125 - Symmetry of Permanent Teeth Development in Hispanic Children

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess the bilateral symmetry of permanent tooth development in Hispanic children aged 7–13 years.

Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated digital panoramic radiographs of Hispanic children treated at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine between 2020 and 2025. Developmental stages of permanent canines, premolars, first molars, and second molars were assessed bilaterally in the maxilla and mandible using the Haavikko method. Age, sex, dental arch, and tooth side were recorded. Examiner calibration and reliability were assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to evaluate differences between sides, arches, and sexes.

Results:
A total of 141 children were included, comprising 2,820 permanent teeth. Dental development demonstrated strong bilateral symmetry across all tooth groups, with mean differences between right and left sides ranging from 0.00 to 0.16 Haavikko stages. A statistically significant difference was observed only in the maxillary second premolars (p = 0.013). Significant differences were also identified between sexes (p < 0.001), with females showing more advanced developmental stages than males, and between dental arches (p = 0.012), with mandibular teeth demonstrating slightly more advanced development than maxillary teeth.

Conclusions:
Dental development in Hispanic children demonstrates strong bilateral symmetry with minimal clinically relevant differences. Although statistically significant variations were observed between sexes and arches, these differences were small in magnitude. The Haavikko method proved to be a reliable tool for assessing dental development in this population and supports clinical and orthodontic decision-making. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between dental age and chronological age and to include larger Hispanic populations.