ABSTRACT
On the other hand, a prediction that correctly identifies an unusual characteristic in a suspect inspires confidence in the odontologist because it is objective and criteria based. This must be done with caution. For example, an experienced odontologist might reasonably predict a severely malposed incisor because of a repetitive arch irregularity seen in several well-inflicted, nondistorted bitemarks. It is better to make such predictions in a nonspecific fashion-for example, a prediction of an “anatomic abnormality expected in the biter’s upper central incisors” rather than “look for someone with shovelshaped incisors.” Profiling a dentition is not an a priori fact and is not intended to initiate a search for a suspect in an open population. Rather, it should be used to check
the odontologist’s veracity prior to his or her examination of dental evidence on a viable suspect.
