44^th World Dental Science and Oral Health Congress

Forensic Odontology

By using dental records to identify the perpetrator based on a bite mark left on the victim or at the scene, or by using dental records to identify human remains, forensic odontology applies dental science to legal investigations. Criminals have been known to leave bite marks at the site of the crime, whether they are on the victim or in chewing gum or food. There are many things that should be done after a bite mark is found. A saliva sample is taken from the region after the mark has been properly imaged to look for any DNA evidence. Then, moulds or casts can be created. A comparison can be conducted if a different bite impression is discovered somewhere else or if a suspect's teeth are taken impression.