Estimation of the Chronological Age by Demirjian’s Method Among Children in Cotonou

Abstract

In Benin, violations of child rights are common. Age estimation is a question referred for a preliminary ruling before the courts which have jurisdiction over major offenses and crimes committed against children’s rights. The age estimation methods based on dental maturity and development are widely used. However, they require local validation. This research work aimed to test the applicability of Demirjian’s standards among children living in the city of Cotonou. This study uses a randomized sample of 563 orthopantomograms of children aged 3 to 17 years performed in Cotonou. Dental age has been estimated based on Demirjian’s standards. The reproducibility and repeatability of the method have been assessed. The differences between civil age and dental age as well as their correlation were tested. We noticed good repeatability (Kappa=0.89) and good reproducibility (Kappa =0.85) of the method. In boys of all age groups, the average difference between civil age and dental age was estimated at 0.68 years (CI95%; -0.87 to -0.49); among girls, that difference was estimated at 1.07 years (CI95%; 0.83 to 1.32). The correlation between dental age and civil age was high (R=0.89). A linear regression equation has been established to address the overestimation gap. According to our findings the Demirjian method may be used in Cotonou in a forensic context with one correction factor.