Abstract: Objective To evaluate the applicability of Demirjian′s method for dental age estimation in Chengdu children, aged from 8 to 16, and to modify it if needed. Methods Demirjian′s method was used to assess the dental maturity score and dental age of 445 Chengdu children. The differences between dental age and chronological age were compared using paired t -test. The nonlinear regression method was used to establish the logistic model between the dental maturity scores and chronological age. Results The mean differences between dental age and chronological age were 0.67 years in female and 0.52 years in male. The logistic model of the dental maturity scores and chronological age was an exponential model. Conclusion Demirjian's method need to be modified
to be used in dental age assessment of Chengdu children.

Key words: dental age, Demirjian′s method, dental maturity