Herman Bernitz
Hands-on (OMD) | Forensic dentistry
- Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
- B.Ch.D (1978).
- M.Sc. (Odont) cum laude in Oral Pathology (1996).
- Dip. Odont. cum laude in Forensic Odontology (1998).
- Doctorate Ph.D (2004).
- President of the International Organisation of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology (IOFOS) from 2005 to 2011.
- Participated in Disaster Victim Identification missions within Africa.
- Lectured extensively on five continents on forensic odontology related subjects
Published 74 scientific papers. - Contributed 5 book chapters including the chapters on bite mark analysis for the Encyclopaedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine and the new forensic IOFOS textbook.
Nationality: South Africa
Scientific areas: Hands-on (OMD)
21 of november, from 09h30 until 13h00
Room 3
Conference summary
Understanding bite marks from collection of evidence to final analysis
The workshop will demonstrate the practical and theoretical aspects of bite mark collection and analysis. It will take the dental practitioner through all the steps in collecting crime scene evidence and explain the pitfalls awaiting the inexperienced practitioner.
Once the evidence is collected and processed, the analysis techniques will be demonstrated. The course will explain the one-on-one analysis of the bite mark evidence, including both macroscopic and microscopic 3D pattern fit; this can be achieved both digitally and with the help of plaster models. The importance of weighting dental features within a specific population will be addressed with relevant case studies.
All aspects of warping, shrinkage and distortion will be explained in the context of giving expert witness in court cases related to bite marks. The realities of cognitive bias will also be explained. The difference in analysis techniques between skin bite marks and those found in inanimate objects will be discussed and demonstrated.
The interrelationship between microscopic analysis and the uniqueness of the dentition will be dealt with. The participants will be assisted in practicing the relevant techniques.