Applicability of the modified Demirjian's method for age estimation in a sample of Egyptian children using dental radiography Modified Demirjian's method for age estimation

Aim: Age estimation is a challenging task in forensic practice. Teeth are employed primarily in the age estimation of children as a result of their low variability and less exposure to environmental, endocrine and nutritional factors. Thus, the current study aimed to test the applicability of the modified Demirjian method on a sample of Egyptian children. Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 140 randomly selected individuals (70 males and 70 females) aged from 8 to 18 years were evaluated based on the modified Demirjian's method. Results: In males, there was a statistically significant correlation between chronological age (CA) and dental age (DA) using the modified Demirjian method; this method underestimated the age in all age groups by 0.45 to 1.77 years, with the exception of age group 10, where overestimation by 0.05 +/- 0.07 years was found, dental age (DA) was underestimated in mates with an overall mean difference of 1.30 years. In females, there was a statistically significant correlation between chronological age (CA) and dental age (DA). DA was underestimated by 0.20 to 2.38 years in all groups, except for group 13, where overestimation was noticed by 1.20 +/- 0.94 years, DA was underestimated with an overall mean difference of 1.27 years. Discussion: Age estimation using the modified Demirjian's method narrows down the mean difference of age to less than one year in some age groups, especially in early adolescence in both sexes; however, the applicability of the current method in the identification of certain age groups among Egyptian children should be taken with caution because of significant results variations. Thus, in these age groups, it is advisable to confirm the estimated age using adjuvant methods.