Which one of the following views is taken to screen orthodontic patients for the presence or absence of teeth?

The dental pantomograph, also known as a panoramic radiograph, is commonly used to provide a broad overview of a patient's dental and skeletal structures. This imaging technique captures the entire dental arch in a single image, allowing dental professionals to observe the positions of teeth, including those that are impacted or missing. For orthodontic patients, this is crucial as it enables the clinician to assess the number and arrangement of teeth, evaluate the development of the jaw, and plan treatment effectively.

In contrast, bitewing radiographs are primarily utilized for detecting dental caries between teeth and assessing bone level and periodontal health. A cephalogram offers a lateral view of the skull and is useful for evaluating the relationships between the teeth, jaws, and facial structures, but not as comprehensive for assessing the overall presence of teeth as a panoramic view. Lateral oblique views are helpful for visualizing specific areas of the jaw, particularly in the assessment of impacted teeth, but they do not provide the complete overview that a dental pantomograph does. Therefore, the dental pantomograph is the most effective choice for screening orthodontic patients regarding the presence or absence of teeth.