Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of systematic search strategy training for the analysis of panoramic images. Methods: 41 students and 33 experienced dentists were recruited from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. At baseline, participants analyzed 15 panoramic images, diagnosed whether the images were normal or abnormal, and marked the locations of the abnormalities. One week later, participants in the trained group were shown a training module illustrating a systematic strategy to analyze panoramic images. At post-test, they analyzed 15 new images matched for difficulty with pre-test images. Results: Mixed design ANOVAs revealed that for abnormality detection in the complex part of the panoramic image, trained students improved from baseline but dentists did not. The number of findings over-reported by students and dentists increased after training. Discussion: This study suggests some benefits in the systematic search strategy training for novices. Inclusion of training in normal panoramic features may reduce over-reported findings.

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of systematic search strategy training for the analysis of panoramic images. Methods: 41 students and 33 experienced dentists were recruited from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. At baseline, participants analyzed 15 panoramic images, diagnosed whether the images were normal or abnormal, and marked the locations of the abnormalities. One week later, participants in the trained group were shown a training module illustrating a systematic strategy to analyze panoramic images. At post-test, they analyzed 15 new images matched for difficulty with pre-test images. Results: Mixed design ANOVAs revealed that for abnormality detection in the complex part of the panoramic image, trained students improved from baseline but dentists did not. The number of findings over-reported by students and dentists increased after training. Discussion: This study suggests some benefits in the systematic search strategy training for novices. Inclusion of training in normal panoramic features may reduce over-reported findings.