Studies on forensic age assessment based on dental features

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Schmeling
• Subject Area: Toxicology, Laboratory Medicine ; Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 440395473

The project will significantly improve the reliability of forensic age assessment on the basis of dental features. For the relevant age-dependent dental characteristics, the most suitable stage classifications for forensic age assessment will be determined with regard to reliability and diagnostic quality.For the age estimation practice, valid statistical measures of the examined tooth characteristics are generated as reference data. Statistical bias ('age mimicry') and incorrect stage determinations are avoided by the even age distribution of the samples and the consensual stage determination by two experienced examiners. The questionable influence of ethnicity on the examined dental characteristics is clarified by age- and gender-matched samples of the main ethnic groups relevant for forensic age assessment (Europids, Asians, Africans) as well as by consensual stage determinations of identical experienced examiners. Systematic simulation studies are used to compare the statistical methods published by various research groups for the classification of pre-defined age limits and the combination of characteristics. As a result, the most suitable predictive model will be determined, which will lead to an increase in the reliability of the age diagnosis in the practice of forensic age assessment. The project is of great socio-political importance. The expected research results are also important for forensic age assessment in numerous other European countries in which the legally relevant age limits lie within the age range covered by the project.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants