The diagnostic efficacies of three panoramic-based indices were compared with classification of bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The panoramic indices were 1) cortical bone height, 2) an ordinal classification, and 3) the Panoramic Mandibular Index. The results indicate that panoramic dental radiographs should not be used to assess the patient's status regarding osteoporosis, although the means of the variables in different mineral density groups of skeleton may differ significantly.