Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to measure the absorbed dose in target organs using conventional and digital panoramic radiography.

  Materials and Methods: In this experimental cross-over study, the Rando phantom of the Atomic Energy organization of Iran(AEOI) was exposed 54 times using conventional (Cranex Tome -Sordex), and digital panoramic (Cranex D-Sordex). radiography The absorbed doses were measured by a dosimeter (TLD’s) in the following areas: Thyroid gland, left and right Parotid and Submandibular glands, Sublingual gland , bone marrow of left and right maxilla and mandible . TLD’s were coded and the absorbed doses for each organ was determined under standard conditions in AEOI .Data was analyzed by using t-test and MANN-U-WHITNEY.

  Results: In this study, the total absorbed dose in conventional radiography was 0.82±0.06 ( mSiv) compared to 0.42±0.04 (mSiv) in digital radiography . The difference was statistically significant ( P< 1% )and the highest absorbed dose was reported to be in Submandibular glands The lowest absorbed dose was seen in the Thyroid gland. The difference was found to be statistically significant ( P< 0.01 ).

  Conclusion: Digital radiography can reduce the absorbed dose to critical organs.