Gustafson's method of forensic dental age estimation uses six criteria visible on tooth sections. Which of the following is NOT one of Gustafson's original six criteria?

• A Attrition — wearing down of the occlusal surface
• B Crown morphology — shape and cusp angulation as age indicator ✓
• C Secondary dentine deposition — progressive narrowing of the pulp cavity
• D Cementum apposition — incremental layering at the root apex

Explanation

Gustafson's 1950 method uses six progressive changes in histological sections of teeth, each scored 0–3: (1) Attrition, (2) Periodontitis (periodontal recession), (3) Secondary dentine deposition, (4) Cementum apposition, (5) Root resorption, and (6) Root transparency (dentinal translucency at root apex). Crown morphology and cusp shape are not part of Gustafson's original scoring system; they are used in other systems for identification, not age. Total score correlates with age via regression equations (Gustafson's formula: Age = 11.43 + 4.56 × score).

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.