BOOK REVIEW

Exercises in Oral Radiologyand Interpretation, 4th ed,by Robert P. Langlais

The long-awaited fourth edition of Exercises in OralRadiology and Interpretation by Dr Robert Langlaissucceeds the third edition of 1992. The text was actuallycompleted in 2003 to coincide with the 25th anniversaryof the publication of the first edition, Exercises in Intra-oral Radiographic Interpretation, in 1978. This editionhas been entirely redone and upgraded by Dr Langlaisfollowing Dr Myron Kasle’s retirement from co-authorship.The new edition has a gray watermark background on

its cover with a mix of crisp white, blue, and black textthat is very appealing and welcomes the reader to thecontent pages within. This new edition remains true toits roots as a modern radiographic atlas for intraoralradiographic anatomy, identification of foreign andrestorative materials, and trouble-shooting errors. Thisedition has a new feature to assist the novice radiog-rapher in learning radiographic anatomy. There aremany side-by-side black, white, and gray-tone illus-trated sketches of the radiographic images. This makesrecognition of structures on the radiographs morevisible and greatly improves the learning potential andeducational value of the images.The new edition has an expanded atlas of panoramic

images. There is also a separate chapter on panoramicradiographic errors. This chapter has updated images aswell as detailed schematic illustrations explaining thedegree and magnitude of panoramic distortion artifact.This latest edition has updated, contemporary in-

formation with new content chapters on digital imagingfor intraoral and panoramic radiographs. Specifically,the chapters explain how to physically handle thesensors and the computer software used to manage theimages. More detail is given on photostimulable phos-phor plate sensor technology as these sensors requirea more ‘‘hands-on’’ technique. Although these 2 chap-ters lack the detail on the process of digitization that istypically reserved for formal radiology texts, theyremain as admirable introductions to the use of digitalreceptors for imaging of oral anatomy.

This edition maintains the intent of the previouseditions in preparing students for local, state, or nationalradiology certifying examinations. These chapters arealso pertinent in preparation for the American DentalAssociation’s Joint Commission on National DentalExaminations, ie, the National Board Dental Examina-tions (NBDE), the National Board Dental HygieneExaminations (NBDHE), and the Dental AssistingNational Board (DANB). Besides the expansive 475Board-preparation questions, there are another 2chapters with ‘‘case-based’’ questions on recognitionand diagnosis of dental anomalies as well as case-basedquestions on assessment and interpretation of jawpathology. These case-based questions follow thecurrent paradigm for educational testing.Dr Langlais’ fourth edition of the textbook has

maintained the purpose and integrity of the previouseditions. The book has fulfilled its goal in presentingmore expansive content on intraoral imaging with theinclusion of up-to-date information on radiology hard-ware and digital sensors.Because of its breadth, this book remains a primary

consideration as an intraoral radiologic atlas. It alsomust continue to be an oral and maxillofacial radiologyreference textbook for dental assisting, dental hygiene,and dental and graduate dental education. However, itsutility as an intraoral and panoramic radiographic atlascontinues to make the book a valuable reference text inthe dental office for all levels of dental practitioners.

Exercises in Oral Radiology and Interpretation, 4th edBy Robert P. Langlais

Elsevier Inc; St Louis: 2004. 400 pp.

Reviewed by:Kenneth Abramovitch, DDS, MS

Section of Radiology, Dental BranchUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, Texas

doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.08.022

OOOOE December 2004 765