Cephalometric Norms and Sexual Dimorphism in the Tanzanian Population: A Comparative Study with Caucasian and West African Norms

Ali K. Hamad, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaFollow
Ferdinand M. Machibya, Senior Lecturer and Dean, Department of Orthodontics, Paedodontics and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Matilda M. Mlangwa, Senior Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, Paedodontics and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
David N. Ngassapa, Professor, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Article Type

Original Article

Section/Category

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to establish cephalometric norms for the Tanzanian population, assess sexual dimorphism in cephalometric measurements, and compare these findings with established Caucasian and West African norms to enhance orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Materials and Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted on 309 subjects (142 males, 167 females) at Muhimbili University Dental Clinic. Cephalometric radiographs were digitally traced using Quick Ceph Studio. Reliability was assessed using the inter-class correlation coefficient. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test checked normality, while one-sample t-tests and Student’s ttests (p < 0.05) were used for comparisons. Data were analyzed with RStudio. Results: Tanzanians showed significantly smaller craniofacial measurements than Caucasians. Males had larger skeletal dimensions than females. Compared to West Africans, Tanzanians had generally higher values, with a few exceptions. Conclusion: Tanzanians display distinct craniofacial characteristics, differing from both Caucasians and West Africans. These findings support the need for population-specific cephalometric norms to guide accurate orthodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

Cephalometric; Ethnicity; Norms; Caucasians; Orthodontics

How to Cite This Article

Hamad A , Machibya F , Mlangwa M , Ngassapa D . Cephalometric Norms and Sexual Dimorphism in the Tanzanian Population: A Comparative Study with Caucasian and West African Norms. Mans J Dent. 2026; 13(1):
Available at: https://doi.org/10.61793/2812-5479.1174