Use of panoramic radiographs in general dental practice in England

The rapid growth in the use of panoramic radiographs provoked this survey of the reasons why general dental practitioners in Avon take such views. Of the 193 dentists who responded, 42 (22%) took one or more panoramic radiographs during a specified week. A total of 195 patients, 8% of those x-rayed, had a panoramic radiograph taken either alone or in combination with other views. Panoramic radiographs were stated to have been taken primarily for the diagnosis of caries (48%) and surgical (24%), periodontal (20%), orthodontic (20%) and endodontic/apical assessment. These findings are discussed with respect to published guidelines on the use of panoramic radiographs and the teaching of radiology in dental schools.