DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

For a rapid survey of large areas of the maxilla and mandible, which type of film is best to use?

1. Panoramic film

2. Cephalometric film

3. Occlusal film

4. Interproximal film

The correct answer is: Panoramic film

Using panoramic film is ideal for a rapid survey of large areas of the maxilla and mandible due to its ability to capture a wide view of the entire dental arch in a single image. This film provides a detailed representation of both the upper and lower jaws, allowing for the assessment of the relationship between them, the presence of dental structures, and any pathological conditions that may be present. Panoramic radiographs are specifically designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the dental anatomy, making them especially useful in dental practices for diagnostics and planning treatment. They reduce the number of individual exposures that would be necessary using other film types, thus streamlining the process for both the clinician and the patient. In contrast, cephalometric films are primarily used for analyzing the skeletal and dental relationships in orthodontal settings, occlusal films provide a view of the occlusal surfaces but focus more on edentulous areas or specific sections, and interproximal films (often referred to as bitewings) concentrate on detecting caries and evaluating the health of the periodontal tissues between teeth. While these films serve very important purposes, they are not as effective as panoramic film for obtaining a broad view of large areas of the maxilla and mandible.