NCJ Number
226903
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 651-657
Date Published
May 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study assessed age-estimation accuracy from third-molar development in North Texas (Dallas) and South Texas (Cameron County) Hispanic populations.
Abstract
The study found that generally the third molars of individuals in both Texas Hispanic populations reached their stages of development at earlier chronological ages than was the case for the Caucasian population studies by Mincer et al. This pattern was found for both males and females. The third molars of males matured earlier than those of females for all stages and in both the maxilla and mandible. Hispanic females can be reliably shown to be less than 19 years old if the third molars are in stage B or C in both jaws. No such clear determination was observed for the 18th year. Hispanic males, on the other hand, can be reliably shown to be less than 18 years old when stage B or C is observed in the maxilla or mandible. These findings indicate that if population-specific data are not used in estimating age from third-molar development, the age of Hispanics may be overestimated. In unidentified deceased individuals, third-molar development is useful in conjunction with age indicators in other areas of the body. When living individuals are evaluated for age, the determination of adult or juvenile status can have legal implications. Panoramic radiographs were obtained for 950 Hispanic individuals of known age and sex, 528 from North Texas and 422 from South Texas. There were 535 females and 415 males in the study. Data were collected in two separate studies. In both studies, all radiographs were digitized and coded to ensure that examiners were blind to subjects’ sex, name, and age. 13 tables, 1 figure, and 44 references