Role of Human Bite Mark Identification and DNA Technology in Forensic Odontology: a Review

Out of the numerous fields of study and analysis in forensic odontology an important principle is the recognition and interpretation of marks and injuries produced for human bites in foods founded in crime scenes or in the human skin. Thus, the knowledge of the anatomical detail and particularities of human dentition and distribution in the dental arcs can be of real value to forensic odontologist. These bite marks are usually found over the skin, as a result of rapes, fights, assaults, abuses and child violence, this evidence can mean the crime resolution, assuming a decisive role in the criminal identification. In this direction, the DNA technology can be used in the recovery of the genetic material, through the saliva deposited in the skin, after the production of a bite mark, due to the fact that dental impression can be adulterated easily and showing problems on expert analysis. This review emphasizes the importance of the recognition and identification of these injuries combining them with the use of the DNA technology for individual identification.