Aim: The occurrence of ectopic eruption (EE) among permanent molars might be a source of premature loss of primary molars and produce malocclusion. The present radiographic and retrospective cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the incidence and degree of severity of EE occurring in the first permanent molars. Materials and methods: This is a radiographic and retrospective cross-sectional study using panoramic radiographs. A number of 1,266 panoramic radiographs of young children aged 5–10 years old were collected. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze the data with a 5% significance level. We used Chi-square to assess the significant differences in the prevalence between some data, such as gender, type, and side of impaction. A Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to report on the differences between the three categories of resorption on the deciduous second molars. Results: There were 673 (53.2%) males and 593 (46.8%) females with a mean age of 7.6 years (±1.6 years). The prevalence of EE among first permanent molars was 2.7%. Most cases occurred in the maxillary arch (91.2%). The irreversible type (73.5%) occurred more than the reversible type (26.5%). The occurrence of moderate resorption was significantly higher than mild and severe resorptions. Conclusion: The current prevalence rate of EE in permanent first molars was 2.7%. The EE was significantly greater, in number and severity, in the upper arch than in the lower arch. The implication of early diagnosis and periodic monitoring of ectopic erupting molars are essential for providing proper management and reducing dental complications. Clinical significance: To maintain good oral condition for young children, awareness must be raised regarding EE among permanent first molars. The EE of permanent first molars can lead to early loss of primary second molars and space loss for permanent premolars, which might cause crowding during the late mixed dentition period.