Assessing the accuracy of the third molar eruption as an indicator of adulthood: findings from a black South African sample using the Gambier method

This technique, due to its ease of use, can provide useful preliminary information regarding the probable age of alleged minor asylum seekers. However, the results indicate that, in line with the minimum age principle, this method should be applied cautiously when determining adulthood, as the minimum age for both stage 3 of eruption and phase D is clearly below 18 years. Therefore, it should always be used alongside other validated methods recommended by international protocols and good practice guidelines to ensure reliability across different populations.