title: Crown size and arch width dimension as an indicator in gender determination for a Puducherry population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tooth morphometry is resistant to postmortem destruction and can be used as an adjunct in skeletal sex and age determination. Therefore, an attempt was made to compare mandibular canine index (MCI) and Pont's index for their level of accuracy in gender determination for a Puducherry population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate crown size and arch width dimension for the Puducherry population using MCI and Pont's index. To compare the MCI and Pont's index, for the level of accuracy in gender determination and to validate its use as a forensic tool.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and six participants (53 males and 53 females) in the age group of 18-25 years of the Puducherry population were included in the study. Their MCI and Pont's index were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data obtained were subjected to pairedt-test analysis. It was observed that right MCI was most accurate and molar index was least accurate in sex determination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MCI and Pont's index showed significant sexual dimorphism. They can be used as an adjunct to other tools for sex determination and identification of the person for the Puducherry population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dr. Z. A. Dental College, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Juhi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Mahatma Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Puducherry, India.
authors.forename: M Jonathan
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Daniel
keywords: Intercanine distance; intermolar distance; interpremolar distance; mesiodistal width of canine; sexual dimorphism