The truth behind the lines - an update on dental panoramic tomograms reporting for general dental practitioners

This article underscores the need for comprehensive interpretation of dental panoramic tomograms (DPTs), emphasising the significance of dental anatomy and broader head and neck structures. While general dental practitioners (GDPs) commonly use DPTs for diagnosing dental pathology, there is a tendency to focus solely on the dentition, overlooking information related to head and neck anatomy. The potential medico-legal consequences associated with incomplete reporting make a thorough assessment imperative. The article introduces 'the Heath-MacLeod technique' for reporting, outlining a systematic approach to ensure all aspects are considered. This stresses the importance of a holistic approach to DPT interpretation using a 'radiological sieve', improving patient care and reducing the risk of misdiagnoses and legal consequences.This article is for GDPs on the wealth of anatomy of the maxillofacial region as seen on a DPT and discusses technical errors and examples of pathology. This in turn will provide a foundation of knowledge, allowing for a robust reporting technique, ensuring no clinical information is missed. This not a comprehensive analysis of pathology seen on a DPT but introduces concepts which will allow safe reporting. The reader should be able to analyse the key anatomy seen on a DPT, its presence or absence and how this applies to the holistic management of the patient.