Relationship between the Estimated Dental Age and Chronological Age Using the Demirjian Method in an Iranian Population

The most valid method for radiographic estimation of dental age is the Demirjian method. However, the use of Demirjian indices has shown variations among different races worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the chronological age and dental age of 6-15-year-old children in Zanjan, Iran by using the Demirjian method.  

In this descriptive correlational study, 250 panoramic radiographs of children aged 6 to 15 years in Zanjan, Iran were used. The dental age was calculated from the radiographic images based on the calcification stage of all left mandibular teeth according to the Demirjian method. The chronological age and demographic data were collected based on patient records. The relationship between the chronological age and dental age was analyzed by the Spearman correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon test.

There was a strong positive correlation between the chronological age and dental age of all participants (r=0.93).
Comparing the mean chronological age and dental age of the participants showed a significant difference between the two values (P<0.001).

Based on the results of the present study, it may be concluded that despite significant statistical differences, the Demirjian method has sufficient clinical accuracy for dental age estimation in 6–15-year-olds in Zanjan, Iran.