Although bite mark evidence has been available for hundreds of years, it has only been in this century and particularly within that last several decades that the science of bite mark analysis has reached the levels of scientific credibility that the courts have admitted this evidence.  Dr. Souviron has participated in hundreds of bite mark cases, both for Prosecution and the Defense bars. The analysis of the wound pattern, documenting and collecting the evidence utilizing advanced impression techniques, photographic imaging including ultra violet and alternate light as well as ambient light, all a part of Dr. Souviron’s forensic dental expertise. Dr. Souviron holds board certification in Forensic Odontology and has been active in the field for 35 years. He has testified in numerous bite mark cases, the first in Florida being the State of Florida vs. Theodore Bundy. His expert testimony was used extensively in pre trial hearings for admissibility of bite mark evidence for the first such trial in the State of Florida. Since that time he has testified in 20 states including Federal courts on this evidence. Human bite marks are found commonly in child abuse cases, rape and rape homicide cases as well as in many instances of assault, battery and aggravated battery. Bite marks also are left by the victims of violent crimes on the perpetrators. Bite marks also are found at crime scenes on inanimate objects such as pencils, Styrofoam cups, gum, candy bars, cheese and other foods. Dr. Souviron has been involved in cases providing bite mark analysis in these areas.

Additionally, he has been involved in bite mark cases involving animal bites. Dog bites are by far the most prevalent type of bites involving animal on human for the forensic dentist. However, he has also provided testimony in other animals bites such as sharks, barracudas, Bengal tigers, alligators and crocodiles. His testimony has been invaluable in differentiating between pseudo bite marks (pattern injuries) that resemble a bite and actual human bite marks. He has also been called upon to differentiate between pattern injuries, determining whether these are left by adult teeth or by primary (baby) teeth.

Dr. Souviron provides training to law enforcement agencies, medical examiners and dental societies in the area of bite mark and pattern injury evaluation and interpretation. He also has provided valuable service for many police and prosecutory agencies throughout the country in death investigation in which dental evidence especially bite marks are involved.

His testimony in the area of bite mark and bite mark analysis interpretation have been admitted to courts in 20 states including Federal courts. His testimony in the area of forensic dentistry and bite mark evaluation interpretation has never been disqualified by any judicial district.

ZOOLOGICAL DENTISTRY AND ANIMAL BITE MARKS:

Dr. Souviron along with his partner Dr. K. Randall Groh provide all major dental services for the Miami Dade County Metro Zoo. They perform dental surgery including root canal therapies for many of the large animals at the specific request of the zoo veterinarian. Animals treated to date include elephant, hippopotamus, lion, Bengal tigers, wallaby, leopard, bear and wild dogs. Drs. Souviron and Groh have also provided dental services at the request of the curator and owner of the Miami Monkey Jungle on their Lowland Gorilla, King. (Click here for a more in-depth review of zoological dentistry.)

In addition, Dr. Souviron has been called upon by numerous agencies throughout the state of Florida to help determine pattern injuries left on inanimate objects as well as human flesh to analyze and determine whether the pattern injury is a human or animal bite and or to determine whether the bite is left by one type of animal vs. another such as alligator vs. dog.

He also has been involved in pattern injuries on deceased to determine whether these injuries were left by sharks or other type of marine life. Alligator and crocodile bites have been evaluated by Dr. Souviron.