Identification of children and adults through federal and state dental identification systems: recognition of human bite marks.

Forensic pathologists are often involved in the identification of unknown bodies. It is imperative, therefore, that they become aware of a national computerized identification system (NCIC) administered by the FBI. There is also a state system in California which has resulted in the identification of 59 individuals. This article describes the current methods available for dental identification and indicates the reasons pathologists must rely on odontologists. A brief description of human bite marks and their usual locations is also included, since forensic pathologists often encounter such important evidence during an autopsy.