Why Dentrix Imaging Center Is a Game-Changer for Digital Dental Imaging and Patient Access

If you’ve been following my podcast since March 2025, you’ve probably heard me talk about the groundbreaking collaboration between FDI and Henry Schein on the Integrated Health Records Project. This initiative focuses on making oral health data, including radiographs and diagnostic imaging, more accessible, efficient, and impactful.

Today, I’m wrapping up the series on the eight core oral health indicators outlined in the FDI-Henry Schein consensus statement. And we’re ending with a big one: Imaging and Diagnostic Records.

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My Journey from Film to Digital

Let me take you back to where it all began for me. My first job in dentistry wasn’t in an operatory. It was crawling around with a screwdriver, setting up dental networks for my Uncle Dave’s dental software company. I was building computers and running cable while learning the ins and outs of practice management software.

By 1994, I was working in a dental office on Whidbey Island where, believe it or not, we were still dipping film x-rays. We didn’t upgrade our software until 2003, and even then, we kept our paper charts and film. It wasn’t until 2008 that I finally convinced my doctor to go digital. And not because I was pushing him, but because his study group peers were.

Once we switched to digital imaging, he looked at me and said, “Why didn’t I do this sooner? ” That moment was a huge validation. As the treatment coordinator, I relied heavily on x-rays for consultations and insurance claims. Digital made everything easier.

The Power of Digital Imaging in Dentistry

Fast forward to today. Most dental practices have made the switch to digital, and for good reason. Digital dental imaging improves diagnostic clarity, streamlines image management, and enhances patient care. And now, we’re entering a new era with AI-enhanced radiographs that act like a second pair of eyes. This technology helps you catch what you might miss and shows patients what AI detects in their images.

But here’s where it gets even better.

Why Dentrix Imaging Center Deserves Your Attention

If you’re running Dentrix version 25.4 or later, you already have access to Dentrix Imaging Center built right into your software. No additional fees. No clunky integrations. Just click the red flower icon in your patient chart and you’re in.

It’s powerful, intuitive, and designed for today’s dental workflow:

• Attach images to eClaims with one click
• Easily import and export images between providers
• Organize imaging alongside clinical notes and treatment plans

And the best part? You don’t need to rely on separate third-party systems. Imaging is now seamlessly embedded in your Dentrix environment.

Accessibility Is the Future of Dental Records

One major goal of the Integrated Health Records Project is patient access. Right now, patients have to call, email, or message your office just to get their x-rays. Exporting images to specialists is clunky and time-consuming.

Imagine a world where patients can log into a secure portal, download their x-rays, access clinical notes, and share their health history with other providers. That’s the direction we’re heading, and Dentrix Imaging Center is a huge step toward making it possible.

I know some practices worry about patients seeing clinical notes. But if that’s the case, we need to improve how we document, not hide the data. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.

Wrapping Up the 8 Oral Health Indicators

With imaging and diagnostics now covered, I’ve officially walked you through all eight oral health indicators from the FDI-Henry Schein consensus statement. I’ll be compiling everything into a newsletter you can find on my LinkedIn soon, and you can always go back and listen to the earlier episodes if you missed one.

If your practice is still using outdated imaging software and you’re considering making the move, Dentrix is already converting some of the most popular systems. Reach out to me directly. I’m happy to help you find out if your system qualifies and what the process would look like.

Thanks for spending part of your day with me. My mission is to help you build a high-performing, digitally empowered dental team. If this article helped, please share it and leave a review on the podcast.

Let’s modernize dentistry together, starting with smarter imaging.