2. Individual Evidence
Bite marks, like fingerprints, are unique and a forensic dentist will be able to make a cast or take pictures of the bite marks

3. Forensic dentists use several different terms to describe the type of bite mark:
Abrasion - a scrape on the skin
Artifact - when a piece of the body, such as an ear lobe, is removed through biting
Avulsion - a bite resulting in the removal of skin
Contusion - a bruise
Hemorrhage - a profusely bleeding bite
Incision - a clean, neat wound
Laceration - a puncture wound

4. Types of Bites
A clear impression means that there was significant pressure;
obvious bite signifies medium pressure
noticeable impression means that the biter used violent pressure to bite down.

5. Clear, obvious, noticeable

7. Characteristics
A human bite mark will often be elliptical or circular and will display the specific characteristics of the teeth  

8. Food can be evidence
Comparing the
Bite patterns on food

9. Measurements

10. Matching mold to bite mark

11. Analysis of Bite Mark

12. Class Characteristics
Shape of the mouth arch
Tooth alignment, thickness,width and spacing
Missing teeth
Other unique features

13. Terminology Positive identification-exact match
Possible identification-consistencies exist, but not enough to make an exact match
Insufficient evidence-not enough evidence
Exclusion-do NOT match

14. Becoming a Forensic Dentist
In the United States, many forensic dentists are certified by the American Board of Forensic Odontology. There is a long list of qualifications to obtain this certification, including:
Complete coursework at an approved school such as the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology or the School of Dentistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Be present and participate in meetings of national organizations related to forensics or forensic dentistry
Work with a coroner, medical examiner's office or law enforcement for at least two years
Work on at least 25 forensic dental cases, including 15 positive identification cases and two bite-mark cases

15. Part 1: Make an Impression
1 – Fold the Styrofoam plate in half.
2 – Label one side MAXILLA and the other MANDIBLE.
3 – Gently bite down on the plate to leave your bite mark impression.
4 – Place a sheet of the plastic film over the impression and use a permanent marker to recreate the pattern to match that of your bite mark.
5 – Use a ruler to make the measurements shown and record in the table below along with any notes regarding unique characteristics you observe in the teeth.
Maxilla
Mandible
Depth
Maxilla
Width
Mandible