title: Optimal dental age estimation practice in United Arab Emirates' children.
abstract: The aim of the study was to detect whether the Willems model, developed on a Belgian reference sample, can be used for age estimations in United Arab Emirates (UAE) children. Furthermore, it was verified that if added third molars development information in children provided more accurate age predictions. On 1900 panoramic radiographs, the development of left mandibular permanent teeth (PT) and third molars (TM) was registered according the Demirjian and the Kohler technique, respectively. The PT data were used to verify the Willems model and to develop a UAE model and to verify it. Multiple regression models with PT, TM, and PT + TM scores as independent and age as dependent factor were developed. Comparing the verified Willems- and the UAE model revealed differences in mean error of -0.01 year, mean absolute error of 0.01 year and root mean squared error of 0.90 year. Neglectable overall decrease in RMSE was detected combining PM and TM developmental information.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Odontology Department, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, Leuven, 3000, Belgium; Medical Examiner Office, Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, Ministry of Interior, Alsaada St. 19, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Salem
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Altalie
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thevissen
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fieuws
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Willems
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000366:Age Determination by Teeth / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019229:Dentition, Permanent; D005260:Female; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000254:growth & development; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D014070:Tooth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000254:growth & development; D014479:United Arab Emirates; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: United Arab Emirates; Willems model; dental age estimation; forensic odontology; forensic science; tooth development