Forensic Dentistry, Second Edition

(Barré) #1
Bitemarks 341

and a negative of the bitemark is recorded. The orientation of the impression
and case number should be placed on the backing and photographed in situ.
Specifically, the placement of anatomical orientation markers as well as the
case number, date, and the initials of the odontologist should be recorded on
the stone backing. Photographic documentation of the entire procedure from
start to finish is advisable. Being the most important type of evidence for
recording a bitemark, too many photographs cannot be taken. Subsequent
to the impression and with the permission of the medical examiner, the skin
containing the bitemark injury may be removed in total (excisional) or may
be biopsied (incisional) for microscopic analysis. If the injury is not on the
face of the individual and if the medical examiner approves, the bite can be
removed and preserved for later analysis. The procedure for removing and
preserving the bitemark is well described in the ABFO guidelines^35 and in
Bitemark Evidence.^36 In summary, the forensic odontologist has three main
roles in evidence collection: (1) to physically document and collect evidence
related to the patterned injury; (2) to perform an analysis of the injury and,
if appropriate, determine from class and individual characteristics a dental
profile; and (3) to obtain as much scene and other information from the
investigative authorities as possible. This information should include scene
photographs, body position, and presence of clothing or other objects that
may have altered the biting mechanism or themselves produced patterned
injuries on the body that may mimic a bitemark. If a bitemark is found the
odontologist is responsible for examining that mark, and the remainder of
the body if the mark is on human skin, to determine whether or not there
are additional bitemarks. Confusion may arise if there are artifactual inju-
ries that mimic bitemarks. The odontologist may be called upon to docu-
ment these other injuries. He or she may be asked to analyze the information
and at a later date be called to testify as to what possibly caused them. The
initial investigative procedures, if properly performed, can be of great help
in preventing or minimizing errors in interpretation. The appropriate hand-
ling of these three responsibilities of case management in the beginning of
a bitemark case may well prove valuable as the case progresses through the
criminal justice system.
The dental profile determined at the time the bite is analyzed could turn
out to be among the most important articles of evidence and certainly may help
to eliminate suspects. The dental profile has been used to support “ probable
cause” for the authorities to secure a court order or search warrant.
As discussed previously, in an ideal world, the odontologist will collect
and analyze the evidence from a patterned injury and will have the oppor-
tunity to conduct his or her investigation from crime scene through court
presentation. In the real world this rarely happens. Often the odontologist,
especially if he or she is asked to review a case by the defense, will have only
photographs and evidence collected by others with which to work. Rarely will

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