Since the ABO acknowledges the distortion that frequently occurs within panoramic radiographs, the Board recommends the following allowance in grading the "Root Angulation" parameter beginning in 2009: Omit the maxillary and mandibular canines for scoring.

If a root is angled to the mesial or distal (not parallel) and is close to, but not touching, the adjacent tooth root, then 1 point is scored for each discrepancy (anterior, premolar, and/or molar areas, fig. 34). If the root is angled to the mesial or distal and is contacting the adjacent tooth root (fig. 35), then 2 points are scored for that tooth.

figure 34                                                  figure 35

During the 1997 and 1998 field tests, both subjective and objective methods of scoring the dental casts and panoramic radiographs were used by the Directors. Based upon a comparison of these two methods, a passing score was established. In general, a case report that scores more than 30 points will fail. A case report that scores less than 20 points will generally pass that portion of the clinical examination. However, this figure only represents a part of the overall score for each case report. The quality of the records, appropriateness of the treatment plan, and objectives for positioning of the maxilla, mandible, maxillary dentition, mandibular dentition, and facial profile are also carefully scrutinized and graded.

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