The synergy between oral and maxillofacial surgery and forensic dentistry

an analysis of the Ted Bundy case as a criminal reference

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47385/cadunifoa.v21.n56.6161

Keywords:

Bite marks, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Forensic dentistry, Ted Bundy, Human identification

Abstract

Oral and maxillofacial surgery, traditionally linked to the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of the face, also plays an important role in forensic dentistry, especially in human identification in criminal contexts. The aim of this study was to analyze the interface between oral and maxillofacial surgery and forensic dentistry, using the case of the American serial killer Ted Bundy as a reference, whose conviction was based on evidence of bite marks. This is a qualitative research based on a literature review and case study, carried out from scientific articles, books and legal documents obtained from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using the keywords "forensic dentistry", "oral and maxillofacial surgery", "Ted Bundy" and "bite marks". The results indicate that craniofacial anatomical knowledge and analysis of dental structures play a key role in human identification and the production of forensic evidence. It is concluded that the integration between the two specialties increases the technical accuracy of forensic examinations and strengthens interdisciplinary work in solving crimes, although there are still methodological limitations.

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Author Biographies

Maria Laura Teixeira Vetorazi Gusson, Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda (UniFOA), Volta Redonda, RJ, Brasil

Maria Laura Teixeira Vetorazi Gusson é acadêmica de Odontologia no Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda (UniFOA), atualmente no 7º período, com interesse nas áreas de Cirurgia Bucomaxilofacial e Oral Menor, Odontologia Forense e Implantodontia. Participa ativamente de projetos de extensão e ações de promoção da saúde, com foco em prevenção e equidade, além de integrar ligas acadêmicas e desenvolver pesquisas científicas em andamento. Investe continuamente em sua formação por meio de cursos nacionais e internacionais. Paralelamente, é bailarina profissional, com sólida trajetória na dança. Busca consolidar uma carreira que integre prática clínica, pesquisa e impacto social na Odontologia.

Marcus Vinícius Ribeiro Carvalho, Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda (UniFOA), Volta Redonda, RJ, Brasil

DDS, PhD; Doutor em Estomatopatologia (Unicamp); Mestre em Odontologia Legal e Deontologia.

References

AMERICAN BOARD OF FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY (ABFO). ABFO standards andguidelines for evaluating bitemark evidence. Journal of Forensic Sciences, v. 63, n. 4, p. 1231–1236, 2018. Disponível em: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1556-4029.13677.

INTERPOL. Guia de identificação de vítimas de desastres. Lyon: INTERPOL, 2018. Disponível em: https://www.interpol.int/en/content/download/5759/file/E%20DVI_Guide2018_Annexure12.pdf.

PRETTY, I. A.; SWEET, D. Uma análise da odontologia forense – parte 1: o papel dos dentes na identificação. British Dental Journal, v. 190, n. 7, p. 359–366, 2001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800972a. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800972a

RIAUD, Xavier. Convicted by a bite mark, Ted Bundy (1946–1989). Dental History, n. 59, p. 33–36, 2014. Disponível em: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24620434/.

RULE, Ann. The Stranger Beside Me. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2009.

VANRELL, J. P. Odontologia legal. 3. ed. São Paulo: Santos, 2009. Disponível em: https://www.grupogen.com.br/odontologia-lega

Published

2026-06-16

How to Cite

TEIXEIRA VETORAZI GUSSON, Maria Laura; RIBEIRO CARVALHO, Marcus Vinícius. The synergy between oral and maxillofacial surgery and forensic dentistry: an analysis of the Ted Bundy case as a criminal reference. Cadernos UniFOA, Volta Redonda, RJ, v. 21, n. 56, p. 1–6, 2026. DOI: 10.47385/cadunifoa.v21.n56.6161. Disponível em: https://revistas.unifoa.edu.br/cadernos/article/view/6161. Acesso em: 21 jun. 2026.

Issue

Section

Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde