I'm not sure I have a bite mark. How can I tell if I need a Forensic Odontologist?

Human bite marks are typically opposing curvilinear marks, representing upper and lower teeth, with possibly individual teeth represented within the mark.  However, often the mark is indistinct or incomplete.  The individuals who support this web site often receive these requests.  Contact any of them for an appraisal of the evidence for a very nominal fee ($150).

My client is accused of a crime and prosecution claims they can identify positively a bite mark as having been inflicted by my client. Can they do that?

Theoretically, if the mark was of good quality with minimal distortion, evidence and photographs properly collected and properly analyzed, a unique match could be achieved.  As a practical matter, this is extremely rare.  Therefore, while this is possible, most cases result in the inclusion or exclusion of the suspected biter within a class of possible biters.

I represent a family who has reservations about the identification of their deceased relative. Can you help?

Most of the time, yes.  The primary tool in dental identifications is the comparison of post death and pre death dental records.  That means that pre-death dental records need to be located.  X-rays are the best kind of pre-death dental records.   It also means that the decedent's remains need to have teeth.  Fortunately, teeth are extremely durable and will survive most types of deaths.  Further, it may be possible to achieve identification through DNA Analysis.

How much would it cost for a) a look and see and b) a case work up?

Most Forensic Odontologists, including the ones supporting this page, charge a minimal fee of $150 or less to take a look at your evidence and offer a preliminary opinion on what is possible.  Beyond that, typical hourly rates for investigation and analysis range from $125 to $250 per hour.  Typically, a case that is good enough to warrant in depth analysis may consume from 6 to 10 hours, including written report.  Depositions and courtroom testimony usually are more costly because of the time requirements.

Can you testify in court?

Yes.

Do you present training courses?

We offer educational courses in Forensic Odontology periodically.  Contact any of these individuals to determine the next offering.  

How do I get to be a Forensic Odontologist?

Basic Forensic Odontology courses can be taken through the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (www.afip.org).  The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a program for training in forensic odontology as well.  Membership in the American Society of Forensic Odontology as well as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences provides additional opportunities to gain educational experiences.  A good foundation of education in forensic odontology is a good first step to becoming a forensic odontologist.

Web Sites

American Dental Association  -   www.ada.org
California Dental Association  -  www.cda.org
American Board of Forensic Odontology  -  www.abfo.org
American Academy of Forensic Sciences  -  www.aafs.org
American Society of Forensic Odontology  -  www.asfo.org
Issues in Human and Animal Bite mark (Bitemark) Management  -   www.forensic.to/webhome/bitemarks
GB Forensic Services   -  www.geocities.com/gbforensics
Peter Hampl, DDS  -  www.phampl.com

Text

Outline of Forensic Dentistry, Cottone and Standish  - Year Book Medical Publishers
Handbook for Dental Identification,  Luntz & Luntz  -  Lippincott
Forensic Dentistry, Sopher  -  Charles Thomas
Manual of Forensic Odontology, Bowers & Bell  -   Printing Specialists
Forensic Odontology, Gustafson   -  American Elsevier
The Dental Clinics of North America (April 2001),  Fixott & Saunders