Equipment Preparation

As with any dental procedure, it is important to properly prepare the equipment beforehand. Equipment preparation includes items such as the receptor, bite block, exposure settings, and patient selection (Table 2). If the panoramic image is being taken with a direct digital system, which transfers the image directly to the computer, it is important that the proper patient is selected in the electronic health record prior to the exposure. Otherwise, the image will be stored in the wrong location.

Setting the proper exposure time prior to beginning the procedure will help improve efficiency and reduce the possibility of over-exposing the patient to unnecessary radiation. The results of one survey of general dentists found that clinicians did not always change the exposure time related to the patient’s need. In fact 74% of respondents used the same exposure time for all patients.⁷ In order to properly protect patients, the exposure setting must be tailored for each individual patient. Most machines have settings that can be adjusted according to the stature of the patient. For example, when imaging a pediatric patient, the child exposure setting should be selected. Exposure settings should be adjusted accordingly as height and mass increases. There are usually two settings available for adult patients and one for children, which makes it possible to tailor the amount of radiation being produced.