Assessment of panoramic radiography as a national oral examination tool: review of the literature

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the possibility of panoramic radiography as a national oral examination tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This report was carried out by review of the literatures. RESULTS: Panoramic radiography has sufficient diagnostic accuracy in dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other lesions. Also, the effective dose of panoramic radiography is lower than traditional full-mouth periapical radiography. CONCLUSION: Panoramic radiography will improve the efficacy of dental examination in national oral examination. However, more studies are required to evaluate the benefit, financial cost, and operation time and also to make selection criteria and quality management program.