Dental age estimation charts are frequently used to assess maturity and estimate age. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of estimating age of three dental development charts (Schour and Massler, Ubelaker, and the London Atlas). The test sample was skeletal remains and dental radiographs of known-age individuals (N = 1,506, prenatal to 23.94 years). Dental age was estimated using charts of Schour and Massler, Ubelaker, and The London Atlas. Dental and chronological ages were compared using a paired t-test for the three methods.

The need to know the ages of unidentified asylum seekers, to make sure they are who they claim to be, is not only for the benefit of the hosting country. It is also to protect them from sexual abuse, being taken advantage of, and getting appropriate support. Chronological age can be estimated by determining physiological age, which is the age at which a developing system or organ reaches a specific stage. The human dentition develops over nearly a third of the average human life, with easily detected and predictable stages.