Orthodontic radiographic usage by pediatric dentists

Pediatric educators and practitioners were surveyed to determine the composition of the radiographic examination used to diagnose patient malocclusion; pediatric dentists provide the initial diagnosis for much of the orthodontic service provided to children and adolescents. The initial diagnosis of malocclusion is based on information obtained from a clinical and radiographic examination. Results of the study are based on the 111 pediatric dentists who report providing comprehensive orthodontic treatment. For those who reported providing comprehensive orthodontic therapy, the frequency of ordering each of ten radiographs and the importance of the radiographs to the dentists' diagnosis and treatment plans were measured. The bitewing, lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs were the most frequently ordered radiographs for both young and older patients. Radiographic and clinical examinations were judged to be of equal importance to more than fifty percent of the dentists.