FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY
Dentistry in Forensics
How can teeth help
investigators?
• Identify a suspect by comparing
bite mark evidence to the
suspect’s teeth.
• Identify a victim by comparing the
teeth to the dental records of
known missing people.
BITE MARK EVIDENCE
1. Photograph the area with a ruler near
the injury (in color and B&W).
2. Area is swabbed for traces of saliva
(may contain DNA)
3. Area is swabbed for microorganisms
4. Impressions of the bite mark are
made.
Photographing
the injury
We have a suspect, now what?
1. Get the suspect’s permission for
a body search.
2. Take saliva samples.
3. Photograph the teeth with a ruler
in place for comparison.
4. Impressions are made of the
teeth.
Serial Killer
Ted Bundy
Impressions
being made
of Bundy’s
teeth.
Development of
a child’s teeth
can help
estimate the
age of a young
victim.
Dental
Chart for
humans
The dark
markings
identify specific
characteristics.
Fillings, caps,
chips, evidence
of dental work
Vet’s Dental Chart: Animal Bites
Bite mark on a body
Comparison of chimpanzee, A.
afarensis, and human dentition
Unique characteristics
What Else can be
Learned from Teeth?
Dental Erosion- vomiting too much
STAINING #1- from specific
antibiotic use when teeth were
developing
STAINING #2- from smoking
WORN TEETH #1- pipe smoker
WORN TEETH #2- electrician
(stripping wires with teeth)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
different dental practices
TEETH: Note size and shape
Teeth are important
in Forensics!
The End
References
• http://www.forensicdentalscience.com/ima
ges/bundy1.jpg
• James, Stuart H. and Nordby, Jon J.
Forensic Science: An Introduction to
Scientific and Investigative Techniques.
CRC Press; Boca Raton, 2003.
• Other Google images