Accuracy of Estimating Chronological Age from Nolla's Method of Dental Age Estimation in a Population of Southern Saudi Arabian Children

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of estimating chronological age using Nolla's method of dental age assessment in a Saudi Arabian population considering sex and age group variables. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a retrospective evaluation of 458 orthopantomographs (187 males and 271 females) of 5-11 years old healthy Saudi children. Seven permanent left mandibular teeth were assessed as per Nolla's method to record dental age. The mean difference between dental age and chronological age was calculated using a paired t-test. Correlation between chronological age and dental age was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the estimated dental age and chronological age in all age groups irrespective of gender. The mean difference between estimated dental age and chronological age in males ranged from -2.68 to -6 months and -2.17 to -4.24 months in females. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.95 for males and r = 0.94 for females) between estimated dental age and chronological age. Conclusion: Nolla's method is suitable for estimating chronological age in Southern Saudi children, as the mean difference between estimated dental age and chronological age was within an acceptable range.