DICOM export lets you move images between imaging software, planning tools and specialists. Some imaging suites store proprietary formats and export DICOM only on request.
What DICOM contains
The image data together with patient, study and device information in a standard header. For CBCT it is a series of slices that software reassembles into a volume. 2D dental X-rays can be stored as DICOM too, though many imaging programs use their own format internally.
What to check
Whether the imaging software exports DICOM without a fee, whether it can import DICOM from other devices and whether images sent to a specialist open in a standard viewer.
Go deeper
More glossary terms
Ambient AI scribeBAA (Business Associate Agreement)Case acceptance rateCBCTCDT codesCE marking (EU MDR)ClearinghouseCloud PMSData conversionDeferred interestDental chartingDSO (dental service organization)ERA (electronic remittance advice)FDA 510(k) clearanceHIPAAHuman in the loopNet collection ratioOpen APIOpen vs closed architecturePeriodontal chartingPMS (practice management system)Real-time eligibilitySOC 2 Type IISoft credit checkSTL, PLY and OBJ filesTCO (total cost of ownership)Tooth surfaces and numberingWrite-back (PMS integration)