Dental age estimation using open apices in Egyptian children from Mediterranean region

To validate the accuracy of the Cameriere's method and a previous Egyptian formula for determining the dental age (DA) of Egyptian children living along the Mediterranean region, while also assessing the accuracy in applying the new regression formula that is tailored to the Mediterranean region.

This study analyzed a training sample of 440 orthopantomograms (OPGs) and a testing sample of 212 OPGs of children and adolescents aged 515 years. Dental age (DA) was calculated and compared to chronological age (CA) using various formulas. Cameriere's formula was used to create a new Egyptian formula specific to the Mediterranean region, and a linear regression model was used to evaluate all morphological variables as well as gender. The new Egyptian formula specific to the Mediterranean region was later compared to Cameriere's formula and a previous Egyptian formula.

The new Egyptian formula (Mediterranean region) for DA estimation (adjusted mean = 10.329, 95% CI 10.046, 10.611), highly matched the CA (adjusted mean = 10.331, 95%CI 10.033, 10.630, p = 1.00) showing no statistically significant difference. However, DA calculated by Cameriere's formula (adjusted mean = 9.469, 95% CI 9.236, 9.703, p < 0.001) as well as the previous Egyptian formula (adjusted mean = 10.000, 95%CI 9.729, 10.272, p < 0.001) significantly underestimated the age.

The new Egyptian formula is the most accurate for estimating dental age in Egyptian children living along the Mediterranean region and recommended as the first choice in forensic and clinical application for DA estimation in Egyptian children living along the Mediterranean.