Stomatológ 2026, 36(1):10-12

When should the first panoramic radiograph be indicated in a child?

MDDr. Ľubomír Gazdík 1, 2, prof. MUDr. Viera Lehotská, PhD.1

1 II. Rádiologická klinika LF UK a OÚSA Bratislava, 2 Ortodoncia Gazdík, s.r.o., Dolný Kubín

Panoramic radiography is an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of dental development in paediatric patients. However, the indication of the so-called first panoramic radiograph should not be understood as a routine screening examination for all children at a certain age. Radiographic examination should follow a clinical examination and should be indicated when it can be expected that its result will influence the diagnosis, treatment plan, or further management of the patient. This article summarizes a practical perspective on the indication of the first panoramic radiograph in a child in the context of Slovak and international professional guidelines. A rational approach to the indication of

a panoramic radiograph consists in distinguishing between justified diagnostic imaging and routine radiography. The aim is to obtain clinically relevant information while respecting the principles of radiation protection and minimizing exposure in paediatric patients.

Keywords: panoramic radiography, OPG, child, mixed dentition, dental development, orthodontic diagnosis, interceptive treatment, radiation protection, indication for radiographic examination

Published: June 1, 2026  Show citation