 2000. Bitemark case citations, bitemark management and legal
update. Las Vegas: S.W. 2d. - Doyle v. State. 1954. 159 Tex. C.R. 310, 263 S.W.2d 779.
- Harvey, W., et al. 1968. The Biggar murder. Dental, medical, police and legal
aspects of a case in some ways unique, difficult and puzzling. J Forensic Sci Soc
8:157–219. - People v. Johnson. 1972. 8 Ill. App.3d 457, 289 N.E.2d 772.
- People v. Marx. 1975. 54 Cal. App.3d 100, 126 Cal. Rptr. 350.