Chronological development of the dentition of medically indigent children: a new perspective

The following conclusions can be derived from the results of this study: A cross-sectional survey approach is useful in collecting and evaluating relatively large numbers of dentitions. With an increase in the number of categories pertaining to both development and the age, a sufficiently large sample size is necessary to establish validity. Increasing both the number of developmental stages and the number of age divisions makes for more precise measurement. There is a need for sex-specific standards, because females are significantly more advanced than males, in tooth formation. Comparison with other studies suggests that socio-economic status is a factor in tooth development. However, well-controlled epidemiologic studies are necessary to identify contributory factors. Presently, international surveys have not attempted this methodology; comparisons, therefore, between studies rely upon varied selection of populations and subjective charting of radiographs, which make any conclusions tentative, at best. Specific populations, because of wide ranges in developmental rates, must have their own charts. The traditional age-stage standard is too general and imprecise, to be useful for identification purposes.