Accuracy of the Demirjian and Willems methods of age estimation in a Black Southern African population. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esan, Temitope A.; Schepartz, Lynne A.
• Is Part Of: Legal medicine. Volume 31(2018)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Age estimation -- Demirjian methods -- Willems method -- Southern Africa; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Medical jurisprudence; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1344-6223

Abstract

Highlights: Original Demirjian method significantly overestimates biological age. Modified Demirjian method had the greatest mean absolute error. Willems method provides highest accuracy for Black Southern Africans. Willems method suitable for forensic and anthropological applications. Abstract: The accuracies of the original Demirjian, modified Demirjian and Willems dental age estimation methods were compared for a Black Southern African population to determine their usefulness for forensic and anthropological purposes. Data were collected using a community-based prospective study design. Panoramic radiographs of seven left mandibular teeth from 540 children aged 5–15.99 years were scored using the three methods. Obtained estimates were compared to the chronological ages and mean absolute errors were calculated. The original Demirjian method significantly overestimated ages (males 0.85 years, female 1.0 years; mean absolute errors of 1.1 years for both sexes), as did the modified Demirjian method (males 0.90 years, females 1.21 years; mean absolute errors of males 1.1 years, females 1.4 years). The Willems method was the most accurate for Black Southern Africans, with the lowest significant mean difference (males 0.2 years, females 0.3 years) between dental and chronological age, with the least mean absolute errors (males 0.70 years, females 0.68 years).