Journal of Forensic Research

Applicability of Willems Method of Dental Age Assessment in 14 Years Threshold Children in South India - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Ekta Priya

Age plays an important role in various fields such as forensic science, various social and legal settings and treatment planning in clinical dentistry. Children with undocumented birth date are vulnerable to violation of various child rights. This pilot study aimed to test the applicability of Willem’s method of dental age assessment at the threshold of 14 years considering prohibition of employment of children. The sample consisted of 30 males and 30 females. The dental age estimation was performed by two blinded examiners using Willem’s method. The accuracy of Willem’s method of age assessment was measured by the difference between the chronological age and estimated dental age. It was seen that there was underestimation of age in both males and females. The difference in females and males were -0.29 years and -0.23 years respectively. The scores of dental maturation described by Willems may be suitable for South Indian children.