Pre-Radiology Dental Students' Ability to Recognize Anatomical Landmarks on Panoramic Radiography

Year 2026, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 89 - 96, 31.01.2026

Arif Keskin , Tayfun Aygün , Nevnihal Akbaytürk , Ahmet Salbacak

https://doi.org/10.30621/jbachs.1636334

Abstract

Pre-Radiology Dental Students' Ability to Recognize Anatomical Landmarks on Panoramic Radiography

Abstract

Purpose: In dentistry, panoramic radiography is frequently utilized as a primary diagnostic tool due to its ability to visualize the normal and abnormal anatomy of the jawbones. This study aims to evaluate whether the ability of first and second-year dental students, who have not received radiographic training, to identify anatomically significant points relevant to their profession changes when using illustrations versus panoramic radiographic images.

Material and Methods: The study involved the participation of 127 students from the Faculty of Dentistry. Twenty-four different anatomical structures significant in dental practice were marked using different numbers on panoramic radiographs and atlas images. Students were first asked to write down the numbers they believed corresponded to the anatomical structures on the panoramic image, and then on the atlas image.

Results: On average, 61.21% of the anatomical points on the atlas image were correctly identified. The most frequently misidentified structures were the articular tubercle, mastoid cellulae, and gnathion. The average accuracy rate for identifying anatomical points on the panoramic image was 48.13%. The molar III. tooth, dens canini, and pulp were the most accurately identified structures.

Conclusion: Our study found that dental students correctly identified many significant anatomical structures and points in the oral and maxillofacial region. For anatomical points with lower accuracy rates, active learning methods should be developed in addition to traditional education.

Keywords

Dentistry , panoramic radiography , anatomy , education

Ethical Statement

Karadeniz Technical University, Health Sciences Scientific Research Ethics Committee (Date: 26/02/2024, Decision no: 2024/19).

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