Documenting and interpreting the significance of bite marks must be carried out by someone with training and experience in forensic odontology. Certain features of the injury may help to distinguish animal from human bites and adult from child bites. It may also be possible to match the impression left with the dentition of a suspected perpetrator.

Assessment of these cases may involve:

• examination of the injury and provision of diagrams, documentation and forensic photographs obtained according to a clear procedure;
• examination, photographs and impressions of the victim’s own dentition;
• examination, photographs and impressions of any alleged perpetrator or other family members.

See also discussion of the clinical presentation of bite marks.

Dental practitioners should be clear about their own limitations and only offer opinions within their level of expertise. Local police may have a preferred expert. Alternatively, the British Association for Forensic Odontology (www.bafo.org.uk) can supply contact details of suitably qualified members who can be approached to advise and undertake such work.

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