INTER-EXAMINER VARIATION IN THE ASSESSMENT OF AGE-RELATED FACTORS IN TEETH

Inter-observer variations in the registration of dental age-related ch aracteristics have not previously been studied. Examination and regist ration were made by 6 dentists with varying experience in age estimati on. A total of 13 age-related dental characteristics in 30 teeth extra cted from adults were assessed macroscopically, by stereomicroscope an d from radiographs. The measurements were analysed in a microcomputer, using the SPSS/PC+ statistical package. The results showed that, exce pt for the score on surface roughness, significant differences were fo und between some of the observers for all types of measurements, when a paired t-test analysis was made. The correlation coefficients betwee n the observers varied and were rather weak for the surface roughness score. The study revealed systematic differences among the observers a s well as differences in interpreting the definitions of the scores fo r the different parameters. Thus age estimation using statistical meth ods is seen to be dependent upon the experience of the individual obse rver and interpretation. Care should therefore be taken not to rely to o much upon the results of an odontological age estimation. The possib le implications of these results for forensic work are also discussed.