Vol. 11, Issue 3, Part F (2025)

Introduction: Odontometric parameters are acknowledged as essential instruments in forensic identification, especially in catastrophic disasters where only dismembered remains are present. The mandibular canine index (MCI) and Pont’s index are commonly utilized for sex determination because to their established sexual dimorphism across several groups. The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MCI and Pont’s index in establishing sex identity in the Sri Ganganagar population.

Material and methods: A study was performed in vivo involving 100 participants (50 males and 50 females) aged 18 to 25 years, chosen according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Measurements of mesio-distal canine width, inter-canine distance, premolar and molar arch widths, and combined incisor widths were obtained with a digital vernier caliper. The MCI, premolar index, and molar index were computed, and statistical analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS version 25.0, with significance established at p<0.05.

Results: Males demonstrated considerably larger mesio-distal canine widths, inter-canine distances, premolar widths, and molar widths than females (p<0.05). The average mandibular canine distance was 25.61±0.69 mm in males and 25.00±0.31 mm in females. The observed MCI values for the right and left sides were 22.88±2.11 and 22.98±2.32 for males, and 20.00±0.44 and 20.00±0.12 for females, respectively. The precision of gender prediction with MCI varied from 65% to 76%, demonstrating superior predictability in females and on the right side. Pont’s premolar and molar indices exhibited reduced predictive accuracy (57-69%) relative to MCI.

Conclusion: MCI was more accurate for sex determination in Sri Ganganagar than Pont's index, which showed sexual dimorphism. These indices are simple, cost-effective, and fast for forensic applications, but their predictive accuracy is below 85%, requiring caution and validation using additional methods. To build meaningful population-specific criteria, more and more diverse samples are needed.