Boosting algorithm improves the accuracy of juvenile forensic dental age estimation in southern China population

Abstract

Age estimation based on the mineralized morphology of teeth is one of the important elements of forensic anthropology. To explore the most suitable age estimation protocol for adolescents in the South China population, 1477 panoramic radiograph images of people aged 2–18 years in the South were collected and staged by the Demirjian mineralization staging method. The dental ages were estimated using the parameters of the Demirjian and Willems. Mathematical optimization and machine learning optimization were also performed in the data processing process in an attempt to obtain a more accurate model. The results show that the Willems method was more accurate in the dental age estimation of the southern China population and the model can be further optimized by reassigning the model through a nonintercept regression method. The machine learning model presented excellent results in terms of the efficacy comparison results with the traditional mathematical model, and the machine learning model under the boosting framework, such as gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), significantly reduced the error in dental age estimation compared to the traditional mathematical method. This machine learning processing method based on traditional estimation data can effectively reduce the error of dental age estimation while saving arithmetic power. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the GBDT algorithm in optimizing forensic age estimation models and provides a reference for other regions to use this parameter for age estimation model establishment, and the lightweight nature of machine learning offers the possibility of widespread forensic anthropological age estimation.

Dental Radiography in Age Determination: Contemporary Methods and Trends

“…indicating improved performance outcomes associated with AI. (23,108,110) Nevertheless, it is important to note that Kumagai et al reported a slight advantage for the tradi-…”

“…Researchers have shown increasing interest in AI, with promising results indicating its potential to reduce human workload and minimize human errors, thus augmenting traditional processes. (23,108,110,117) Some studies have conducted comparisons between conventional AIassisted models and traditional methods, with results…”

Age Estimation with Permanent First Molar Using Nolla’s Method In Indian Population

“…(5) The tooth with its developmental phases impart noninvasive, nondestructive attributes to assess the person's age. A number of systems have been used to estimate the dental age as stated by the extent of the developmental stages reported in radiographic examinations in permanent teeth (6). Among the approaches for estimating the age of adult teeth, Nolla's radiography method based on dental development stages is widely utilised for both teaching and research in forensic sciences.…”