Forensic dentistry case book 9 : the “bite mark” that caused confusion

Abstract

A bite mark case was received from the Eastern Cape for analysis in the Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology. The evidence included a photograph of a bite mark on the left cheek of the victim, see Figure 1, two silicone impressions of the bite mark and a set of study models of the suspect’s dentition. Although the evidence proved to be sufficient for analysis, the recommended protocol for the collection of evidence was not followed.1 No American Board of Forensic Pathology (ABFO) rule or metric scale was used during the photographic session and the impression was extremely thin with no backing to maintain anatomical contours of the area bitten.