Gender Identification Based on Dental Micro-Esthetics: A Study of Dental Professionals' Perceptions: Gender Identification Based on Dental Micro-Esthetics

Anam Fayyaz Bashir; Moeen Ud Din Ahmad; Ussamah Waheed Jatala; Maham Ibrar Rana; Noor Fatima; Aisha Arshad Butt; Saima Razzaq Khan

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i12.3239

Authors

Anam Fayyaz Bashir Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Moeen Ud Din Ahmad Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Ussamah Waheed Jatala Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Maham Ibrar Rana Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Noor Fatima Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Aisha Arshad Butt Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Saima Razzaq Khan Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i12.3239

Keywords:

Gender Identity, Dental Esthetics, Dental Micro-Aesthetic Traits, Forensic Dentistry

Abstract

Dental micro-aesthetic traits are linked to gender-specific features in dentistry, but their reliability for gender identification remains controversial. Objectives: To assess the correlation between accurate gender identification and micro-aesthetic dental traits through the evaluation of frontal intraoral photographs by observers, specifically dental undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Lahore Medical and Dental College (June 2024 to May 2025) with 376 participants (99% response rate). Participants evaluated 10 anonymous frontal intraoral photographs for gender identification via a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyzed associations between accuracy and clinical experience (>3 vs. ≤3 years), using SPSS version 25.0. Photographs were selected for variability in micro-aesthetic traits. Result: The mean accuracy score was 5.38 ± 1.72 out of 10, with 58.8% scoring 4–6. Accuracy varied significantly (23.94% for Q8 to 70.21% for Q3, p<0.05). Males had higher accuracy of achieving correct answers (p=0.033), indicating that males were more likely to score above the median score of 5. Experienced clinicians prioritized tooth size (p=0.005) and triangular canines (p=0.017). Logistic regression showed experience-based differences in the correct identification of specific female photographs (OR = 0.564 for Q7, p=0.033; OR = 2.583 for Q9, p<0.001). Conclusions: Dental micro-aesthetic traits provide only moderate accuracy for gender identification due to considerable overlap and observer bias. Targeted education on trait variability is recommended.

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