ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and utility of panoramic radiograph for the improvement of the periodic oral examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical examinations and panoramic examinations were done for the 242 subjects of oral examinations. The results of panoramic radiograph interpretation were compared with the clinical findings. Two questionnaires were created. One was carried out before the panoramic examination and the other done afterwards, to find out the subjects' cognition and satisfaction for the clinical and panoramic examinations. RESULTS: 1. Panoramic findings showed a higher detection rate of 31.9% for periodontal diseases, and 23.1% for dental caries than clinical findings. CONCLUSION: The panoramic examination was revealed to improve the effectiveness of the periodic oral examination and to increase the satisfaction of the subjects of examination.