Page "Forensic dentistry" Paragraph 26

In 1984, the ABFO began making an attempt to diminish the discrepancies and increase the validity of bite mark analysis by creating bite mark methodology guidelines.

The guidelines attempt to establish standard terminology in describing bite marks and that reduces the risk of biased results.

The ABFO also provides advice on how to effectively collect and preserve evidence.

For example, they recommend that the collection of DNA evidence and detailed photographs of bites be taken together at the crime scene.

The guidelines also outline how and what a forensic odontologist should record, such as the location, contours, shape, and size of a bite mark.

They also provide a system of scoring to assess the degree to which a suspect ’ s dental profile and bite mark match.

According to the ABFO, the guidelines are not a mandate of methods to be used, but a list of generally accepted methods.

The guidelines are intended to prevent potentially useful evidence from being thrown out simply because the forensic odontologist ’ s collection methods were not standardized.