Variation in ASUDAS Dental Morphological Traits Among Individuals with Different Early-Life Geographic Backgrounds: An Observational Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: Nonmetric dental traits assessed using the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS) are valuable in forensic identification due to their population-specific variation. However, intranational variability within Indian populations remains underexplored. To evaluate variation in ASUDAS dental morphological traits among individuals with different early-life geographic backgrounds and assess their forensic applicability. Methods: A cross-sectional observational pilot study was conducted on 55 dental casts of individuals aged 18–22 years. Subjects were grouped into Maharashtra (n = 37) and non-Maharashtra (n = 18) based on residence from birth to 10 years. A total of 42 crown traits were assessed using ASUDAS criteria. Statistical analysis included chi-square or Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05), and intraobserver reliability was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa. Results: Significant differences were observed in maxillary traits such as shoveling (p = 0.004), interruption grooves (p = 0.01), canine accessory distal ridge (p = 0.022), hypocone (p = 0.029), premolar accessory ridge (p = 0.007), tuberculum dentale (p = 0.021), and double shoveling (p = 0.001), and mandibular traits including premolar accessory cusp/protoconule (p < 0.001), anterior fovea (p = 0.005), and deflecting wrinkle (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The observed variations reflected population heterogeneity, supporting the forensic relevance of ASUDAS traits and the need for region-specific databases.