Sex Estimation from Dental Crown and Cervical Metrics in a Contemporary Japanese Sample

Abstract

Few sex estimation methods have been developed for East Asian populations in forensic anthropology. Furthermore, odontometric techniques, particularly including cervical measurements, are underutilized by forensic anthropologists in the construction of the biological profile. This research evaluates the use of logistic regression and linear discriminant function analysis with standard crown and cervical measurements of the dentition for the estimation of sex in a contemporary Japanese sample ( n = 97). While logistic regression produced equations with the highest overall correct classification rates, discriminant function equations resulted in less of a sex bias of correct estimation. Cervical and buccolingual measurements were most effective at correct allocation of individuals. This study successfully demonstrates the applicability of odontometrics, particularly cervical measurements, in the estimation of sex and the necessity for population-specific methods.