Dentrix Ascend Imaging

USER'S GUIDE

www.DentrixAscend.com

Publication Information


Publication date

January 26, 2023

Copyright

� 2023 Henry Schein One. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Henry Schein One.

� 2023 RealCloud Imaging, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of RealCloud Imaging, Inc.

Software license notice

Your license agreement with Henry Schein One, which is included with the product, specifies the permitted and prohibited uses of the product. Any unauthorized duplication or use of Dentrix Ascend, in whole or in part, in print or in any other storage and retrieval system is forbidden.

Licenses and trademarks

Dentrix Ascend and the Dentrix Ascend logo are registered trademarks of Henry Schein One. Henry Schein One and its logo are trademarks of Henry Schein One. The Dexis imaging software, product names, and logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Dexis, LLC. The Planmeca imaging software and product names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Planmeca USA, Inc.

Version

You can find the UDI (Unique Device Identifier) followed by the current version number of Dentrix Ascend Imaging by doing the following: on the Developer Tools panel (in Chrome) or on the Web Inspector panel (in Safari), select the Console tab, and then open Dentrix Ascend Imaging. A line of text similar to "Ascend Imaging: (01)00864058000302(10) 1.1.6911.29768 12/3/2018 4:32 PM US" appears.

Real Cloud Imaging, Inc.
2625 North Loop Drive
Suite 2130
Ames, IA 50010
United States

Contents

Introduction


Dentrix Ascend's digital imaging solution is a cloud-based 2D and 3D dental imaging software module that interacts seamlessly with the Dentrix Ascend practice management program to provide efficient and versatile image management. Dentrix Ascend Imaging manages intraoral and extraoral X-rays/volumes as well as intraoral and extraoral color images produced by intraoral video and/or consumer digital cameras.

Because Dentrix Ascend Imaging is a web-based imaging software application, you can use it with Windows, Mac OS, iOS (iPad), and other operating systems in a supported, HTML5-compatible Internet browser.

Important Note: You can use the iPad for non-diagnostic purposes only.

You can acquire, import, export, view, and edit 2D images and 3D volumes of dental anatomy. Dentrix Ascend Imaging supports the acquisition of images from many brands of intraoral and extraoral imaging devices, which allows you to mix and match imaging devices and brands of equipment as needed.

All images that you acquire or import are uploaded immediately to the cloud, so you can access them from multiple locations for any number of users in near real time. Dentrix Ascend Imaging uses world-class storage providers, and images are automatically replicated to multiple servers for disaster recovery.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging has many image processing tools (such as filters and enhancements) that you can use on images to help determine the necessary treatments for patients. Also, you can attach images that you acquire and import to dental e-claims.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging is available as an add-on and must be purchased separately from the Dentrix Ascend practice management program.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging is used for diagnostic purposes in the field of dentistry.

By default, Dentrix Ascend Imaging utilizes lossless compression for all intraoral and extraoral x-ray images and which is 100% reversible and does not result in loss of data. Optionally, Dentrix Ascend Imaging can be configured to utilize lossy JPEG compression when acquiring intraoral and extraoral images; and which is not 100% irreversible and does result in loss of data. The JPEG compression Q factor used in Dentrix Ascend Imaging is Q96 and which is considered near perfect quality. Dentrix Ascend Imaging utilizes lossy compression (JPEG) for all intraoral and extraoral color images.

Contact Customer/Technical Support should you have any questions, difficulties using, experience any anomalies, or have comments regarding the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program. See the "Customer/Technical Support" section of this user's guide for contact information.

Indications for use


Dentrix Ascend Imaging is a web-based Dental Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), i.e. dental imaging software, that enables dental care facilities to acquire, process, edit, and enhance dental images.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging provides a web-based interface for image acquisition and management of images which are used in the field of Dentistry and when operated by dental professionals who are responsible for providing dental care.

Images can be acquired from dental image acquisition devices and/or consumer imaging devices such as color digital cameras. Previously acquired images or volumes can be selected for upload directly from the user's computer.

Supported images include intraoral and extraoral dental X-rays/volumes and intraoral and extraoral color images produced by intraoral video or consumer digital cameras.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging is used for diagnostic purposes in the field of dentistry.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging is not intended for diagnostic use on a mobile display.

Images can be edited/enhanced (e.g. zoomed, contrast adjusted, inverted, annotated, rotated, filtered, etc...) as well as exported to standard image file formats.

Contraindications


None known

Precautions


Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a dentist.

To effectively use the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program, it is Strongly Recommended that all users obtain dedicated training on the use of this software prior to use on any live patients.

Read and understand the User's Guide in its entirety before using the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program upon live patients.

Use of this software as a diagnostic aid must be used in combination with other diagnostic aids and clinical experience to form a diagnosis and should not be solely relied upon for diagnosis.

Distance and Angle measurements require calibration by measuring length of a known object in image.

It is the operator's (user) responsibility to properly calibrate prior to clinical measurements and to determine if the accuracy achieved is within the error range required.

Do not operate this software upon live patients if you are feeling ill, fatigued, or if you are experiencing lack of concentration.

Do not leave any computer/device which is operating Dentrix Ascend Imaging unattended as this can create a security risk to patient or practice data. Always close the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program when leaving a computer or device unattended.

Dentrix Ascend Imaging is intended to be used in combination with other approved medical devices. To ensure Dentrix Ascend Imaging is safe and does not impair the performance, the other approved medical device must be functional and working per the manufactures IFU before using in combination with Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

System requirements


Browser

Note: iPad can be used for acquiring images and viewing images for non-diagnostic purposes.

Operating System

Note: The operating system must be updated with the latest versions of any system patches and security updates.

Anti-Virus Software

Display

Scanners

Supported acquisition devices



Legend

Windows
Compatible

Mac
Compatible

Supported Intraoral X-ray Devices

Supported Intraoral/Extraoral X-ray Phosphor Plate Devices

Supported Extraoral X-ray Devices (Pan and Ceph)

Supported Intraoral/Extraoral Color Photo Devices

Supported CAD/CAM Scan Devices

Supported 3D Volume Devices (CBCT)


Important: If you want to use a device other than a DEXIS device, additional costs may be required, such as the purchase of drivers, to integrate that device with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. Before you purchase the Dentrix Ascend Imaging add-on or a particular device that you want to use with Dentrix Ascend Imaging, consult the manufacturer of that device to verify if there will be costs to get that device working with Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

Notes:

  1. Some, but not all, devices have been tested using a TWAIN driver. Using a TWAIN driver with certain devices might have unexpected results.

  2. Depending on the availability of drivers from the manufacturer, this device may have compatibility issues with computers running MacOS 10.15 and 11 and computers that have an M1 chip.

  3. Dentrix Ascend Imaging displays and saves only a 2D snapshot of a 3D volume that is acquired using this software bridge. However, the full 3D volume may still be viewable in the corresponding third-party software.

Customer/Technical support


Setting up imaging devices

Setting up the acquisition agent


Because Dentrix Ascend Imaging is a web-based application, it is available immediately for use once you have purchased it and it is enabled by Henry Schein One. However, for each computer that you want to acquire images from, you must install the following on that computer:

Setting up the acquisition agent consists of the following three tasks:

Downloading

You can download the acquisition agent installer by attempting to acquire an image on a computer that you want to use to acquire images. A message will appear and provide you with a link to download the acquisition agent installer.

Note: Alternatively, you can access the link to download the acquisition agent installer in Dentrix Ascend. On a computer that does not have the acquisition agent installed, open the Document Manager while viewing any patient's record, and then click (or tap) Scan.

To download the acquisition agent

  1. Attempt to acquire an image (see "Acquiring Images").

    If the acquisition agent is not installed, the Acquisition Activation dialog box appears.

  2. Click (or tap) the Click here link to download the acquisition agent installer.

  3. Click (or tap) Done.

  4. When the download is complete, you can install the acquisition agent.

Installing

You must install the acquisition agent on each computer that you want to use to acquire images. Complete the steps that correspond to the operating system of the computer that you are installing the acquisition agent on: Windows or Macintosh.

Notes:

To install the acquisition agent (Windows)

  1. Run Acquisition Agent Installer.exe.

  2. On the welcome screen, click (or tap) Next.

  3. On the Choose Components screen, leave Acquisition Agent selected, and then click (or tap) Next.

  4. On the Choose Install Location screen, leave the default Destination Folder selected, or click (or tap) Browse to select a different location. Then, click (or tap) Install.

  5. On the completion screen, click (or tap) Finish.

  6. After installing the acquisition agent, you can install the drivers for your acquisition devices and change the default settings of the acquisition agent (even though the defaults should suffice).

To install the acquisition agent (Macintosh)

  1. Run Acquisition Agent Installer.pkg.

    Troubleshooting: If an error with the message "Acquisition Agent Installer.pkg can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software." appears, complete the following steps:

    1. With the error message still open, open the System Preferences.

    2. Select Security & Privacy.

    3. On the General tab, click the lock icon.

    4. If you are prompted to do so, enter your MacOS User Name and Password, and then click Unlock.

    5. Under Allow apps downloaded from, select App Store and identified developers.

      Note: The error message needs to be open to see this option.

    6. Click Open Anyway, follow the prompts, and eventually the acquisition agent installer should start.

  2. On the Introduction screen, click Continue.

  3. If the Destination Select screen appears, select the disk where you want to install the program. Then, click Continue.

  4. On the Installation Type screen, click Install.

  5. If the system prompts you to do so, to allow the installer to install the program, enter your MacOS User Name and Password, and then, click Install Software.

  6. On the Summary screen, click (or tap) Close.

    Note: After installation, the acquisition agent starts automatically. The first time the acquisition agent starts, it will need 90-120 seconds to finish its configuration. When acquisition agent icon stops bouncing, the configuration is complete.

  7. After the initial configuration is complete, right-click the Acquisition Agent icon on the dock, point to Options, and then select Open at Login if the option does not already have a check mark next to it.

  8. Restart the computer to finish the required setup.

  9. After installing the acquisition agent, you can install the drivers for your acquisition devices and change the default settings of the acquisition agent (even though the defaults should suffice).

Configuring

If you need to change the default settings of the acquisition agent (even though the defaults should suffice), after you complete the installation, configure the acquisition agent's options as needed. Complete the steps that correspond to the operating system of the computer that you are configuring the acquisition agent on: Windows or Macintosh.

To configure the acquisition agent (Windows)

  1. Click (or tap) the Acquisition Agent icon in the notification area of the Windows taskbar, and then click (or tap) Preferences.

    The Preferences dialog box appears.

  2. Set up any of the options on the following tabs as needed:

    • General


      General tab

      • Joystick - If you use a "Generic" intraoral camera with a joystick button interface instead of proprietary buttons, select the Use Joystick with Generic Camera check box. The camera button will use a specific joystick number. This is typically zero if no other joysticks are installed on the computer. Enter a number from 0 - 10 for Joy Number.

        Note: If you use a Digital Doc camera, and it has been installed to use a port other than zero, you must specify the appropriate joystick number.

      • Still Pin - If you use a "Generic" intraoral camera with a still pin to initiate captures, you must install still pin support for that camera. Make sure that the camera is plugged in and that all the necessary drivers for that device are installed before you attempt to install still pin support. Click (or tap) Install Still Pin Support, click (or tap) OK on the message that appears, select the camera that you want to install still pin support for, and then press the Enter key when the installation is complete. The Use still pin with Generic Camera check box is selected automatically, but you can clear the check box if at any time you decide that you do not want to use a still pin camera.

      • Grayscale JPEG Compression - Dentrix Ascend Imaging can use JPEG lossy compression or PNG lossless compression for grayscale images (intraoral and extraoral X-ray images). To specify the compression method for a device, select that Device, and then select or clear the Use JPEG Compression check box. By default, this check box is selected for every acquisition device. With this check box selected, Dentrix Ascend Imaging uses a JPEG lossy compression (which has been optimized for grayscale images and uses a Q factor of 96) to obtain near-perfect-quality images. With this check box clear, Dentrix Ascend Imaging uses PNG lossless compression (which may produce larger file sizes and negatively impact the performance of uploading and downloading images). Repeat this process as needed for any other devices.

      • Alternate Button Workflow - For the following intraoral cameras, you can specify whether you want to use an alternative functionality for the capture button or use the standard functionality: generic cameras, DEXcam 3 and 4 cameras, Sopro cameras, and Digital Doc Iris and Iris HD cameras. With the alternative button functionality enabled for a camera, after you push the button once to freeze the video stream, you either push once to capture the image or push twice to not capture it. The standard functionality does not support pushing the button twice to not capture the video frame. To specify the button functionality for a camera, select that Device, and then select or clear the Use Pause/Capture Workflow check box. Repeat this as needed for any other devices.

      • Show Log Files - The acquisition agent logs actions that it performs for debugging, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring. To view the log, click (or tap) Show Log Files.

    • Digital Sensor


      Digital Sensor tab

      • DEXIS:

        • Use Binned Acquisition - In the Dexis imaging software (versions 9 and 10), "binned" is the default operating mode for Dexis sensors, so this check box is selected by default for Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

        • Correction Path - This is the location of the calibration files for Dexis sensors. The default is C:\Dexis\Flashdir.

      • Hamamatsu Correction Path - This is the location of the calibration files for Hamamatsu sensors. The default is C:\Program Files (x86)\Acquisition Agent\Correction Files.

      • e2v Correction Path - This is the location of the calibration files for e2v sensors. The default is C:\Program Files (x86)\Acquisition Agent\Correction Files.

      • Hamamatsu - The Gamma correction value defines the relationship between a pixel's numerical value and its actual luminance; use it to redistribute the tonal levels of a raw image to be closer to how human eyes perceive them (on a standard monitor). The Integration Time, Incidence Threshold, and Integration End Threshold options determine how Dentrix Ascend Imaging control the integration timing and triggering of sensors. You may want to change these settings if, for example, you use a low-dose, portable X-ray machine.

      • Planmeca - For Planmeca sensors, "binned" is the default operating mode, so the Use Binned Acquisition check box is selected by default for Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

      • e2v Settings - Click (or tap) the button to configure the following settings for e2v sensors:

        • Size 1, Size 2 - Configure the settings for size 1 sensors separately from those of size 2 sensors:

          • Use Binned Acquisition - Controls whether "binned" operating mode is on or off.

          • Sensor Gain - Controls the output signal strength from sensors.

          • Integration Time - Determines how Dentrix Ascend Imaging controls the integration timing of sensors. You may want to change this if, for example, you use a low-dose, portable X-ray machine.

          • Triggering Level - Determines how Dentrix Ascend Imaging controls the triggering of sensors. You may want to change this if, for example, you use a low-dose, portable X-ray machine.

          • Gamma Level - Defines the relationship between a pixel's numerical value and its actual luminance; use it to redistribute the tonal levels of a raw image to be closer to how human eyes perceive them (on a standard monitor).

        • Do Not Use Sensor Calibration Files - Controls whether the sensor calibration files are used or not.

        • Rotate Size 2 Image (XDR) - Controls whether images that are captured using size 2 sensors are rotated or not.

      • Schick Settings - Click (or tap) the button to configure the following settings for Schick sensors:

        • Xray (the availability of these options may vary):

          • Hardware Type - To automatically detect and select either the sensor that is currently connected or the sensor that was most recently connected, select the Use CDR Autodetect check box. To manually select the sensor, clear the Use CDR Autodetect check box, and then select the correct device from the list of recognized devices.

          • Exposure Timeout - Controls the amount of time (in seconds) to wait for exposure before timing out. This applies only if the "AutoTake" acquisition mode is off.

          • Integrate Phoenix - Displays the amount of time (in tenths of a second) that an APS sensor will spend in "integrate" mode.

          • Integrate Time - Controls the amount of time (in tenths of a second) that an image is accumulated.

          • Reset Duration - Displays the amount of time (in milliseconds) that an APS sensor will spend between triggering and acquisition.

          • Trigger Thresh - Indicates the threshold when an image has been acquired (also called AUTO_THRESH).

          • Trigger Count - Indicates the count when an image has been acquired (also called AUTO_COUNT).

          • IO Port - Displays the I/O address that was used by the interface board of previous sensors.

          • Initial Rampup - Displays the time (in seconds) that is required by the sensor before the first X-ray exposure.

          • Second Rampup - Displays the time (in seconds) that is required by the sensor after the first X-ray exposure and between subsequent exposures.

          • Use Perfect Shot - (If available) Indicates that a filter to correct slightly under- and over-exposed images and to display changes in tooth density will be applied automatically.

          • Calibrate Image - With this check box selected, the calibration file for the connected sensor is used. With this check box clear, the calibration file, which is unique to the sensor, is not used, which may result in artifacts that would be otherwise removed on captured images.

          • Auto Accept Image - With this check box selected, the Accept / Reject / Retake window does not open, and the acquired image is presented in the Exam or Zoom window, depending on other user options. With this check box clear, the Accept / Reject / Retake window does open. This applies only if the "AutoTake" acquisition mode is off.

          • Equalize Image - Indicates that images will be equalized automatically.

          • Apply Spot Remover - Indictaes that a function to eliminate random noise artifacts in images will be applied automatically.

          • Subtract dark image - Controls whether subtraction will be used to eliminate noise caused by the sensor's dark signal or not.

          • Acquire 12 bit image - With this check box selected, images will be acquired using the entire 12-bit grayscale range (which is recommended for the DICOM image format). With this check box clear, images will be acquired using an 8-bit grayscale.

          • Automatic Exposure Control - Indicates that slightly under- or over-exposed images will be corrected automatically. This applies whenever the Perfect Shot filter is applied.

          • Mapping - Indicates that a particular mapping will be applied to show more image detail: Nonlinear (Traditional), in mid-range pixel values; Arcsine, in upper and lower pixel values; or Linear, when pixel values are mapped exactly to the image values that can be displayed.

        • Calibration:

          • Calibration File Path - The default path where the calibration files are located. To change the path, click (or tap) Change Path, select a folder, and then click (or tap) OK.

          • Calibration File List - The calibration files that are available on the computer. To Install a new calibration file, click (or tap) Install New Calibration File, locate and select the correct calibration file (a .cor file), and then click (or tap) Open.

        • Sensor:

          • Sensor Type - The type of sensor that is connected currently.

          • Sensor Serial # - Displays the serial number of the sensor that is connected currently..

          • Sensor Size - Displays the size (0, 1, or 2) of the sensor that is connected currently.

          Note: To refresh the sensor type, serial number, and size, click (or tap) the Recheck button.

        • Elite/Schick 33 Image:

          • Schick Elite - Controls whether enhancements will be applied automatically to images that are captured using Schick Elite sensors. To have enhancements be applied, select the Apply Image Enhancement check box, and then select a level of enhancement from the Level list: Edge High, Edge Low, Edge Pro, or Smooth. To not have enhancements be applied, clear the check box.

          • Schick 33 - Controls the resolution of images that are captured using Schick 33 sensors and whether an enhancement is applied or not. Set up the following options:

            • Resolution - From the list select a resolution: High, to acquire images in unbinned mode (15 microns/pixel) with a practical resolution of 28 lp/mm (line pairs per millimeter); or Standard, to acquire images in binned mode (30 microns/pixel) with a practical resolution of approximately 24 lp/mm.

            • Apply Fixed Enhancement - Controls whether the enhancement will be applied or not.

        • AE Image - To control the level of sharpening that will be applied to images for the various types of filtering, move the slider to the left or right to decrease or increase the percentage. To see how the specified sharpness level will affect images for the various types of filtering, from the Task list, select each option (General Dentistry, Endodontic, Restorative, and Periodontic) in turn.

    • Phosphor Plate


      Phosphor Plate tab

      • ScanX - These are filters to use with a ScanX phosphor plate scanner. The Gamma correction value defines the relationship between a pixel's numerical value and its actual luminance; use it to redistribute the tonal levels of a raw image to be closer to how human eyes perceive them (on a standard monitor). The Intraoral Mode, Panoramic Mode, and Cephalometric Mode values indicate the scanning modes being used for intraoral, panoramic, and cephalometric images, respectively. The mode affects image resolution.

      • Optime Settings - Click (or tap) the button to configure the IAM settings for an Optime scanner.

      • OP30 Settings - Click (or tap) the button to configure the IAM settings for an OP30 scanner.

      • VistaScan - The Device Type (the default is IMDA) and the Registered Device of a VistaScan scanner. You can leave the Registered Device box blank to use the first device found that matches the specified type. Also, depending on the scanner model and how plates are inserted, you may need to allow Dentrix Ascend Imaging to rotate, mirror, or flip images as they are placed into templates; if you need to allow this functionality, select the Mirror VistaEasy Image check box.

    • TWAIN


      TWAIN tab

      • TWAIN - The Use Buffered TWAIN Transfer option is selected by default as the transfer method for images from acquisition devices that use a TWAIN driver. If there are issues with TWAIN sources delivering images properly to the acquisition agent, clear this check box to use the native transfer mode, which some TWAIN sources require or recommend.

      • TWAIN Categories - For each TWAIN source, you can specify the applicable acquisition types. Select a TWAIN source from the Device list, and then select the applicable acquisition types (Digital Sensor or Phosphor Plate, Panoramic, Cephalometric, and/or Intraoral Camera). The selected TWAIN source will only be available for selection in the device list when someone is acquiring images for one of the selected acquisition types. Repeat this as needed for any other TWAIN sources.

      • TWAIN Rotation - For each TWAIN source, you can specify the default orientation (rotation and/or flip) to apply to images by acquisition type prior to those images being delivered to Dentrix Ascend Imaging. Select a TWAIN source from the Device list, select an acquisition type (Digital Sensor, Phosphor Plate, Panoramic, Cephalometric, or Intraoral Camera) from the second list, and then select an orientation option (No Rotation, Rotate 90, Rotate 180, Rotate 270, Mirror, Rotate 90 + Mirror, Flip, or Rotate 90 + Flip) from the third list. Repeat this as needed for any other TWAIN sources.

    • Software Bridge


      Software Bridge tab

      • DEXIS - If someone selects the Dexis software bridge from the device list when acquiring an image, the Application Path (where the Dexis software is installed; the default is C:\DEXIS) and the Images Path (where the Dexis software stores images; the default is C:\DEXIS\DATA) must be correct, so Dentrix Ascend Imaging can open the Dexis software and have bi-directional communication with it. The Dexis software must be installed to use this software bridge.

      • SIDEXIS - If someone selects the Sidexis software bridge from the device list when acquiring an image, the Application Path (where the Sidexis software is installed; the default is C:\Program Files\Sirona\SIDEXIS4), the SLIDA Mailbox Path (the location of the SLIDA mailbox file; the default is C:\PDATA), the Ascend Mailbox Path (the location of the Dentrix Ascend mailbox file; the default is C:\ProgramData\Acquisition Agent), the SLIDA Mailbox File name (the default is siomin.sdx), and the Dentrix Ascend Mailbox File name (the default is Ascend.sdx) the must be correct, so Dentrix Ascend Imaging can open the Sidexis software and have bi-directional communication with it. The Sidexis software must be installed to use this software bridge.

      • Romexis - You can specify whether Dentrix Ascend Imaging imports the STL model file or not if someone selects the Romexis software bridge from the device list when acquiring a 3D model. With the Import STL Models check box selected, Dentrix Ascend Imaging will import the STL model file. This allows for rotating and zooming of the 3D model in Dentrix Ascend Imaging. With the Import STL Models check box clear, Dentrix Ascend Imaging will import a 2D snapshot image of the 3D model. The Romexis software must be installed to use this software bridge.

        Note: Because Dentrix Ascend Imaging cannot do all the things that a CAD/CAM software can do, whether or not you import the STL model file, you must do the ground design and editing of the 3D model in the Romexis software. If you do not care about having the STL model file uploaded to Dentrix Ascend Imaging for backup, disaster recovery, or sharing purposes, you may want only the minimal viewing capabilities of a 2D image in Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

    • Filters


      Filters tab

      • Acquisition Filters - For each acquisition device, you can specify a set of filters to apply to images to fine tune those images more than what Dentrix Ascend Imaging does by default. Select a Device, and then set up the following filters as needed:

        • Apply Gamma Correction - To customize this filter, select the check box, and then enter the amount of Gamma correction. The gamma correction value defines the relationship between a pixel's numerical value and its actual luminance; use it to redistribute the tonal levels of a raw image to be closer to how human eyes perceive them (on a standard monitor).

        • Apply Pre Smoothing - To customize this filter, select the check box, and then enter the Strength of the smoothing effect.

        • Apply Sharpening - To customize this filter, select the check box, and then enter the Effect and the Strength of the sharpening effect.

        • Apply Post Smoothing - To customize this filter, select the check box, and then enter the Strength of the smoothing effect after the sharpening filter is applied. The Apply Post Smoothing check box is available only if the Apply Sharpening check box is selected.

        Repeat this as needed for any other devices.

      • Schick Filter - You can specify the following types of sharpness adjustments to apply to an image that is acquired with a Schick device, according to the type of image that is acquired: General Sharpness, Endodontic Sharpness, Periodontic Sharpness, Caries Sharpness, and Hygiene Sharpness.

    • DICOM


      DICOM tab

      Note: DICOM support allows you to acquire a 3D volume using CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) through a supported third-party imaging program, view and annotate a 3D volume in Dentrix Ascend Imaging, and either download a 3D volume or export a 3D volume to a supported third-party program.

      • Compress DICOM Volumes - Controls whether 3D volumes are compressed or not.

      • Cache DICOM Volumes - Controls whether 3D volumes will be cached locally or not.

        With this check box selected, in the Cache folder box, either enter the path to the folder where you want to store cached 3D volumes, or click (or tap) Browse to select the correct folder.

  3. Click (or tap) Done.

To configure the acquisition agent (Macintosh)

  1. Click the Acquisition Agent icon on the dock.

  2. From the Acquisition Agent menu, click Preferences.

    The Acquisition Agent Preferences dialog box appears.

  3. Set up any of the following options as needed:

    • Planmeca:

      • Use Binned Acquisition - For Planmeca sensors, "binned" is the default operating mode, so this check box is selected by default for Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

      • Import STL Model - You can specify whether Dentrix Ascend Imaging imports the STL model file or not if someone selects the Romexis software bridge from the device list when acquiring a 3D model. With the Import STL Model check box selected, Dentrix Ascend Imaging will import the STL model file. This allows for rotating and zooming of the 3D model in Dentrix Ascend Imaging. With the Import STL Model check box clear, Dentrix Ascend Imaging will import a 2D snapshot image of the 3D model. The Romexis software must be installed to use this software bridge.

        Note: Because Dentrix Ascend Imaging cannot do all the things that a CAD/CAM software can do, whether or not you import the STL model file, you must do the ground design and editing of the 3D model in the Romexis software. If you do not care about having the STL model file uploaded to Dentrix Ascend Imaging for backup, disaster recovery, or sharing purposes, you may want only the minimal viewing capabilities of a 2D image in Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

    • DEXIS Platinum - For DEXIS Platinum sensors, "binned" is the default operating mode for direct integration, so the Use Binned Acquisition check box is selected by default for Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

    • RealCloud HD1 - Dentrix Ascend Imaging can automatically detect the port that the RealCloud HD1 intraoral camera is using so the buttons function properly, or you can specify a port. By default, Auto-Detect is selected as the Port.

    • Grayscale JPEG Compression - Dentrix Ascend Imaging can use JPEG lossy compression or PNG lossless compression for grayscale images (intraoral and extraoral X-ray images). To specify the compression method for a device, select that Device, and then select or clear the Use JPEG Compression check box. By default, this check box is selected for every acquisition device. With this check box selected, Dentrix Ascend Imaging uses a JPEG lossy compression (which has been optimized for grayscale images and uses a Q factor of 96) to obtain near-perfect-quality images. With this check box clear, Dentrix Ascend Imaging uses PNG lossless compression (which may produce larger file sizes and negatively impact the performance of uploading and downloading images). Repeat this process as needed for any other devices.

    • Show Log Files - The acquisition agent logs actions that it performs for debugging, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring. To view the log, click Show Log Files.

  4. Close the dialog box.

Updating the acquisition agent


The acquisition agent is a small application that runs in the background and handles the communication between your acquisition devices and Dentrix Ascend Imaging. To benefit from the latest enhancements of Dentrix Ascend Imaging, on each computer that you want to acquire images from, you should verify that you have the most recent version of the acquisition agent installed.

Note: Before attempting to update the acquisition agent, you should be logged on to your operating system (Windows or Macintosh) as a local administrator (not as a domain administrator).

To update the acquisition agent (Windows)

  1. Click (or tap) the Acquisition Agent icon in the notification area of the Windows taskbar, and then click (or tap) Check For Updates.

    If an update is available, the Agent Auto Update dialog box appears.

  2. Click (or tap) Download And Install.

  3. Follow the instructions in the Acquisition Agent Setup to complete the upgrade.


To update the acquisition agent (Mac)

  1. Log in to Dentrix Ascend.

  2. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

  3. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  4. While viewing the patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click Acquire Images.

  5. Click the Acquisition Agent icon on the dock.

  6. From the Acquisition Agent menu, click Preferences.

    The Acquisition Agent Preferences dialog box appears.

  7. Click Check For Updates.

    If an update is available, the Agent Auto Update dialog box appears.

  8. Click Download And Install.

  9. Follow the instructions in the Acquisition Agent Setup to complete the upgrade.

Acquiring images


You can acquire images with sensors, phosphor plates, cameras, other digital equipment, and third-party programs. You can also import image files (such as .png or .jpg files). When you acquire or import images, you can customize acquisition settings, and there are options for posting the associated procedure and billing the procedure to insurance. The acquired or imported images are saved to a selected patient's record in Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

You can acquire or import the following types of images:

Acquiring intraoral X-rays


You can acquire intraoral X-rays with digital sensors, phosphor plates, and third-party programs.

Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

To acquire intraoral X-rays

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected in Dentrix Ascend, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  3. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    Notes:

    • If the acquisition agent is not installed, the Acquisition Activation dialog box appears. Click (or tap) the Click here link to download the acquisition agent installer. Then, click (or tap) Done. After you install the acquisition agent and the drivers for your acquisition devices, you can begin acquiring images.

    • If you have not already accepted the diagnostic use policy, the Diagnostic Use Warning dialog box appears. To begin using the imaging features of Dentrix Ascend, you must select the I accept the above-mentioned policy check box, and then click (or tap) Accept & Go to Imaging.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  4. Under Imaging Procedures, select one of the following tabs:

    • Favorites - This tab contains the imaging procedures for the current location that have been marked as favorites. This tab is available only if there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location. If there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Standard - This tab contains the standard imaging procedures that come with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. This tab is available for all locations. If there are not any favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Custom - This tab contains the custom imaging procedures that have been created for the current location. This tab is available only if there are custom imaging procedures for the current location.

  5. Select an imaging procedure that corresponds to the acquisition type for intraoral X-rays (such as Bitewing Single Image or Intraoral Full Mouth Images).

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  6. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure (such as D0210), select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - To bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, select the check box. To not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Provider - From the list, select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available for selection.

  7. Set up the Acquisition Options for intraoral X-rays.

    Individual image


    Do the following:

    1. On the Tooth chart, select the correct teeth.

      Note: To deselect all selected teeth, click (or tap) the Clear selected link.

    2. To allow for the automatic retaking of the image until a satisfactory image is acquired, select the Enable auto-repeat check box.

      Note: If you are using a phosphor plate to acquire the image, make sure that the Enable auto-repeat check box is not selected.

    3. If you are acquiring an intraoral X-ray using a standard imaging procedure, and if no interpretation or analysis of the acquired image will be done in your office, to use an alternative procedure code, do one of the following:

      • For a single periapical image, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0707 check box.

      • For a single occlusal image, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0706 check box.

      • For a single bitewing image, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0708 check box.

    4. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

      Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

    Series of images


    Do the following:

    1. Under Acquisition sequence, do one of the following:

      • For a full-mouth series, select the FMX 18 or FMX 21 option. Then, from the corresponding sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      • For a 3-periapical series, select the Maxillary or Mandibular option. Then, from the corresponding sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      • For a 4-bitewing + 3-periapical series, select the Maxillary or Mandibular option. Then, from the corresponding sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      • For a 4-bitewing + 4-periapical series, select the 4BW + 4PA or 4BW + 4PA Alt option. Then, from the corresponding sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      • For a 7-bitewing + 3-periapical series, select the Maxillary or Mandibular option. Then, from the corresponding sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      • For a 2-bitewing series, from the Acquisition sequence list, select Pediatric, Left bitewings, Right bitewings, or a custom order (if available).

      • For other series (such as 4-bitewing, 7-bitewing, 2-bitewing + 2-occlusal, 2-bitewing + 2-periapical, 4-bitewing + 4-periapical, and 4-bitewing + 6-periapical), from the Acquisition sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      Notes:

      • To change the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) each placeholder of the sequence diagram in the order that you will acquire the images.

      • To undo previous order selections, click (or tap) Undo as needed. To undo all order selections, click (or tap) Reset.

      • When you finish specifying the order for all placeholders, to save the custom sequence for future use, enter a name for the sequence in the Acquisition sequence box, and then click (or tap) Save as ([sequence name]).

      • To delete a custom sequence, with that sequence selected in the Acquisition sequence list, click (or tap) the blue Delete button , which then turns red, and then click (or tap) the button again.

    2. If you are acquiring a full-mouth, 2-bitewing, or 4-bitewing series using a standard imaging procedure, and if no interpretation or analysis of the acquired images will be done in your office, to use the alternative procedure code for the selected imaging procedure, do one of the following:

      • For a full-mouth series, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0709 check box.

      • For a 2-bitewing or 4-bitewing series, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0708 check box.

    3. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

      Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

  8. If you are using phosphor plates to acquire one or more images, before continuing, acquire the radiographs as needed.


    Do the following:

    1. Position a phosphor plate in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the phosphor plate, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques. Make sure that the edge of the phosphor plate with the dot or letter is pointing upward for all vertical placements or pointing toward the back of the mouth for all horizontal placements.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    2. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source causes the phosphor plate to capture the image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    3. Repeat steps a-b as needed to acquire additional radiographs.

  9. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

  10. Acquire one or more intraoral X-rays with the specified device.

    Individual image with a sensor


    The selected acquisition device is initialized.

    Then, the X-ray sensor is armed.

    Then, the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure.

    Do the following:

    1. If you need to change the acquisition device, select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu.

    2. If applicable for the selected acquisition device, the Apply Device Filter list is available. From the list, select the filter that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Endodontic, Periodontic, General, Caries, or Hygiene), or select No Filter to not apply any filter.

    3. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    4. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    5. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission, which initiates the capture of the X-ray image. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

      The resulting image is saved to the patient's record.

      Then, if you are acquiring in endo mode, the sensor is re-armed automatically and becomes ready for another exposure; otherwise, ignore the remaining steps.

      Note: The saved state of the Smaller/Larger button , which is available when you are viewing images, affects the preview size of images during acquisitions in endo mode. The state of the button is stored per computer (or device).

    6. Repeat steps d-e as needed to retake the radiograph until you have acquired a satisfactory image.

      Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

    7. When you are finished acquiring in endo mode, click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    Individual image with a phosphor plate scanner


    The scanner is initialized.

    Then, the scanner continues preparing to scan.

    Then, the scanner becomes ready.

    Do the following:

    1. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    2. Put the phosphor plate, with the edge with the dot or letter pointing up, in the scanner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

      The scanner begins scanning the plate.

      When the scanner finishes scanning the plate, the resulting image is saved to the patient's record.

    Individual image with a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire the image.

    2. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    4. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The image is saved to the patient's record in the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program automatically.

    Series of images with a sensor


    The selected acquisition device is initialized.

    Then, the X-ray sensor is armed.

    Then, the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure.

    Note: The first step in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

    Do the following:

    1. If applicable for the selected acquisition device, the Apply Device Filter list is available. From the list, select the filter that you want to have applied automatically to the images that will be acquired (Endodontic, Periodontic, General, Caries, or Hygiene), or select No Filter to not apply any filter.

    2. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the images that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see the "Processing images" section.

    3. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    4. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

      Radiation triggers the X-ray sensor.

      The resulting image is saved to the patient's record, and a preview of the image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference, and the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure again.

    5. Repeat steps c-d until you finish acquiring images for the series.

      Notes:

      • If you need to change the acquisition device, click (or tap) Pause to pause the acquisition, select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu, and then click (or tap) Capture [teeth] to resume the acquisition.

      • To stop the acquisition session before you finish acquiring the entire series, click (or tap) Finish Acquisition. You can resume the incomplete exam later if necessary.

      • To replace an image that you have just acquired, click (or tap) Recapture [teeth], and then retake the image. Next, in the Select Image dialog box that appears, click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image. You can repeat this process as needed until you have acquired a satisfactory image. The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward. This button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step.

      • To go backward in the acquisition sequence one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward. This button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step, and if the previous step in the sequence does not have an image.

      • To go to any step in the acquisition sequence to acquire or replace an image, click (or tap) the applicable placeholder (numbered box) on the sequence diagram. The applicable teeth on the Tooth status chart are selected automatically for your reference. After acquiring or replacing the image, the program advances to the next step in the acquisition sequence that does not have an image.

    Series of images with a phosphor plate scanner


    The scanner is initialized.

    Then, the scanner becomes ready.

    Do the following:

    1. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the images that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    2. Put the phosphor plates, with the edges with the dot or letter pointing up, in the scanner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

      As the scanner finishes scanning a plate, the resulting image appears as a thumbnail image on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    3. After all the plates have been scanned, one at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

      Note: If the orientations the phosphor plates were correct when the radiographs were taken and when inserted into the scanner, the images will have the correct orientation in the series. When you drop a thumbnail image into a box of the template, the image is rotated automatically as needed for that position in the series.

    4. As needed, do any of the following:

      • To change the orientation of an image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

      • To swap two images in the template, drag one of the images to the box with another image.

      • To remove an image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

    5. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

      Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted to the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

    6. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Series of images with a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire images.

    2. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    4. Repeat steps b-c as needed to acquire other images for the series.

    5. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The images that you acquired in the third-party imaging program appear as thumbnail images on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    6. One at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

    7. As needed, do any of the following:

      • To change the orientation of an image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

      • To swap two images in the template, drag one of the images to the box with another image.

      • To remove an image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

    8. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

      Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted to the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

    9. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

Acquiring intraoral and extraoral photos


You can acquire intraoral and extraoral photos with digital cameras and third-party programs.

Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

To acquire intraoral and extraoral photos

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected in Dentrix Ascend, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  3. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    Notes:

    • If the acquisition agent is not installed, the Acquisition Activation dialog box appears. Click (or tap) the Click here link to download the acquisition agent installer. Then, click (or tap) Done. After you install the acquisition agent and the drivers for your acquisition devices, you can begin acquiring images.

    • If you have not already accepted the diagnostic use policy, the Diagnostic Use Warning dialog box appears. To begin using the imaging features of Dentrix Ascend, you must select the I accept the above-mentioned policy check box, and then click (or tap) Accept & Go to Imaging.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  4. Under Imaging Procedures, select one of the following tabs:

    • Favorites - This tab contains the imaging procedures for the current location that have been marked as favorites. This tab is available only if there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location. If there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Standard - This tab contains the standard imaging procedures that come with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. This tab is available for all locations. If there are not any favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Custom - This tab contains the custom imaging procedures that have been created for the current location. This tab is available only if there are custom imaging procedures for the current location.

  5. Select an imaging procedure that corresponds to the acquisition type for intraoral and extraoral photos (such as 2D Oral/Facial Photo Images).

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  6. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure (such as D0350), select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - To bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, select the check box. To not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Provider - From the list, select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available for selection.

  7. Set up the Acquisition Options for intraoral and extraoral photos.


    Do the following:

    1. If you are acquiring a set of intraoral or extraoral photos using a custom imaging procedure, from the Acquisition sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      Notes:

      • To change the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) each placeholder of the sequence diagram in the order that you will acquire the images.

      • To undo previous order selections, click (or tap) Undo as needed. To undo all order selections, click (or tap) Reset.

      • When you finish specifying the order for all placeholders, to save the custom sequence for future use, enter a name for the sequence in the Acquisition sequence box, and then click (or tap) Save as ([sequence name]).

      • To delete a custom sequence, with that sequence selected in the Acquisition sequence list, click (or tap) the blue Delete button , which then turns red, and then click (or tap) the button again.

    2. If you are acquiring intraoral or extraoral photos using a standard imaging procedure, and if no interpretation or analysis of the acquired images will be done in your office, to use an alternative procedure code, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0703 check box.

    3. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

      Notes:

      • For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

      • The first time that you attempt to use a camera with Dentrix Ascend Imaging on any computer, when a message from the browser appears and asks if you want to allow the browser to have access to the camera, allow it.

  8. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

  9. Acquire one or more intraoral and/or extraoral photos with the specified device.

    Individual images with a camera


    The live video stream from your camera appears.

    Notes:

    • To tune your camera's settings, you can click (or tap) the Tune Camera button .

    • If you need to change the acquisition device, select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu.

    Do the following:

    1. Point the camera at the patient or at the correct area inside the patient's mouth.

    2. To pause or freeze the live video stream, with the camera properly positioned, do one of the following:

      • Press the button on your camera.

      • Click (or tap) Pause Streaming.

    3. To capture the current video frame, do one of the following:

      • Press the button on your camera.

      • Click (or tap) Take a Snapshot.

      Note: If alternative button functionality has been enabled for your camera in the acquisition agent preferences, you can push the button twice to not capture the current video frame.

      The resulting image is added to the snapshot panel, and the video stream automatically becomes live again.

    4. Repeat steps a-c as needed to acquire additional snapshots.

    5. On the snapshot panel, clear the check box of each snapshot that you do not want to save.

    6. Click (or tap) Assign Images.

    7. Do any of the following as needed:

      • To save one or more snapshots as intraoral images and assign tooth numbers, select the snapshots that pertain to the same teeth (and be sure to deselect snapshots that are not intraoral images and that do not pertain to the same teeth), and then drag them to the Select Teeth, UR/UL/LR/LL, Upper Jaw, or Lower Jaw box.

        If you drag snapshots to the Select Teeth box, the Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears. Select the correct teeth, and then click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

      • To save one or more snapshots as extraoral images, select the snapshots that are extraoral images (and be sure to deselect snapshots that are not extraoral images), and then drag them to the Extraoral Photos box.

      • To save the snapshots on the snapshot panel as intraoral images but not assign tooth numbers at this time, leave those snapshots on the snapshot panel.

      Intraoral images with assigned tooth numbers appear on the left side of the preview area, extraoral images appear on the right side of the preview area, and images without assigned tooth numbers (which will be saved as intraoral images) appear on the snapshot panel.

      Note: If you have a mix of intraoral and extraoral images, the intraoral images will be saved as one acquisition, and the extraoral images will be saved as another acquisition in the patient's imaging history in Dentrix Ascend Imaging; however, all the images will be associated with one procedure (D0350 or D0703), which will appear in the patient's progress notes with two imaging icons, in Dentrix Ascend.

    8. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the images to the patient's record

    9. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Individual images with a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire images.

    2. Use the camera to capture images of the patient or the correct areas inside the patient's mouth.

    3. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The images that you captured in the third-party imaging program appear as thumbnail images on the snapshot panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    4. Do any of the following as needed:

      • To save one or more snapshots as intraoral images and assign tooth numbers, select the snapshots that pertain to the same teeth (and be sure to deselect snapshots that are not intraoral images and that do not pertain to the same teeth), and then drag them to the Select Teeth, UR/UL/LR/LL, Upper Jaw, or Lower Jaw box.

        If you drag snapshots to the Select Teeth box, the Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears. Select the correct teeth, and then click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

      • To save one or more snapshots as extraoral images, select the snapshots that are extraoral images (and be sure to deselect snapshots that are not extraoral images), and then drag them to the Extraoral Photos box.

      • To save the snapshots on the snapshot panel as intraoral images but not assign tooth numbers at this time, leave those snapshots on the snapshot panel.

      Intraoral images with assigned tooth numbers appear on the left side of the preview area, extraoral images appear on the right side of the preview area, and images without assigned tooth numbers (which will be saved as intraoral images) appear on the snapshot panel.

      Note: If you have a mix of intraoral and extraoral images, the intraoral images will be saved as one acquisition, and the extraoral images will be saved as another acquisition in the patient's imaging history in Dentrix Ascend Imaging; however, all the images will be associated with one procedure (D0350 or D0703), which will appear in the patient's progress notes with two imaging icons, in Dentrix Ascend.

    5. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the images to the patient's record

    6. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Set of images with a camera (applicable only for a custom imaging procedure)


    The first step in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

    Also, the live video stream from your camera appears.

    Notes:

    • To tune your camera's settings, you can click (or tap) the Tune Camera button .

    • If you need to change the acquisition device, click (or tap) Pause to pause the video stream, select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu, and then click (or tap) Discard to resume the video stream.

    • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step).

    • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step).

    Do the following:

    1. Point the camera at the patient or at the correct area inside the patient's mouth.

    2. To pause or freeze the live video stream, with the camera properly positioned, do one of the following:

      • Press the button on your camera.

      • Click (or tap) Pause.

    3. To capture the current video frame, do one of the following:

      • Press the button on your camera.

      • Click (or tap) Save.

      Notes:

      • If alternative button functionality has been enabled for your camera in the acquisition agent preferences, you can push the button twice to not capture the current video frame.

      • To return to a live video stream without capturing the current video frame, click (or tap) Discard. Then, repeat steps a-c.

    4. If you acquired an image for a step in the acquisition sequence that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

      Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      A preview of the resulting image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference, and the video stream automatically becomes live again.

      Notes:

      • To stop the acquisition session before you finish acquiring the entire set of photos, click (or tap) Finish Acquisition. You can resume the incomplete exam later if necessary.

      • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward. This button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step.

      • To go backward in the acquisition sequence one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward. This button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step, and if the previous step in the sequence does not have an image.

      • To replace the image that you acquired in the previous step of the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) Skip Backward to navigate to the previous step. With the camera properly positioned, click (or tap) Pause to pause the video stream, and then click (or tap) Save to capture the current video frame. The Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

    5. Repeat steps a-d until you finish acquiring images for the set.

    Set of images with a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire images.

    2. Use the camera to capture images of the patient or the correct areas inside the patient's mouth.

    3. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The images that you acquired in the third-party imaging program appear as thumbnail images on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    4. One at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

    5. As needed, do any of the following:

      • To change the orientation of an image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

      • To swap two images in the template, drag one of the images to the box with another image.

      • To remove an image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

    6. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

      Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted to the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

    7. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

Acquiring extraoral X-rays


You can acquire extraoral X-rays (panorexes and cephalograms) with digital equipment, phosphor plates, and third-party programs.

Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

To acquire an extraoral X-ray

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected in Dentrix Ascend, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  3. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    Notes:

    • If the acquisition agent is not installed, the Acquisition Activation dialog box appears. Click (or tap) the Click here link to download the acquisition agent installer. Then, click (or tap) Done. After you install the acquisition agent and the drivers for your acquisition devices, you can begin acquiring images.

    • If you have not already accepted the diagnostic use policy, the Diagnostic Use Warning dialog box appears. To begin using the imaging features of Dentrix Ascend, you must select the I accept the above-mentioned policy check box, and then click (or tap) Accept & Go to Imaging.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  4. Under Imaging Procedures, select one of the following tabs:

    • Favorites - This tab contains the imaging procedures for the current location that have been marked as favorites. This tab is available only if there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location. If there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Standard - This tab contains the standard imaging procedures that come with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. This tab is available for all locations. If there are not any favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    Note: The Custom tab, even if it is available, does not contain imaging procedures for extraoral X-rays.

  5. Select an imaging procedure that corresponds to the acquisition type for an extraoral X-ray: Panoramic Image or Cephalometric Image.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  6. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure (such as D0330), select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - To bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, select the check box. To not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Provider - From the list, select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available for selection.

  7. Set up the Acquisition Options for extraoral X-rays.


    Do the following:

    1. If no interpretation or analysis of the acquired image will be done in your office, to use an alternative procedure code, do one of the following:

      • For a panorex, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0701 check box.

      • For a cephalogram, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0702 check box.

    2. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

      Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

  8. Acquire the extraoral X-ray with the specified device.

    With a digital panoramic or cephalometric unit


    Do the following:

    1. Position the patient properly for your extraoral X-ray imaging device (for example, place the patient in a stand-up panoramic imaging device).

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    2. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

      Dentrix Ascend Imaging waits to obtain the image from the device.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure parameters on your X-ray source's control panel, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

      The image is saved to the patient's record.

    With a phosphor plate scanner


    Do the following:

    1. Put a phosphor plate in your extraoral X-ray imaging device according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    2. Position the patient properly for your extraoral X-ray imaging device (for example, place the patient in a stand-up panoramic imaging device).

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source causes the phosphor plate to capture the image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    4. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

      The scanner is initialized.

      Then, the scanner continues preparing to scan.

      Then, the scanner becomes ready.

    5. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    6. Put the phosphor plate, with the edge with the dot or letter pointing up, in the scanner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

      The scanner begins scanning the plate.

      When the scanner finishes scanning the plate, the resulting image is saved to the patient's record.

    With a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Position the patient properly for your extraoral X-ray imaging device (for example, place the patient in a stand-up panoramic imaging device).

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    2. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

    3. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire the image.

    4. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    5. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The image is saved to the patient's record in the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program automatically.

Acquiring CAD/CAM scans


You can acquire CAD/CAM scans with third-party programs.

Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

To acquire a CAD/CAM scan

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected in Dentrix Ascend, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  3. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    Notes:

    • If the acquisition agent is not installed, the Acquisition Activation dialog box appears. Click (or tap) the Click here link to download the acquisition agent installer. Then, click (or tap) Done. After you install the acquisition agent and the drivers for your acquisition devices, you can begin acquiring images.

    • If you have not already accepted the diagnostic use policy, the Diagnostic Use Warning dialog box appears. To begin using the imaging features of Dentrix Ascend, you must select the I accept the above-mentioned policy check box, and then click (or tap) Accept & Go to Imaging.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  4. Under Imaging Procedures, select one of the following tabs:

    • Favorites - This tab contains the imaging procedures for the current location that have been marked as favorites. This tab is available only if there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location. If there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Standard - This tab contains the standard imaging procedures that come with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. This tab is available for all locations. If there are not any favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    Note: The Custom tab, even if it is available, does not contain imaging procedures for CAD/CAM scans.

  5. Select the imaging procedure CAD/CAM Scan, which corresponds to the only acquisition type for a CAD/CAM scan.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  6. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure, select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - To bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, select the check box. To not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Provider - From the list, select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available for selection.

  7. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

    Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

  8. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

  9. Acquire the CAD/CAM scan with the specified device.


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire an scan.

    2. Acquire the scan in the third-party imaging program.

    3. Close the third-party imaging program.

      The Set Model Orientation dialog box appears.

    4. Adjust the orientation of the model as you want it to appear in Dentrix Ascend Imaging by default:

      • Select the yellow circle to make it active, and then drag to rotate the model clockwise or counterclockwise.

      • Select the green line to make it active, and then drag to rotate the model on the x-axis.

      • Select the red line to make it active, and then drag to rotate the model on the y-axis.

      • Click (or tap) anywhere within the purple circle to make it and the yellow circle active, and then drag to move the model in any direction.

      Note: When you save the orientation, that view of the model becomes the default you can adjust it further from within Dentrix Ascend Imaging later on.

    5. Click (or tap) Save.

      The resulting scan is saved to the patient's record.

Acquiring 3D volumes


You can acquire 3D volumes with third-party programs.

Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

To acquire a 3D volume

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected in Dentrix Ascend, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  3. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    Notes:

    • If the acquisition agent is not installed, the Acquisition Activation dialog box appears. Click (or tap) the Click here link to download the acquisition agent installer. Then, click (or tap) Done. After you install the acquisition agent and the drivers for your acquisition devices, you can begin acquiring images.

    • If you have not already accepted the diagnostic use policy, the Diagnostic Use Warning dialog box appears. To begin using the imaging features of Dentrix Ascend, you must select the I accept the above-mentioned policy check box, and then click (or tap) Accept & Go to Imaging.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  4. Under Imaging Procedures, select one of the following tabs:

    • Favorites - This tab contains the imaging procedures for the current location that have been marked as favorites. This tab is available only if there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location. If there are favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    • Standard - This tab contains the standard imaging procedures that come with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. This tab is available for all locations. If there are not any favorite imaging procedures for the current location, this tab is selected by default.

    Note: The Custom tab, even if it is available, does not contain imaging procedures for 3D volumes.

  5. Select the imaging procedure 3D Volume, which corresponds to the only acquisition type for a 3D volume.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  6. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure, select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - To bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, select the check box. To not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Provider - From the list, select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available for selection.

  7. Set up the Acquisition Options for 3D volumes.


    Do the following:

    1. In the Acquisition type list, select the procedure that will be posted.

    2. With CBVT Mandible, CBVT Maxilla, CBVT Both Jaws, or CBVT TMJ selected in the Acquisition type list, the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth chart automatically for your reference. However, if CBVT Limited Field of View is selected, select the correct teeth on the Tooth chart by clicking (or tapping) one of the teeth in each applicable sextant or by clicking (or tapping) somewhere within the square bracket of each applicable sextant.

      Note: To deselect all selected teeth, click (or tap) the Clear selected link. The link is available only if you have selected teeth manually.

    3. If no interpretation or analysis of the acquired 3D volume will be done in your office, to use the alternative procedure code for the selected procedure in the Acquisition type list, clear the With interpretation/analysis check box.

      Note: The codes for the procedures in the Acquisition type list change as you select or clear the With interpretation/analysis check box.

    4. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

      Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see "Supported Acquisition Devices."

    5. If the selected device supports 3D volume processing within Dentrix Ascend Imaging, the Acquire a 2D image link only check box is available. Select or clear this check box:

      • With this check box selected, Dentrix Ascend Imaging displays and saves only a 2D snapshot of the 3D volume.

      • With this check box clear, Dentrix Ascend Imaging displays and saves the full 3D volume (you can save a 2D snapshot of that volume later).

      Note: The state of this check box is saved for the next time you acquire a 3D volume.

      Note: If the selected device does not support 3D volume processing within Dentrix Ascend Imaging, the Acquire a 2D image link only check box is not available. When you acquire a 3D volume using the selected device, Dentrix Ascend Imaging displays and saves only a 2D snapshot of that 3D volume.

  8. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

  9. Acquire the 3D volume.


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire a 3D volume.

    2. Acquire the 3D volume in the third-party imaging program.

    3. Close the third-party imaging program.

      The resulting 3D volume or a 2D snapshot of the resulting 3D volume is saved to the patient's record.

  10. If a full 3D volume is being displayed, to save a 2D snapshot of the 3D volume, change the Coronal, Axial, and Sagittal views as needed (for example, by rotating anatomy and navigating slices), and then click Snapshot. The snapshot is saved to the patient's record as "CBCT 2D Snapshot." Repeat this process as needed to save other snapshots.

    Note: Slice plane indicators (cross hairs) do not appear on a snapshot.

Acquiring an image for selected teeth


You can quickly acquire an image for the teeth that are selected on a patient's clinical chart.

To acquire an image

  1. Use the Patient Search box to access a patient's record.

    Notes:

    • If the last patient record you accessed since you last logged on is the correct patient's record, you do not need to re-enter the patient's name in the Patient Search box.

    • You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart.

    The patient's clinical record opens with the Chart tab selected.

  3. Select one or more teeth.

  4. Do one of the following:

    • If you have selected teeth for a periapical image, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) PA Quick acquire.

      The options to acquire an image become available. Skip steps 5-8.

    • On the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

      The options for acquiring images become available. Proceed to step 5.

  5. Under Imaging Procedures, the Favorites tab is selected by default if any imaging procedures for the current location have been marked as favorites; otherwise, the Standard tab is selected. However, you can select a different tab. Select the correct tab: Favorites, Standard, or Custom.

    Notes:

    • Custom and favorite imaging procedures are location specific.

    • The Custom tab is available only if custom imaging procedures exist for the current location.

    • The Favorites tab is available only if favorite imaging procedures exist for the current location.

  6. If the Favorites tab is selected by default, the first imaging procedure is selected automatically, but you can select a different procedure. Select the correct procedure (an intraoral periapical or bitewing X-ray image).

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  7. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure (such as D0210 for a full mouth series), select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - Specify whether you want to bill or not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure by selecting or clearing the check box.

    • Provider - Select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available.

  8. Under Task to Perform, on the Acquire Images tab, select the correct device in the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

    Notes:

    • For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

    • The first time you attempt to use an intraoral camera with Dentrix Ascend Imaging on any computer, when a message from the browser appears and asks if you want to allow the browser to have access to the camera, allow it.

  9. If you are going to use a phosphor plate to capture an intraoral X-ray image, before continuing, capture the radiograph.


    Do the following:

    1. For an intraoral image, position a phosphor plate in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the phosphor plate, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques. Make sure that the edge of the phosphor plate with the dot or letter is pointing upward for all vertical placements or pointing toward the back of the mouth for all horizontal placements.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    2. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source causes the phosphor plate to capture the image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

  10. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition, and then acquire an image according to the acquisition type of the selected procedure.

    Intraoral X-ray


    The selected acquisition device is initialized.

    Then, the X-ray sensor is armed.

    Then, the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure.

    Do the following:

    1. If you need to change the selected acquisition device, select the correct device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu.

    2. If applicable to the selected acquisition device, the Apply Device Filter list is available. From the list, select the filter that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Endodontic, Periodontic, General, Caries, or Hygiene), or select No Filter to not apply any filter.

    3. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see the "Processing images" section.

    4. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    5. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission, which initiates the capture of the X-ray image. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

      The resulting image is saved to the patient's record.

      Then, if you are acquiring in endo mode, the sensor is re-armed automatically and becomes ready for another exposure; otherwise, ignore the following steps.

    6. While in endo mode, repeat steps b-c as needed to retake the radiograph until you have acquired a satisfactory image.

      Note: The saved state of the Smaller/Larger button , which is available when you are viewing images, affects the preview size of images during acquisitions in endo mode. The state of the button is stored per computer (or device).

    7. When you are finished acquiring in endo mode, click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    Intraoral X-ray (using a phosphor plate)


    The scanner is initialized.

    Then, the scanner continues preparing to scan.

    Then, the scanner becomes ready.

    Do the following:

    1. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see the "Processing images" section.

    2. Put the phosphor plate, with the edge with the dot or letter pointing up, in the scanner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

      The scanner begins scanning the plate.

      When the scanner finishes scanning the plate, the resulting image is saved to the patient's record.

    Intraoral X-ray (using a software device)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire the image.

    2. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    4. Close the third-party imaging program.

      The image is saved to the patient's record in the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program automatically.

Importing images


You can import image files (.bmp, .png, .jpg, and .tiff files), CAD/CAM scan files (.sty and .ply files), and 3D volume files (.dcm files) to attach to a patient's record.

To import images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  3. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  4. Under Imaging Procedures, the Favorites tab is selected by default if any imaging procedures for the current location have been marked as favorites; otherwise, the Standard tab is selected. However, you can select a different tab. Select the correct tab: Favorites, Standard, or Custom.

    Notes:

    • Custom and favorite imaging procedures are location specific.

    • The Custom tab is available only if custom imaging procedures exist for the current location.

    • The Favorites tab is available only if favorite imaging procedures exist for the current location.

  5. If the Favorites tab is selected by default, the first imaging procedure is selected automatically, but you can select a different procedure. Select the correct procedure.

    Note: Each procedure corresponds to a particular acquisition type: individual intraoral X-ray, intraoral X-ray series, extraoral X-ray, intraoral photo, extraoral photo, set of photos, CAD/CAM scan, or 3D volume.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  6. Under Billing Options, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure (such as D0210 for a full mouth series), select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - Specify whether you want to bill or not bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure by selecting or clearing the check box.

    • Provider - Select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure.

      Note: Only providers who have access to the current location are available.

  7. Set up the Acquisition Options that correspond to the acquisition type of the selected procedure.

    Intraoral X-ray


    Do the following:

    1. On the Tooth chart, select the teeth that apply to the current acquisition session.

      Note: To deselect all selected teeth, click (or tap) the Clear selected link.

    2. To allow for the automatic retaking of the radiograph until a satisfactory image is acquired, select the Enable auto-repeat check box.

      Note: If you will be scanning a phosphor plate to acquire the image, make sure that the Enable auto-repeat check box is not selected.

    3. If no interpretation or analysis of the acquired image will be done in your office, to use the alternative procedure code for the selected imaging procedure, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code [code] check box.

      Note: The alternative code that appears varies according to the selected procedure.

    4. Under Task to Perform, do one of the following:

      • On the Acquire Images tab, select the Import From File device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

        Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

      • On the Import Images tab, select one of the following options:

        • Existing Procedure - Use this for a procedure that was performed prior to today (and may already have been billed to the patient's insurance carrier). Specify the date that the procedure was performed.

          Note: With this option selected, the Apply charges and Bill to insurance check boxes under Billing Options become unavailable because the procedure will be posted with a zero dollar fee and will not be billed to insurance.

        • Completed Procedure - Use this for a procedure that you are performing. Today's date and time will be associated with the procedure.

    Intraoral X-ray series


    Do the following:

    1. If you are acquiring a series with two available sequences, under Acquisition sequence, do one of the following:

      • For a full-mouth series, select FMX 18 or FMX 21.

      • For a 3-periapical series, select Maxillary or Mandibular.

      • For a 4-bitewing and 3-periapical series, select Maxillary or Mandibular.

      • For a 7-bitewing and 3-periapical series, select Maxillary or Mandibular.

    2. Under Acquisition sequence, select Default sequence or a custom order (if any) from the list.

    3. To change the order of the selected acquisition sequence, on the graphic with the numbered boxes, click (or tap) each box in the order that you will acquire the images.

      Tips:

      • To undo the previous selection, click (or tap) Undo as needed. To undo all selections, click (or tap) Reset.

      • When you finish specifying the order, to save the custom sequence for future use, enter a name for the sequence, and then click (or tap) Save as ([sequence name]).

      • To delete a custom sequence, with that sequence selected, click (or tap) the white Delete button , which then turns red, and then click (or tap) the button again.

    4. If no interpretation or analysis of the acquired images will be done in your office, to use the alternative procedure code for the selected imaging procedure, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code [code] check box.

      Note: The alternative code that appears varies according to the selected procedure.

    5. Under Task to Perform, do one of the following:

      • On the Acquire Images tab, select the Import From File device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

        Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

      • On the Import Images tab, select one of the following options:

        • Existing Procedure - Use this for a procedure that was performed prior to today (and may already have been billed to the patient's insurance carrier). Specify the date that the procedure was performed.

          Note: With this option selected, the Apply charges and Bill to insurance check boxes under Billing Options become unavailable because the procedure will be posted with a zero dollar fee and will not be billed to insurance.

        • Completed Procedure - Use this for a procedure that you are performing. Today's date and time will be associated with the procedure.

    Extraoral X-ray


    Do the following:

    1. If no interpretation or analysis of the acquired image will be done in your office, to use the alternative procedure code for the selected imaging procedure, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code [code] check box.

      Note: The alternative code that appears varies according to the selected procedure.

    2. Under Task to Perform, do one of the following:

      • On the Acquire Images tab, select the Import From File device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

        Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

      • On the Import Images tab, select one of the following options:

        • Existing Procedure - Use this for a procedure that was performed prior to today (and may already have been billed to the patient's insurance carrier). Specify the date that the procedure was performed.

          Note: With this option selected, the Apply charges and Bill to insurance check boxes under Billing Options become unavailable because the procedure will be posted with a zero dollar fee and will not be billed to insurance.

        • Completed Procedure - Use this for a procedure that you are performing. Today's date and time will be associated with the procedure.

    Intraoral/extraoral photos


    Do the following:

    1. If you are importing a set of intraoral or extraoral photos using a custom imaging procedure, from the Acquisition sequence list, select Default sequence or a custom order (if available).

      Notes:

      • To change the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) each placeholder of the sequence diagram in the order that you will acquire the images.

      • To undo previous order selections, click (or tap) Undo as needed. To undo all order selections, click (or tap) Reset.

      • When you finish specifying the order for all placeholders, to save the custom sequence for future use, enter a name for the sequence in the Acquisition sequence box, and then click (or tap) Save as ([sequence name]).

      • To delete a custom sequence, with that sequence selected in the Acquisition sequence list, click (or tap) the blue Delete button , which then turns red, and then click (or tap) the button again.

    2. If you are importing intraoral or extraoral photos using a standard imaging procedure, and if no interpretation or analysis of the acquired images will be done in your office, to use an alternative procedure code, select the Without interpretation/analysis using code D0703 check box.

    3. Under Task to Perform, do one of the following:

      • On the Acquire Images tab, select the Import From File device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

        Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

      • On the Import Images tab, select one of the following options:

        • Existing Procedure - Use this for a procedure that was performed prior to today (and may already have been billed to the patient's insurance carrier). Specify the date that the procedure was performed.

          Note: With this option selected, the Apply charges and Bill to insurance check boxes under Billing Options become unavailable because the procedure will be posted with a zero dollar fee and will not be billed to insurance.

        • Completed Procedure - Use this for a procedure that you are performing. Today's date and time will be associated with the procedure.

    CAD/CAM scan


    Do the following:

    1. Under Task to Perform, do one of the following:

      • On the Acquire Images tab, select the Import From File device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

        Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

      • On the Import Images tab, select one of the following options:

        • Existing Procedure - Use this for a procedure that was performed prior to today (and may already have been billed to the patient's insurance carrier). Specify the date that the procedure was performed.

          Note: With this option selected, the Apply charges and Bill to insurance check boxes under Billing Options become unavailable because the procedure will be posted with a zero dollar fee and will not be billed to insurance.

        • Completed Procedure - Use this for a procedure that you are performing. Today's date and time will be associated with the procedure.

    3D image/volume


    Do the following:

    1. Select an Acquisition type. The selected type determines which procedure will be posted.

    2. For most acquisition types, the applicable teeth become selected automatically on the Tooth chart. For the other types, select the correct teeth (such as a sextant) by clicking (or tapping) one of the applicable teeth or somewhere within the corresponding square bracket.

      Note: To deselect all selected teeth, click (or tap) the Clear selected link. The link is available only if you have selected teeth manually.

    3. If no interpretation or analysis of the acquired image will be done in your office, to use the alternative procedure code for the selected imaging procedure, select the Without interpretation/analysis check box.

      Note: The codes that appear in the Acquisition type list change as you select or clear the Without interpretation/analysis check box.

    4. Under Task to Perform, do one of the following:

      • On the Acquire Images tab, select the Import From File device on the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

        Note: For the complete list of acquisition devices that are supported by Dentrix Ascend Imaging, see the "Supported Acquisition Devices" section.

      • On the Import Images tab, select one of the following options:

        • Existing Procedure - Use this for a procedure that was performed prior to today (and may already have been billed to the patient's insurance carrier). Specify the date that the procedure was performed.

          Note: With this option selected, the Apply charges and Bill to insurance check boxes under Billing Options become unavailable because the procedure will be posted with a zero dollar fee and will not be billed to insurance.

        • Completed Procedure - Use this for a procedure that you are performing. Today's date and time will be associated with the procedure.

  8. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition, and then import one or more images according to the acquisition type of the selected procedure.

    Intraoral X-ray


    Do the following:

    1. In the Import File dialog box that appears, select the correct image file.

    2. Click (or tap) Open.

      The image is saved to the patient's record.

      Then, if you are importing in endo mode, the Import File dialog box re-opens; otherwise, ignore the following steps.

    3. While in endo mode, repeat steps a-b as needed to import additional images.

    4. When you are finished importing in endo mode, in the Import File dialog box, click (or tap) Cancel. Then, click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    Intraoral X-ray series


    Do one of the following:

    • If you selected the Import from File option on the Acquire Images tab in step 7, do the following:

      1. In the Import File dialog box that appears, select the correct image file.

      2. Click (or tap) Open.

        The image is saved to the patient's record, and a preview of the image appears. Also, the program advances to the next step in the acquisition sequence automatically, and the Import File dialog box re-opens.

        The current step in the acquisition sequence and the applicable teeth are selected for your reference.

      3. Repeat steps a-b until you finish importing images for the series.

        Note: To stop the acquisition session before you finish acquiring the entire series, in the Import File dialog box, click (or tap) Cancel to pause the acquisition, and then click (or tap) Finish Acquisition. You can resume the incomplete exam later if necessary.

    • If you selected an option on the Import Images tab in step 7, do the following:

      1. Click (or tap) Start Importing.

        The Import File dialog box appears.

      2. Select the correct image file, and then click (or tap) Open.

        The image that you imported appears as a thumbnail image on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

      3. Repeat steps a-b until you finish importing images for the series.

      4. After all the images have been imported. One at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

      5. As needed, do any of the following:

        • To change the orientation of an image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

        • To swap two images in the template, drag one of the images to the box with another image.

        • To remove an image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

      6. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

        Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted into the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

      7. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Extraoral X-ray


    Do one of the following:

    1. In the Import File dialog box that appears, select the correct image file.

    2. Click (or tap) Open.

      The image is saved to the patient's record.

    Intraoral/extraoral photo


    Do one of the following:

    • If you selected the Import from File option on the Acquire Images tab in step 7, do the following:

      1. In the Import File dialog box appears that appears, select the correct image file.

      2. Click (or tap) Open.

        The image appears as thumbnail image on the snapshot panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

      3. For each additional image that you want to import, click (or tap) Start Acquisition, and then repeat steps a-b.

        The imported images appear as thumbnail images on the snapshot panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

      4. On the snapshot panel, clear the check box of each snapshot that you do not want to save.

      5. Click (or tap) Assign Images.

      6. Do any of the following:

        • To save one or more snapshots as intraoral images and assign tooth numbers, select the snapshots that pertain to the same teeth (deselect snapshots that do not pertain to the same teeth), and then drag them to the Select Teeth, UR/UL/LR/LL, Upper Jaw, or Lower Jaw box.

          If you drag snapshots to the Select Teeth box, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

        • To save one or more snapshots as extraoral images, select the snapshots that are extraoral images (deselect snapshots that are not extraoral images), and then drag them to the Extraoral Photos box.

        • To save the snapshots on the snapshot panel as intraoral images but not assign tooth numbers at this time, leave those snapshots on the snapshot panel.

        Assigned intraoral images appear on the left side of the preview area; extraoral, on the right.

        Note: If you have a mix of intraoral and extraoral images, they map to one procedure (D0350), which will appear in the progress notes with two icons. Also, you can delete or reassign the intraoral or extraoral exam as needed in the future.

      7. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the images to the patient's record

      8. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    • If you selected an option on the Import Images tab in step 7, do the following:

      1. In the Import File dialog box appears that appears, select the correct image file.

      2. Click (or tap) Open.

        The image appears as thumbnail image on the snapshot panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

      3. For each additional image that you want to import, click (or tap) Start Importing, and then repeat steps a-b.

        The imported images appear as thumbnail images on the snapshot panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

      4. On the snapshot panel, clear the check box of each snapshot that you do not want to save.

      5. Click (or tap) Assign Images.

      6. Do any of the following:

        • To save one or more snapshots as intraoral images and assign tooth numbers, select the snapshots that pertain to the same teeth (deselect snapshots that do not pertain to the same teeth), and then drag them to the Select Teeth, UR/UL/LR/LL, Upper Jaw, or Lower Jaw box.

          If you drag snapshots to the Select Teeth box, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

        • To save one or more snapshots as extraoral images, select the snapshots that are extraoral images (deselect snapshots that are not extraoral images), and then drag them to the Extraoral Photos box.

        • To save the snapshots on the snapshot panel as intraoral images but not assign tooth numbers at this time, leave those snapshots on the snapshot panel.

        Assigned intraoral images appear on the left side of the preview area; extraoral, on the right.

        Note: If you have a mix of intraoral and extraoral images, they map to one procedure (D0350), which will appear in the progress notes with two icons. Also, you can delete or reassign the intraoral or extraoral exam as needed in the future.

      7. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the images to the patient's record

      8. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Set of photos


    Do one of the following:

    • If you selected the Import from File option on the Acquire Images tab in step 7, the first step in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

      Do the following:

      1. In the Import File dialog box that appears, select the correct image file.

      2. Click (or tap) Open.

        The image is saved to the patient's record, and a preview of the image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

      3. Repeat steps a-b until you finish importing images for the set.

        Note: To stop the acquisition session before you finish acquiring the entire series, in the Import File dialog box, click (or tap) Cancel to pause the acquisition, and then click (or tap) Finish Acquisition. You can resume the incomplete exam later if necessary.

    • If you selected an option on the Import Images tab in step 7, do the following:

      1. Click (or tap) Start Importing.

        The Import File dialog box appears.

      2. Select the correct image file, and then click (or tap) Open.

        The image that you imported appears as a thumbnail image on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

      3. Repeat steps a-b until you finish importing images for the series.

      4. After all the images have been imported. One at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

      5. As needed, do any of the following:

        • To change the orientation of an image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

        • To swap two images in the template, drag one of the images to the box with another image.

        • To remove an image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

      6. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

        Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted into the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

      7. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    CAD/CAM scan


    Do the following:

    1. In the Import File dialog box that appears, select the correct image file.

    2. Click (or tap) Open.

      The Set Model Orientation dialog box appears.

    3. Adjust the orientation of the model as you want it to appear in Dentrix Ascend Imaging:

      • Select the yellow circle to make it active, and then drag to rotate the model clockwise or counterclockwise.

      • Select the green line to make it active, and then drag to rotate the model on the x-axis.

      • Select the red line to make it active, and then drag to rotate the model on the y-axis.

      • Click (or tap) anywhere within the purple circle to make it and the yellow circle active, and then drag to move the model in any direction.

      Note: When you save the orientation, that view of the model becomes the default you can adjust it further from within Dentrix Ascend Imaging later on.

    4. Click (or tap) Save.

      The image is saved to the patient's record.

    3D image/volume


    Do the following:

    1. In the Import File dialog box appears that appears, select the correct image file.

      Without DICOM support

      With DICOM support

    2. Click (or tap) Open.

      The image is saved to the patient's record.

  9. Do one of the following as needed:

    • For a series of X-ray images or an individual X-ray image, assign tooth numbers as needed.


      For each image that needs tooth numbers assigned to it, do the following:

      1. If there are multiple image thumbnails, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) an image thumbnail; otherwise, if there is only one image thumbnail, skip this step.

        A larger version of the current image appears in the viewing area.

      2. Click the Edit button .

        The Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears.

      3. To change dentition, click (or tap) the Toggle primary/permanent link to show a tooth chart and the dentition buttons, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) the Permanent or Primary button. Repeat this process as needed to change the dentition of other teeth. Then, click (or tap) the Back to assignment link.

      4. Select the correct tooth numbers.

      5. Click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

    • For a set of photos or an individual photo, assign tooth numbers as needed.


      For each image that needs tooth numbers assigned to it, do the following:

      1. If there are multiple image thumbnails, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) an image thumbnail; otherwise, if there is only one image thumbnail, skip this step.

        A larger version of the current image appears in the viewing area.

      2. Click the Edit button .

        The Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears.

      3. To change dentition, click (or tap) the Toggle primary/permanent link to show a tooth chart and the dentition buttons, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) the Permanent or Primary button. Repeat this process as needed to change the dentition of other teeth. Then, click (or tap) the Back to assignment link.

      4. Select the correct tooth numbers.

      5. Click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

    • For a CAD/CAM scan, assign tooth numbers as needed.


      Do the following:

      1. Click the Edit button .

        The Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears.

      2. To change dentition, click (or tap) the Toggle primary/permanent link to show a tooth chart and the dentition buttons, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) the Permanent or Primary button. Repeat this process as needed to change the dentition of other teeth. Then, click (or tap) the Back to assignment link.

      3. Select the correct tooth numbers, or deselect tooth numbers as needed.

      4. Click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

    • For a 3D image or volume, change the assigned tooth numbers as needed.


      Do the following:

      1. Click the Edit button .

        The Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears.

      2. To change dentition, click (or tap) the Toggle primary/permanent link to show a tooth chart and the dentition buttons, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) the Permanent or Primary button. Repeat this process as needed to change the dentition of other teeth. Then, click (or tap) the Back to assignment link.

      3. Select the correct tooth numbers, or deselect tooth numbers as needed.

      4. Click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

Caries detection using Dentrix Ascend Detect AI


You can use artificial intelligence to detect possible caries on X-ray images in Dentrix Ascend Imaging. This functionality, which seamlessly integrates into the acquisition process, requires the purchase of Dentrix Ascend Detect AI licenses. Detect AI is powered by Videa Health.

Videa Health's artificial intelligence leverages algorithms, analytics, and health data from millions of patient records to radically accelerate and improve decision-making for dentists by producing extremely accurate models that can identify and measure clinical indicators on dental X-rays with ease. So, Detect AI can help you improve patient care and increase revenue.

Note: Detect AI has been proven to help dentists detect more caries, regardless of individual experience level.


Important:

  • Currently, you can use Detect AI only with an individual bitewing or a series of bitewings and only for patients who are at least 22 years old.

  • Additionally, caries detection works only on a horizontal bitewing that is associated with one of the following tooth number combinations:

    # 3, 2, 1, 30, 31, 32

    # 5, 4, 3, 28, 29, 30

    # 12, 13, 14, 21, 20, 19

    # 14, 15, 16, 19, 18, 17

Automatic caries detection

With Dentrix Ascend Detect AI activated, as you acquire an individual bitewing or a series of bitewings, each image is submitted to Videa Health automatically.

When you finish the acquisition, the results of the caries analysis appear on the image automatically. Boxes appear on the image where areas of concern were detected, and the number of areas that were detected appears in fine print at the bottom of the image.

Do any of the following:

Manually submitting existing images for caries detection

For any bitewings that were acquired prior to Dentrix Ascend Detect AI being activated, you can manually submit them for analysis as needed.

To manually submit a bitewing for caries detection

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • View an image from the patient's image history list.


      1. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

      2. On the Images tab, select an exam for an individual bitewing or a series of bitewings.

      3. If you have selected a series, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) an image of that series.

    • View one of the patient's most recent images.


      1. Do one of the following:

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

      2. Click (or tap) an individual bitewing image or an image in a series of bitewings.

    The selected image appears in the viewing area.

  3. Click (or tap) the Tools tab.

  4. Select the AI tool.

  5. If the bitewing does not have caries analysis results, click (or tap) Submit for analysis.

    The number of areas of concern that were detected appears on the left, and boxes appear on the image where those areas were detected.

    Notes:

    • To switch between showing and hiding the caries indicator boxes, click (or tap) the Select object(s) to Display button to open the Select Object(s) to Display dialog box, select or clear the AI Analysis check box, and then click (or tap) Confirm.

    • To switch between showing and hiding all annotations, measurements, and caries indicator boxes for the image, click (or tap) the Show/hide annotations and measurements button . The button is available only if an annotation, a measurement, or caries analysis has been applied to the image.

    • To open VideaAssist on Videa Health's website, click the Launch Videa AI link. The Sign in to VideaAssist page opens on a new browser tab so you can sign in.

Modifying imaging acquisitions

You can resume an incomplete series or set, retake images, recover missing images, rearrange images in a series, rename an acquisition, change an acquisition date, and assign tooth numbers to images.

Resuming incomplete imaging series


If you acquired images using an imaging procedure for a series of intraoral X-rays, but you skipped the acquisition of any of the images in the series or canceled the acquisition of the series before acquiring all the images, you can return to that set and complete the image acquisitions as needed.

To resume an incomplete imaging series

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Resume exam.

    The Acquisition Options dialog box appears.

  5. Under Acquisition sequence, select "Default sequence" or a custom order (if any).

  6. If you are using phosphor plates to acquire one or more images, before continuing, acquire the radiographs as needed.


    Do the following:

    1. Position a phosphor plate in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the phosphor plate, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques. Make sure that the edge of the phosphor plate with the dot or letter is pointing upward for all vertical placements or pointing toward the back of the mouth for all horizontal placements.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    2. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source causes the phosphor plate to capture the image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    3. Repeat steps a-b as needed to acquire additional radiographs.

  7. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

    The options for acquiring images in the series appear.

  8. Acquire one or more intraoral X-rays according to the type of device that was used to acquire the images in the series originally.

    Series of images with a sensor


    The first step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence for the template is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

    Then, the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure.

    Notes:

    • If you need to change the acquisition device, click (or tap) Pause (the label of the button changes to "Capture [teeth]"), select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu, and then click (or tap) Capture [teeth] to resume the acquisition.

    • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    Do the following:

    1. If applicable for the selected acquisition device, the Apply Device Filter list is available. From the list, select the filter that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Endodontic, Periodontic, General, Caries, or Hygiene), or select No Filter to not apply any filter.

    2. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    3. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    4. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission, which initiates the capture of the X-ray image. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    5. If you acquired an image for a step in the acquisition sequence that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

      Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      A preview of the resulting image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

      Then, the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure.

      Notes:

      • To replace the image that you acquired in the previous step of the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) Recapture [teeth]. When the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure, acquire the new image. The Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

      • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    6. Repeat steps a-e as needed to acquire other images in the series.

    7. Click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    8. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Series of imported images


    The first step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence for the template is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

    Then, the Import File dialog box appears.

    Notes:

    • If you need to change the acquisition device, click (or tap) Cancel, and then select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu. Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    • To apply an enhancement to the images that will be acquired, click (or tap) Cancel. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the image that will be acquired (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement. (While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images.") Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    Do the following:

    1. In the Import File dialog box, select the correct image file.

    2. Click (or tap) Open.

    3. If you imported an image for a step in the acquisition sequence that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

      Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      A preview of the resulting image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

      Then, the Import File dialog box appears.

      Notes:

      • To replace the image that you imported in the previous step of the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Recapture [teeth]. The Import File dialog box appears. Select the correct image file, and then click (or tap) Open. The Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

      • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    4. Repeat steps a-c as needed to import other images in the series.

    5. Click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    6. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Series of images with a phosphor plate scanner


    Do the following:

    1. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the acquired images (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    2. Put the phosphor plates, with the edges with the dot or letter pointing up, in the scanner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    3. Click (or tap) Start Scanning.

      As the scanner finishes scanning a plate, the resulting image appears as a thumbnail image on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    4. After all the plates have been scanned, one at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

      Note: If the orientations the phosphor plates were correct when the radiographs were taken and when inserted into the scanner, the images will have the correct orientation in the series. When you drop a thumbnail image into a box of the template, the image is rotated automatically as needed for that position in the series.

    5. As needed, do any of the following:

      • To change the orientation of a new image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

      • If you drag a thumbnail image from the panel to a box of the template that already has an image, or if you drag a new image from one box of the template to another box that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To swap two new images in the template, drag a new image from one box of the template to another box with a new image.

      • To remove a new image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

    6. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

      Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted to the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

    7. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Series of images with a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire images.

    2. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    4. Repeat steps b-c as needed to acquire other images for the series.

    5. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The images that you acquired in the third-party imaging program appear as thumbnail images on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    6. From the Automatically Apply Enhancement list, select the type of enhancement that you want to have applied automatically to the acquired images (Entire Image, For Perio, For Endo), or select Not Enhanced to not apply any enhancement.

      Note: While viewing an image after it has been acquired, you can turn the enhancement off and on. The original, raw image is preserved. For more information about enhancements and turning them on and off, see "Processing images."

    7. One at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

    8. As needed, do any of the following:

      • To change the orientation of a new image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

      • If you drag a thumbnail image from the panel to a box of the template that already has an image, or if you drag a new image from one box of the template to another box that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To swap two new images in the template, drag a new image from one box of the template to another box with a new image.

      • To remove a new image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

    9. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

      Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted to the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

    10. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

Resuming incomplete imaging series


If you acquired images using a custom imaging procedure for a set of intraoral or extraoral photos, but you skipped the acquisition of any of the images in the set or canceled the acquisition of the set before acquiring all the images, you can return to that set and complete the image acquisitions as needed.

To resume an incomplete set of photos

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select a set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Resume exam.

    The Acquisition Options dialog box appears.

  5. Under Acquisition sequence, select "Default sequence" or a custom order (if any).

  6. Click (or tap) Proceed with Acquisition.

    The options for acquiring images in the set appear.

  7. Acquire one or more intraoral or extraoral photos according to the type of device that was used to acquire the images in the series originally.

    Set of images with a camera


    The first step in the acquisition sequence for the template is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

    Also, the live video stream from your camera appears.

    Notes:

    • To tune your camera's settings, you can click (or tap) the Tune Camera button .

    • If you need to change the acquisition device, click (or tap) Pause to pause the video stream, select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu, and then click (or tap) Discard to resume the video stream.

    • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step).

    • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step).

    Do the following:

    1. Point the camera at the patient or at the correct area inside the patient's mouth.

    2. To pause or freeze the live video stream, with the camera properly positioned, do one of the following:

      • Press the button on your camera.

      • Click (or tap) Pause.

    3. To capture the current video frame, do one of the following:

      • Press the button on your camera.

      • Click (or tap) Save.

      Notes:

      • If alternative button functionality has been enabled for your camera in the acquisition agent preferences, you can push the button twice to not capture the current video frame.

      • To return to a live video stream without capturing the current video frame, click (or tap) Discard. Then, repeat steps a-c.

    4. If you acquired an image for a step in the acquisition sequence that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

      Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      A preview of the resulting image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference, and the video stream automatically becomes live again.

      Notes:

      • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence one step, click (or tap) Skip Forward. This button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step.

      • To go backward in the acquisition sequence one step, click (or tap) Skip Backward. This button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step, and if the previous step in the sequence does not have an image.

      • To replace the image that you acquired in the previous step of the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) Skip Backward to navigate to the previous step. With the camera properly positioned, click (or tap) Pause to pause the video stream, and then click (or tap) Save to capture the current video frame. The Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

    5. Repeat steps a-d as needed to acquire other images in the set.

    6. Click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    7. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Set of imported images


    The first step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence for the template is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

    Then, the Import File dialog box appears.

    Notes:

    • If you need to change the acquisition device, click (or tap) Cancel, and then select a different device on the Available Devices for Procedure menu.

    • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    Do the following:

    1. In the Import File dialog box, select the correct image file.

    2. Click (or tap) Open.

    3. If you imported an image for a step in the acquisition sequence that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

      Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      A preview of the resulting image appears. Also, if the image that you just acquired was not for the last step in the acquisition sequence, the next step with a missing image in the acquisition sequence is selected automatically (as indicated by the green, numbered box) on the sequence diagram, and the applicable teeth are selected on the Tooth status chart for your reference.

      Then, the Import File dialog box appears.

      Notes:

      • To replace the image that you imported in the previous step of the acquisition sequence, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Backward to navigate to the previous step. The Import File dialog box appears. Select the correct image file, and then click (or tap) Open. The Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To skip ahead in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Forward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the last step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

      • To go backward in the acquisition sequence by one step, click (or tap) Cancel, and then click (or tap) Skip Backward (this button is available only if the current step in the sequence is not the first step). Then, click (or tap) Capture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence is missing an image) or Recapture [teeth] (if the current step in the acquisition sequence has an existing image) to resume the acquisition.

    4. Repeat steps a-c as needed to import other images in the series.

    5. Click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    6. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Set of images with a third-party program (TWAIN or bridge)


    Do the following:

    1. Use the options in the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program that opens to get ready to acquire images.

    2. Position the sensor in the patient's mouth, and align your X-ray source cone to point at the sensor, utilizing the paralleling or bisecting angle techniques.

      Note: A phantom, test target, and/or another non-human object should be X-rayed when installing or using any image acquisition device for the first time in Dentrix Ascend Imaging to verify proper operation prior to use on live patients.

    3. Set the appropriate exposure time on your X-ray source's control panel for the specific imaging device in use, and then trigger the radiation emission. (Refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your X-ray source for details about changing settings and usage.)

      Note: Radiation from an X-ray source initiates the imaging device (sensor) to capture an image, and this is controlled by someone triggering the X-ray source. The Dentrix Ascend Imaging program does not directly control the X-ray source or exposure settings.

    4. Repeat steps b-c as needed to acquire other images for the series.

    5. Close the third-party TWAIN interface or imaging program.

      The images that you acquired in the third-party imaging program appear as thumbnail images on the panel at the bottom of the Dentrix Ascend Imaging program.

    6. One at a time, drag the thumbnail images from the panel to the correct boxes of the template.

    7. As needed, do any of the following:

      • To change the orientation of a new image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

      • If you drag a thumbnail image from the panel to a box of the template that already has an image, or if you drag a new image from one box of the template to another box that already has an image, the Select Image dialog box appears. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new image.

        Note: The original image and all recaptured images are saved to the patient's record.

      • To swap two new images in the template, drag a new image from one box of the template to another box with a new image.

      • To remove a new image from the template, drag it back to the panel at the bottom.

    8. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading to save the mounted images to the patient's record.

      Note: If not all thumbnail images have been mounted to the template when you click (or tap) Begin Uploading, a confirmation message appears. If you choose to continue, only the mounted images will be saved to the patient's record.

    9. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

Retaking images


You can retake the image in an exam with a single image, or you can retake one or more of the images in an exam with a series of images.

To retake images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view, and the most recent exam is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Do one of the following:

    Retake the image in an exam with a single image:

    1. Select an exam with a single image.

      The image appears in the viewing area.

    2. Either click (or tap) the Recapture button, or select the Recapture option on the More menu.

    3. When the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure, acquire the image.

      The Select Image dialog box appears.

    4. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new one.

      The original or recaptured image appears in the viewing area.

    5. To retake the image again, click (or tap) Recapture. Then, repeat steps c-d.

    6. Click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

    7. If the image fails to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the image. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

    Retake one or more images in an exam with a series of images:

    1. Select an exam with a series of images (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

    2. Under Image Navigator, click (or tap) the image that you want to retake.

      The selected image appears in the viewing area.

    3. Either click (or tap) the Recapture button, or select the Recapture option on the More menu.

    4. When the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure, acquire the image.

      Note: The applicable step in the acquisition sequence for the template is selected automatically.

      The Select Image dialog box appears.

    5. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new one.

      The original or recaptured image appears in the viewing area.

    6. To retake the image again, click (or tap) Recapture. Then, repeat steps d-e.

    7. To retake other images in the series, do the following:

      1. Click (or tap) Skip Backward or Skip Forward.

        The options for acquiring images in the series appear, and the acquisition is paused automatically.

      2. Do one of the following:

        • If the correct step in the acquisition sequence for the template is selected, click (or tap) Recapture.

        • Click (or tap) the correct step in the acquisition sequence for the template.

        • Click (or tap) Skip Backward or Skip Forward as needed to navigate to the correct step in the acquisition sequence for the template, and then click (or tap) Recapture.

      3. When the X-ray sensor becomes ready for exposure, acquire the image.

        The Select Image dialog box appears.

      4. Click (or tap) either Keep Existing to keep the original image or Keep Recaptured to replace the original image with the new one.

        The original or recaptured image appears in the viewing area.

      5. To retake the image again, click (or tap) Recapture. Then, repeat steps i-iv.

      6. Repeat steps i-v as needed to retake other images in the series.

    8. Click (or tap) Finish Acquisition.

      Notes:

      • If the acquisition is paused (manually or automatically) on a step with an image, the Pause button changes to the Recapture button.

      • If the acquisition device is ready to acquire an image, if the images for all steps have been captured, or if the acquisition is paused, the Cancel button changes to the Finish Acquisition button.

    9. If any images fail to upload, a message appears and provides the option for you to recover the images. Click (or tap) Recover Images to begin the recovery process.

Recovering images


If an individual image or any images in a set did not get uploaded to the server, you can recover those images from the computer where those images were acquired.

To recover images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select an image or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Recover images.

    The options for recovering images appear.

  5. In the Recover Images From list, select either The past two days to search for images from the past two days or All time to search for images from any time in the past.

  6. Click (or tap) Start Recovery.

    The images that can be recovered appear in the panel at the bottom of the page.

  7. One at a time, drag the correct thumbnail images from the panel to the appropriate boxes of the template. For intraoral or extraoral photos, you can select multiple thumbnail images on the panel and then drag them together.

  8. Click (or tap) Begin Uploading.

Rearranging images in series


You can rearrange images in an exam that contains multiple images.

To rearrange images in an exam

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Re-arrange exam.

    The Re-arrange Image dialog box appears.

  5. Do any of the following as needed:

    • To swap two images in the template, drag one of the images to the box with another image.

    • To move an image to an empty box in the template, drag the image to the desired box.

    • To change the orientation of an image in the template, select it to view the toolbar, and then click (or tap) any of the available buttons as needed: Flip Horizontal, Flip Vertical, Rotate Counterclockwise (90 degrees), and/or Rotate Clockwise (90 degrees).

    When you have moved, or changed the orientation of, at least one image, the Confirm button becomes available.

  6. When you have finished rearranging the images, click (or tap) Confirm.

Renaming imaging acquisitions


You can rename an exam as needed.

To rename an exam

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select an image or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Rename exam.

    The Rename Exam dialog box appears.

  5. In the box provided, enter a new name for the exam.

  6. Either press Enter, or click (or tap) Rename Exam.

Changing acquisition dates of images


You can change the date of an exam with an imported image or a series of imported images as needed. For example, if you receive image files from a referring dentist, third party, or new patient and then import those images into an Dentrix Ascend Imaging, you may need to change the date of the images to reflect the date that they were acquired originally instead of when you imported them.

To change the date of an exam

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select an image or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Change exam date. This option is available only if the image or series was imported.

    The Change Exam Date dialog box appears.

  5. In the box provided, enter the correct date (in a mm/dd/yyyy format) for the exam. Or, click (or tap) the calendar icon to select the correct date from the calendar that appears.

  6. Click (or tap) Change Date.

Assigning tooth numbers to images


After you acquire an individual image or a series or set of images, you can assign tooth numbers to the images or change the tooth numbers that are assigned to the images as needed.

To assign or change tooth numbers for images

  1. Do one of the following:

    • View a prior acquisition for an individual or series of intraoral X-rays, an individual or set of intraoral photos, a CAD/CAM scan, or a 3D volume or snapshot.

    • Acquire an individual or series of intraoral X-rays, an individual or set of intraoral photos, a CAD/CAM scan, or a 3D volume or snapshot.

    One of the following occurs:

    • For an individual intraoral X-ray, individual intraoral photo, CAD/CAM scan, or 3D snapshot, under Image Preview, there is only one thumbnail image. A larger version of the image appears in the viewing area.

    • For a 3D volume, under Image Preview, there is a thumbnail image of an axial slice of the volume. The Coronal, Sagittal, and Axial views of the volume appear in the viewing area.

    • For a series of intraoral X-rays or a set of intraoral photos, under Image Navigator, there are multiple thumbnail images. A larger version of the selected image (as indicated by the yellow box around the thumbnail) appears in the viewing area.

  2. If you are viewing a series of intraoral X-rays or a set of intraoral photos, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) the thumbnail image that corresponds to the image for which you want to assign or change tooth numbers; otherwise, skip this step.

  3. Click the Edit button .

    The Assign Tooth Numbers dialog box appears.

  4. To change dentition, click (or tap) the Toggle primary/permanent link to show a tooth chart and the dentition buttons, select the applicable teeth, and then click (or tap) the Permanent or Primary button. Repeat this process as needed to change the dentition of other teeth. Then, click (or tap) the Back to assignment link.

  5. Select the correct tooth numbers.

  6. Click (or tap) Assign Teeth.

  7. If you are viewing a series of intraoral X-rays or a set of intraoral photos, repeat steps 2-6 as needed to assign or change tooth numbers for other images.

Viewing images

You can view the recent images and the image history for a patient. You can also quickly determine which teeth have images and view images for selected teeth.

Viewing recent images


You can view a patient's most recent images by category. This is the default view when you select the Imaging tab of the patient's clinical record.

To view a patient's recent images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

    • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, or Tx Planner. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

    The patient's recent images appear.

  3. In any of the boxes, which correspond to categories (intraoral X-rays, intraoral photos, extraoral photos, extraoral X-rays, CAD/CAM scans, and 3D volumes), do any of the following:

    • Click (or tap) the Previous button to view an image that was acquired prior to the image being displayed currently. This button is available only if there is an older image.

    • If you have navigated to an older image, click (or tap) the Next button to view a more recent image.

    • Click (or tap) the image being displayed currently to view that image larger. The image will open in the image history view. For information about using the image history view, see the "Viewing history" section.

      Note: If you click (or tap) a specific image of a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), that image appears by itself, and you can easily navigate through the other images in that series in the patient's image history view.

Viewing image history


You can view a patient's entire image history chronologically and quickly navigate between each image. Also, in the history view, you can view individual images larger than you can in the recent images view, and you can process (such as enhance or annotate) an image. For information about using the recent images view, see the "Viewing recent images" section. For information about processing images, see the "Processing images" section.

To view a patient's image history

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. If needed, filter the list of images on the Images tab to display only the images that match the filter criteria that you specify.


    Do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) in the Narrow down the results field to view the available filters.

    2. Set up any of the following filters:

      • Date - To view the images according to a different date, select the desired date in the list under Show images taken on. To view all images that have been acquired on and after the selected date, select the All since that day check box. To view the images that were acquired only on the selected date, clear the All since that day check box.

      • Type - To view images in any category (intraoral X-rays, intraoral photos, intraoral photos without tooth numbers assigned, extraoral X-rays, extraoral photos, CAD/CAM/iOS scans, and 3D volumes), select the All types check box. To view images in only certain categories, make sure the check boxes of only those categories are selected; the other check boxes must be cleared.

      • Teeth - If the Intraoral X-ray and/or Intraoral photo check boxes are selected, to view those types of images for specific teeth, select the desired teeth on the Tooth Chart. The tooth filter does not apply to intraoral photos that do not have tooth numbers assigned to them and extraoral X-rays (which apply to all teeth), and extraoral photos (which apply to all teeth). To clear all tooth selections, click (or tap) the Clear selected link.

      • Show everything - To set the filter options to their default states and display all the patient's images, click (or tap) the Show everything link.

      The image list displays the images that match your filter criteria. Additionally, if you select a series of images, the first image of that series that matches the criteria is selected and shown in the viewing area.

    3. Click (or tap) the X in the upper-right corner of or anywhere outside of the Narrowing Down the Results menu to close the menu.

  4. With an image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo), a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), a CAD/CAM scan, or a 3D volume selected, do any of the following:

    • Navigate the series - (For a series only) To navigate between the images of that series, click (or tap) each image of the series under Image Navigator. A larger version of the current image (highlighted with a yellow box) in the series appears in the viewing area.

      Note: You can also click (or tap) the Previous and Next buttons to navigate between the images in the set.

    • Zoom in/out - (For an image, series, or CAD/CAM scan only) To increase the zoom level (zoom in), move the Zoom slider to the right. To decrease the zoom level (zoom out), move the slider to the left. If you are using a mouse, you can also zoom in and out by positioning the pointer over the image (the pointer will change to cross hairs) and then rotating the scroll wheel of your mouse.

      If you increase the zoom so that the whole image no longer fits in the viewing area, the Pan dialog box appears. Drag the red box around on the thumbnail image in the dialog box to display the area within the red box in the main viewing area. Additionally, the Pan dialog box automatically hides two seconds after you move your pointer away from the dialog box or click (or tap) elsewhere, and it reappears if you position your pointer or click (or tap) in the lower-right corner of the viewing area where the dialog box had appeared previously.

    • Quickly resize - (For an image or series only) By default Dentrix Ascend Imaging displays images as large as it can in the viewing area. This can cause the images from some older devices or programs to look fuzzy or grainy. To view the image smaller and sharper, click (or tap) the Smaller/Larger button . The button becomes orange . To view the image as large as it can be and still all fit in the viewing area, click (or tap) the button again.

      Note: The state of the Smaller/Larger button also affects the preview size of images during some acquisitions and the size of images in the Image Peek dialog box. The state of the button is stored per computer (or device).

    • View full screen - To view the image full screen, click (or tap) the Full Screen button . To return to the normal view mode, click (or tap) the Normal Mode button .

    • View the entire series - (For a series only) To view all the images in the series at once in the viewing area, click (or tap) the Series Mode button .

      While viewing a series, do any of the following as needed:

      • Zoom in and out.

      • By default, the acquisition date and corresponding tooth numbers for each image appear. To hide the those details temporarily, click (or tap) the Show/Hide image information button (which is orange to indicate that the details are being displayed).

      • If the acquisition date and corresponding tooth numbers for each tooth are hidden, to show those details, click (or tap) the Show/Hide image information button (which is gray to indicate that the details are not being displayed).

      Then, to return to the single-image view mode, do one of the following:

      • Click (or tap) an image in the viewing area to view only that image.

      • Click (or tap) an image under Image Navigator to view only that image.

      • Click (or tap) the Single Mode button .

    • View recaptured images - (For an X-ray image or series only) If the image being displayed has been recaptured, View Recaptured is available (as a button or an option on the More menu).

      To view other versions of the image, choose which one should be active (visible when viewing the exam), or move a version to another slot within the exam, do the following:

      1. Either click (or tap) the View Recaptured button, or select the View Recaptured option on the More menu.

        The View Recaptured Images dialog box appears. The current image appears on the left; other versions, on the right.

        Note: Dentrix Ascend always stores all original and recaptured images.

      2. To navigate between each version, next to Recaptured Image, click (or tap) the Previous and Next buttons .

      3. Do one of the following:

        • To use the image under Recaptured Image instead of the one under Current Image as the active (visible) image when the exam is being viewed, click (or tap) Replace Current.

        • To move the image under Recaptured Image to a different slot in the exam, do the following:

          1. Click (or tap) Move Recaptured.

            The Move Recaptured Image dialog box appears.

          2. Drag the thumbnail image to a different slot.

          3. Click (or tap) Confirm.

            The image has been moved, as indicated by the green check mark.

          4. Click (or tap) Close.

    • Resize a view - (For a 3D volume only) To resize one of the views (coronal, sagittal, or axial) of the 3D volume to fill the viewing area, click (or tap) the corresponding Toggle Displaying Full Panel button (outward-pointing arrows on the button indicate that the view is normal). To return to the normal view mode, click (or tap) the Toggle Displaying Full Panel button (inward-pointing arrows on the button indicate that the view is expanded).

    • Rotate anatomy - (For a 3D volume only) If the anatomy is crooked, to rotate the plane for a slice view (to move the slice plane axis), in the Coronal, Sagittal, or Axial view box, right-click and drag up or down. The other two views adjust accordingly to the rotation that you specify. The axis can be rotated from -45 to +45 degrees about the slice center point.

      Note: If the 3D volume has any annotations or measurements, the Change Image Rotation message appears, explaining that the annotations and measurements will be cleared if you rotate the volume. To allow the anatomy to rotate, click Clear Annotations/Measurements; otherwise, click Cancel.

    • Navigating through the slices - (For a 3D volume only) To navigate through the slices of the 3D volume, drag the slider next to the Coronal, Sagittal, or Axial view. As you drag the slider, the slice plane indicators (crosshairs) of the other two views adjust accordingly. Drag the sliders of the other views as needed. Alternatively, you can click (or tap) anywhere on a view to move the slice plane indicators to that spot.

    • Changing the slice thickness - (For a 3D volume only) To change the thickness of the slices for the 3D volume, select a different value from the Thickness list: 0.20 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.80 mm, or 1.00 mm.

    • Reset the views - (For a 3D volume only) After adjusting the slice plane indicators and/or changing the slice thickness, to return to the default position and thickness, click (or tap) the Reset Workup button .

    • To hide/show the slice plane indicators - (For a 3D volume only) To hide the slice plane indicators (crosshairs) while you are viewing the 3D volume, click (or tap) the Show/hide slice plane indicators button (yellow on the button indicates that they are visible). To return to viewing the slice plane indicators, click the Show/hide slice plane indicators button again (only gray on the button indicates that they are hidden).

    • To view the histogram or a rendered 3D image - (For a 3D volume only) By default, a histogram appears in the lower-right box. To view a rendered 3D image of the volume (all slices of the volume are combined), click (or tap) the Swap for Volume Render Panel button .

      While viewing the rendered 3D image, do the following as needed:

      • To hide the volume plane indicators, click (or tap) the Show/hide volumne plane indicators button (yellow on the button indicates that they are visible). To return to viewing the volume plane indicators, click (or tap) the Show/hide volume plane indicators button again (no yellow on the button indicates that they are hidden).

      • To rotate the image to view it from the left side, click (or tap) the Snap to left view button .

      • To rotate the image to view it from the right side, click (or tap) the Snap to right view button .

      • To rotate the image to view it from the front, click (or tap) the Snap to front view button . When the image is rendered initially, the front view is displayed by default.

      • To return to viewing the histogram, click (or tap) the Swap for Histogram Panel button .

      Note: To ability to render a 3D image and the speed with which it is accomplished depends on the size of the volume and either the onboard graphics processor or the discrete graphics card of your computer. If the image does not render, resize the browser window to make the view smaller, and then perform a hard refresh of the page (the clear cache and hard reload option in a Chrome browser); otherwise, you may need to upgrade your graphics hardware.

    • Saving a snapshot - (For a 3D volume only) To save a copy of the 3D volume as it is currently being viewed as a two-dimensional image (.jpg file) that can be attached to an insurance claim, click (or tap) Snapshot.

Determining which teeth have images


You can determine which teeth have images associated with them from a patient's clinical chart and progress notes.

To determine which teeth have images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart.

    The patient's clinical record opens with the Chart tab selected.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • Look at a tooth's number. You can tell if a tooth has an image associated with it, and the age of that image, by the background color of the circle around that tooth number: black is 0 - 6 months, dark gray is 7 - 12 months, light gray is 13 - 24 months, and white is 25 or more months (or no image).

    • Select one or more or no teeth, and then click (or tap) the Progress Notes tab. On the Progress Notes tab, there is an imaging icon next to any procedure that has images associated with it.

    • Select one or more or no teeth, and then click (or tap) the Quick Exam tab. On the Quick Exam tab, look at a tooth's number. You can tell if a tooth has an image associated with it, and the age of that image, by the background color of the circle around that tooth number: black is 0 - 6 months, dark gray is 7 - 12 months, light gray is 13 - 24 months, and white is 25 or more months (or no image).

Viewing images for selected teeth


You can view images for selected teeth from a patient's clinical chart and progress notes.

To view images for selected teeth

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart.

    The patient's clinical record opens with the Chart tab selected.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • Select one or more teeth with associated images, and then click (or tap) Image Peek. The button is available only if at least one tooth with an image is selected.

    • Select one or more teeth with associated images, and then click (or tap) the Progress Notes tab. On the Progress Notes tab, click (or tap) the imaging icon next to a procedure.

    • Select one or more teeth with associated images, and then click (or tap) the Quick Exam tab. On the Quick Exam tab, click (or tap) Image Peek (the button appears as a white tooth on a blue background if there is not enough room to display the button with a text label). The button is available only if at least one tooth with an image is selected.

    The Image Peek dialog box appears.

    Tips:

    • If there are multiple images, use the Back and Forward buttons to navigate between the images.

    • To edit the image that is currently being viewed, click (or tap) the Open for Editing button .

    Note: The saved state of the Smaller/Larger button , which is available when you are viewing images, affects the size of images in the Image Peek dialog box. The state of the button is stored per computer (or device).

  4. Click (or tap) Done.

Comparing images

Comparing images


You can compare two images side by side.

To compare images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • View an image from the patient's image history list.


      1. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

      2. On the Images tab, select an image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo) or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

      3. If you have selected a series, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) an image of that series.

    • View one of the patient's most recent images.


      1. Do one of the following:

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

      2. Click (or tap) any single image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo) or an image within a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

    The selected image appears in the viewing area.

  3. Click (or tap) Compare.

    The images that have tooth numbers in common with the selected image (the "Original") appear on the Images for tooth range panel.

  4. If needed, filter the Images for tooth range panel to display only the images that match the filter criteria that you specify.


    Do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) the Edit button (at the top of the panel) to view the available filters.

    2. Set up any of the following filters:

      • Date - To view the images according to a different date, select the desired date in the list under Show images taken on. To view all images that have been acquired on and after the selected date, select the All since that day check box. To view the images that were acquired only on the selected date, clear the All since that day check box.

      • Type - To view images in any category (intraoral X-rays, intraoral photos, intraoral photos without tooth numbers assigned, extraoral X-rays, extraoral photos, CAD/CAM/iOS scans, and 3D volumes), select the All types check box. To view images in only certain categories, make sure the check boxes of only those categories are selected; the other check boxes must be cleared.

      • Teeth - If the Intraoral X-ray and/or Intraoral photo check boxes are selected, to view those types of images for specific teeth, select the desired teeth on the Tooth Chart. The tooth filter does not apply to intraoral photos that do not have tooth numbers assigned to them and extraoral X-rays (which apply to all teeth), and extraoral photos (which apply to all teeth). To clear all tooth selections, click (or tap) the Clear selected link.

      • Show everything - To set the filter options to their default states and display all the patient's images, click (or tap) the Show everything link.

      The image list displays the images that match your filter criteria. Additionally, if you select a series of images, the first image of that series that matches the criteria is selected and shown in the viewing area.

    3. Click (or tap) the X in the upper-right corner of or anywhere outside of the Narrowing Down the Results menu to close the menu.

  5. The first image on the Images for tooth range panel is selected by default, but you can select a different image to compare with the original.

  6. To modify how an image is being viewed, click (or tap) the Original or Compared image, and then do any of the following for the selected image:

    • Use the (yellow or blue) Brightness/Contrast button to change the brightness and/or contrast.

    • Use the (yellow or blue) Zoom slider to zoom in and out.

    • While zoomed in on an image, drag the blue square (on the comparison image on the Images for tooth range panel) or the yellow square (on the image under Image Navigator) to pan to another part of the image.

  7. Linking the images being compared allows the zooming and panning of one image to be synchronized with the other. To link images, do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) the Original or Compared image (zoomed and panned or not).

    2. Click (or tap) the (yellow or blue) Link button .

      The images are linked.

      Note: If you alter the zoom and/or pan of an image before linking it to the other, when you link them, the zoom factor and the position of the pan box (red box) of the other image is synchronized to be the same as the first.

    Now, as you zoom in and out and pan, both images are affected.

    Note: To unlink the images, click (or tap) the Link button .

  8. Click (or tap) Finish Comparison.

Processing images

Processing images


You can perform various processing tasks, such as enhancing and annotating, on images.

Note: Any processing that you perform on an image is permanent (except for colorize, grayscale, and emboss, which are temporary). However, you can view the image in its original state by turning off any processing filters that you have applied.

To process an image

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • View an image from the patient's image history list.


      1. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

      2. On the Images tab, select an image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo), a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or a 3D volume.

      3. If you have selected a series, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) an image of that series.

    • View one of the patient's most recent images.


      1. Do one of the following:

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

      2. Click (or tap) any single image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo), an image within a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or a 3D volume.

    The selected image appears in the viewing area.

  3. Click (or tap) the Tools tab if it is not already selected.

    Note: The Tools tab is not available if you are viewing a CAD/CAM scan.

  4. Use any of the following tools as needed:

    One Click Tools


    • Enhance - (For an X-ray only) Select the filter that corresponds to the anatomical structures that you want to enhance in an X-ray:

      • Not Enhanced - The image is not enhanced.

      • Entire Image - Adds a balance of sharpening and contrast levels that affects the overall sharpness and contrast.

      • For Perio - Adds a lower level of sharpening and a gray level adjustment to accentuate the subtle differences in the grayscale values of periodontal conditions.

      • For Endo - Adds a higher level of sharpening and contrast and a gray level adjustment to accentuate endodontic conditions. You may want to use this filter, for example, to help you to see the position of a file in relation to the root of a tooth when doing a root canal.

      Note: To switch between viewing the image with or without an applied enhancement, click (or tap) the Enhancement button. If the enhancement is turned on, the button is gray . If the enhancement is turned off, the button is orange .

    • Workups - (For a 3D volume only) As you change the view, you can save the settings as a workup for future reference. Do any of the following as needed:

      • Add a workup - Click (or tap) Save. In the Save Volume Workup dialog box, enter a name to identify the workup, and then click (or tap) Done.

      • Select a workup - From the list, select the desired workup. The view of the 3D volume updates accordingly.

      • Delete a workup - From the list, select a custom workup (the "Default" workup cannot be deleted). Click (or tap) the blue Delete button , which then turns red, and then click (or tap) the button again.

    • Rotate - (For an X-ray or photo only) Click (or tap) the button that corresponds to how you want to rotate the image: 180 degrees (clockwise), 90 degrees (clockwise), or -90 degrees (counterclockwise).

    • Flip - (For an X-ray or photo only) Click (or tap) the button that corresponds to how you want to flip the image: Horizontal or Vertical.

    • Invert - (For an X-ray or photo only) To invert the image's colors, select the Invert check box. To remove the filter, clear the check box.

    • Colorize - (For an X-ray only) To convert the image from grayscale to color, select the Colorize check box. To remove the filter, clear the check box. This option is available only for intraoral and extraoral X-rays.

    • Grayscale - (For a photo only) To convert the image from color to grayscale, select the Grayscale check box. To remove the filter, clear the check box. This option is available only for intraoral and extraoral photos.

    • Emboss - (For an X-ray or photo only) To emboss the image, select the Emboss check box. To remove the filter, clear the check box.

    • Straighten - (For an X-ray or photo only) If the image is not straight, to rotate it, do one of the following:

      • To rotate the image counter-clockwise, enter a negative value as a whole number or a decimal (such as "-0.3") in the o (degree) box, click (or tap) the - (minus) button as needed (the angle is reduced by 0.1 degree with each click, or tap), or drag the slider to the left.

      • To rotate the image clockwise, enter a positive value as a whole number or a decimal (such as "0.3") in the o (degree) box, click (or tap) the + (plus) button as needed (the angle is increased by 0.1 degree with each click, or tap), or drag the slider to the left.

    Annotations


    To add a shape, do the following:

    1. Under Drawing tools, select a shape option: arrow, rectangle, or circle.

    2. Select a line color and thickness:

      • Select a color from the Colors menu, or click (or tap) one of the Last used colors.

      • Select an Outline width: extra thin, thin, standard, wide, or extra wide. A preview of the selected line thickness that will be used for the shape appears.

    3. Click (or tap) and drag over a specific area of the image to create the shape.

    To add text, do the following:

    1. Under Drawing tools, select the text option.

    2. Select a font color and size:

      • Select a color from the Colors menu, or click (or tap) one of the Last used colors.

      • Select a Text size: small, normal, medium, large, or extra large. A preview of the selected font size that will be used for the text appears.

    3. Click (or tap) and drag to create a rectangle with dashed borders around the area of the image that you want to draw attention to.

      The Text Annotation dialog box appears.

    4. Enter the desired Text.

    5. Click (or tap) Create text.

      The text appears above the rectangle that you created in step c.

    To add a freehand drawing, do the following:

    1. Under Drawing tools, select the freehand drawing option.

    2. Select a line color and thickness:

      • Select a color from the Colors menu, or click (or tap) one of the Last used colors.

      • Select an Outline width: extra thin, thin, standard, wide, or extra wide. A preview of the selected line thickness that will be used for the shape appears.

    3. Click and drag over a specific area of the image to draw. When you release the mouse button, the drawing operation stops.

    Notes:

    • To remove the last annotation that you added to the image, click (or tap) Undo.

    • To remove all annotations from the image, click (or tap) Clear All.

    • To switch between showing and hiding the annotations, click (or tap) the Select object(s) to Display button to open the Select Object(s) to Display dialog box, select or clear the Annotation check box, and then click (or tap) Confirm.

    • (For an X-ray, photo, or 3D volume only) To switch between showing and hiding all annotations, measurements, and caries indicator boxes (if applicable) for the image, click (or tap) the Show/hide annotations and measurements button . The button is available only if an annotation, a measurement, or caries analysis (if applicable) has been applied to the image.

    • (For a 3D volume only) To view an annotation on a slice that is not currently being displayed, click (or tap) that annotation in the Annotation list.

    Measurements


    Important: Distance and Angle measurements are calculated from specified points after calibration from an object with a known length. Image resolution, displayed size, inherent image quality, and proper calibration all affect the accuracy of the measurement results. However, the factors that have the greatest effect on the overall precision of a measurement are the accuracy of the calibration and selection of the start and end points of the actual line or angle to be measured. Using the calibration results, you can decide as to whether the overall accuracy achieved is correct for the desired measurement.

    Precaution: It is your responsibility to properly calibrate prior to clinical measurements and to determine if the accuracy achieved is within the error range required.

    To add measurements, do the following:

    1. (For an X-ray or photo only) To calibrate distance measurements using an object of known size in the image, click (or tap) Calibrate. Click (or tap) the first (starting) point of the known-length object on the image where you want to start measuring, and then drag to another point on the known-length object. Change the length of the Standard for calibration as needed to the correct number of millimeters for the known length.

      Perform the above calibration step until you are comfortable that you can measure the calibration object accurately and that the displayed results have the accuracy needed. Now that you have defined the length of the segment, all dynamic measurements will be calculated respective to that calibration.

      Note: For most sensors that integrate directly with Dentrix Ascend Imaging, it may not be necessary to calibrate images taken with those sensors.

    2. (For an X-ray or photo only) Click (or tap) Dynamic Measure.

    3. Do one of the following:

      • (For an X-ray or photo only) Click (or tap) a point on the image, and then click (or tap) another point to create a line. Repeat this process as needed to create other lines.

      • (For a 3D volume only) Click a point on the image, and then drag to another point to create a line. Repeat this process as needed to create other lines.

    Notes:

    • To remove the last measurement that you added to the image, click (or tap) Undo.

    • To remove all measurements from the image, click (or tap) Clear All.

    • To show the calculated length of each line segment, select the Show segment length (SL) check box.

    • To show the calculated angle where two line segments meet, select the Show angle (A) check box.

    • To switch between showing and hiding the lines and their calculated lengths and angles, click (or tap) the Select object(s) to Display button to open the Select Object(s) to Display dialog box, select or clear the Measurement check box, and then click (or tap) Confirm.

    • (For an X-ray, photo, or 3D volume only) To switch between showing and hiding all annotations, measurements, and caries indicator boxes (if applicable) for the image, click (or tap) the Show/hide annotations and measurements button . The button is available only if an annotation, a measurement, or caries analysis (if applicable) has been applied to the image.

    • (For a 3D volume only) To view a measurement on a slice that is not currently being displayed, click (or tap) that measurement in the Measurement list.

    Density (Line)


    Important: Density measurements are calculated from specified points on the image and are reported from the actual pixel values selected. Image resolution, displayed size, and inherent image quality can all affect the accuracy of the Density measurement. However, the factor which has the greatest effect on the overall precision of a density measurement is the accuracy of the selected point or points to be measured.

    (For an X-ray only) To get the density (gray level) from one point to another on the image, do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) Line.

    2. Click (or tap) a point on the image, and then click (or tap) another point to create a line.

      A graph of the gray levels along the specified line appears, and the average Gray level is indicated.

    Note: To remove the density line, click (or tap) Clear.

    Density (Rectangle)


    (For an X-ray only) To get the density (gray level) of a rectangular area on the image, do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) Rectangle.

    2. Click a point on the image, and then drag to another point to create a rectangle.

      The Average gray level is indicated.

    Spotlight


    (For an X-ray or photo only) To add spotlights, do the following:

    1. Select an Effect: Invert, Colorize (for an X-ray only), Zoom x2, Sharpen, or Contrast.

    2. Move the Spot size slider to specify the size of the spotlight.

    3. Click (or tap) a specific area of the image to place the spotlight. A spotlight with a red border appears.

      Invert

      Colorize

      Zoom x2

      Sharpen

      Contrast

    4. To move the spotlight, click (or tap) another area of the image.

    5. To suspend the spotlight on the image so that you can add other spotlights, click (or tap) Suspend. The border of the spotlight turns blue.

    6. Repeat steps a-e as needed to continue adding spotlights.

      Note: To remove all spotlights, click (or tap) Clear Suspended, or select another processing tool.

  5. Adjust the brightness and/or contrast as needed.


    Do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) the Brightness/Contrast button.

    2. Do any of the following:

      • Move the Brightness slider to decrease or increase the brightness.

      • Click and drag up or down in the viewing area to decrease or increase the brightness.

      • Move the Contrast slider to decrease or increase the contrast.

      • Click and drag left or right in the viewing area to decrease or increase the contrast.

      • (For a 3D volume only) Move the Window Center slider to decrease or increase the value.

      • (For a 3D volume only) Move the Window Width slider to decrease or increase the value.

      • To reset the brightness and contrast levels to their default states, click (or tap) the Reset to default link.

      Note: If you change the brightness or contrast, the corresponding button becomes orange .

Deleting images

Deleting images


You can delete a single image or a series of images from a patient's record. You can delete images only if they are not associated with procedures that are attached to insurance claims.

Notes: The procedures that are associated with the images that you are deleting will also be deleted or voided (if older than 120 days).

To delete images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select an image or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. If you have selected a series, and you want to delete a specific image of that series, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) that image.

  5. Do one of the following:

    • Delete the entire series or the exam with one image:

      1. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Delete exam.

        The Delete Exam confirmation message appears.

      2. Click (or tap) Delete.

    • Delete the selected image within the series:

      1. Either click (or tap) the Delete button, or select the Delete Image option on the More menu.

        A confirmation message appears.

      2. Click (or tap) Yes.

Reassigning images to a different patient

Reassigning images to a different patient


You can move a single image or a series of images from one patient's record to another's. You can move images only if they are not associated with procedures that are attached to insurance claims.

Note: The procedures that are associated with the images that you are moving will be deleted or voided (if older than 120 days) in the original patient's record and posted to the new patient's record.

To manipulate an image

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The patient's imaging page opens to the history view. The most recent image, series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or set of photos (which was acquired using a custom imaging procedure) is selected by default on the Images tab.

  3. Select an image or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

  4. On the corresponding options menu, click (or tap) Reassign exam.

    The Reassign Exam dialog box appears.

  5. Use the to the following patient search box to search for and select the name of the patient to whom you want to move the images.

  6. Either press Enter, or click (or tap) Reassign Exam.

Sharing images

You can export and print images.

Exporting images


You can export an image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo), a specific image of a series, or an entire series (such as a full mouth series).

To export images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • View an image or a series in the patient's image history list.


      1. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

      2. On the Images tab, select an image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo), a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or a CAD/CAM scan.

    • View one of the patient's most recent images.


      1. Do one of the following:

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

      2. Click (or tap) any single image (intraoral or extraoral; X-ray or photo), an image within a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), or a CAD/CAM scan.

    The selected image (or the first of the selected series) appears in the viewing area.

  3. If you are viewing a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), to view a different image of that series, under Image Navigator, click (or tap) an image. Otherwise, skip this step.

  4. Do one of the following:

    • Click (or tap) Share.

    • From the options menu of the image or series, click (or tap) Share exam.

    One of the following occurs:

    • If the image being viewed is a CAD/CAM scan, the image is downloaded as a .ply file. Ignore the steps that follow.

    • The Exam or Image(s) to be shared dialog box appears.

      Note: If you used the Share button, by default, the Selected images(s) option under Share exam as is selected, and the image that was being viewed is selected (as indicated by the yellow box around the individual image in the preview area).

      Note: If you used the Share exam menu option, by default, the Selected images(s) option under Share exam as is selected, and the series is selected (as indicated by the yellow box around the entire preview area).

  5. Set up the following options:

    • Include image enhancements - Select this check box to apply an enhancement, which adds a balance of sharpening and contrast levels that affects the overall sharpness and contrast, to any of the images being exported that have enhancement applied to their originals. Any images being exported that do not have enhancement applied to their originals will not be exported with enhancement. Clear this check box to not enhance any of the images being exported even if enhancement has been applied to their originals.

    • Include annotations and measurements - Select this check box to include any annotations, measurements, and caries detections (if applicable) that were added to the images being exported. Clear this check box to export the images without the annotations, measurements, and caries detections.

    • Export as JPEG (Otherwise PNG) - Select this check box to export the selected images as .jpg files. Clear this check box to export the selected images as .png files. If you are exporting multiple images, they will be saved as individual images in one compressed folder.

    • Share exam as - For a series, do one of the following:

      • To export the series as one file that contains all the images, select the Entire exam in one image option. A yellow box appears around the entire preview area to indicate that the series is being exported.

      • To export each image in the series as an individual file, select the Entire exam in separate image(s) option. A yellow box appears around the entire preview area to indicate that the series is being exported.

      • To export only some of the images in the series, each as an individual file, select the Selected image(s) option, and then click (or tap) the desired images in the preview area. Yellow boxes appear around the selected images to indicate that those images are being exported. If necessary, you can click (or tap) a selected image to remove the yellow box unless only one image is selected.

        Note: If the series is selected (the entire preview area has a yellow box around it), and you click (or tap) an image in the series, the Selected image(s) option becomes selected automatically.

  6. Click (or tap) Export.

    The images are downloaded.

Exporting 3D volumes


You can export a 3D volume by downloading it or sending it to an application.

To export a 3D volume

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • View a 3D volume in the patient's image history list.


      1. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

      2. On the Images tab, select a 3D volume.

    • View one of the patient's most recent 3D volumes.


      1. Do one of the following:

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

      2. Click (or tap) a 3D volume.

    The selected 3D volume appears in the viewing area.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • Click (or tap) Share.

    • From the options menu of the volume, click (or tap) Share exam.

    The Share Volume dialog box appears.

  4. Do one of the following:

    • To download the volume, select the Download option.

    • To send the volume to a third-party application, select the Send to application option. Then, select the correct application in the Available Devices menu if it is not already selected.

      Note: Currently, the only supported applications are SICAT Suite and BlueSky Bio.

  5. Click (or tap) Share.

    The volume is downloaded or sent to the selected application.

Printing images


You can print an image, a specific image of a series, or an entire series (such as a full mouth series).

To print images

  1. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • View an image or a series in the patient's image history list.


      1. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Image History.

      2. On the Images tab, select an image or a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

    • View one of the patient's most recent images.


      1. Do one of the following:

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Imaging.

        • On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging. Then, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Show Most Recent Images.

      2. Click (or tap) any single image (intraoral X-ray, intraoral photo, extraoral photo, extraoral X-ray, CAD/CAM scan, or 3D volume) or an image within a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings).

    The selected image (or the first of the selected series) appears in the viewing area.

  3. If you are viewing a series (such as a full mouth series or bitewings), to view a different image of that series, under Image Preview, click (or tap) an image. Otherwise, skip this step.

  4. Do one of the following:

    • Click (or tap) Share.

    • From the options menu of the image or series, click (or tap) Share exam.

    The Exam or Image(s) to be shared dialog box appears.

    Note: If you used the Share button, by default, the Selected images(s) option under Share exam as is selected, and the image that was being viewed is selected (as indicated by the yellow box around the individual image in the preview area).

    Note: If you used the Share exam menu option, by default, the Selected images(s) option under Share exam as is selected, and the series is selected (as indicated by the yellow box around the entire preview area).

  5. Set up the following options:

    • Include image enhancements - Select this check box to apply an enhancement, which adds a balance of sharpening and contrast levels that affects the overall sharpness and contrast, to any of the images being printed that have enhancement applied to their originals. Any images being printed that do not have enhancement applied to their originals will not be printed with enhancement. Clear this check box to not enhance any of the images being printed even if enhancement has been applied to their originals.

    • Include annotations and measurements - Select this check box to include any annotations, measurements, and caries detections (if applicable) that were added to the images being printed. Clear this check box to print the images without the annotations, measurements, and caries detections.

    • Share exam as - For a series, do one of the following:

      • To print all the images in the series on one page, select the Entire exam in one image option. A yellow box appears around the entire preview area to indicate that the series is being printed.

      • To print each image in the series on a separate page, select the Entire exam in separate image(s) option. A yellow box appears around the entire preview area to indicate that the series is being printed.

      • To print only some of the images in the series, each on a separate page, select the Selected image(s) option, and then click (or tap) the desired images in the preview area. Yellow boxes appear around the selected images to indicate that those images are being printed. If necessary, you can click (or tap) a selected image to remove the yellow box unless only one image is selected.

        Note: If the series is selected (the entire preview area has a yellow box around it), and you click (or tap) an image in the series, the Selected image(s) option becomes selected automatically.

  6. Click (or tap) Print.

    A .pdf file of the images is created for you to print.

Attaching images to claims

Attaching images to claims


You can attach images that you have acquired using Dentrix Ascend Imaging to a claim.

To attach images to a claim

  1. Click (or tap) a claim on the Unsent Claims page, the Sent Claims page, a patient's Insurance Claims page, or a patient's ledger.

    The Claim Detail dialog box appears.

  2. Click (or tap) the Attachments tab.

  3. Add images from the patient's images:

    1. Click (or tap) Add Image.

      The Add from Imaging dialog box appears.

    2. Click (or tap) a procedure with the correct date of service to view the corresponding images. Select the check box next to the procedure name to attach all the images in that section to the claim, or individually select the check boxes of images that you want to attach to the claim. Repeat this process as needed.

      Notes:

      • If all the images for a given procedure (such as a full mouth series) are selected, they are attached to the claim as a single image with a resolution of 1920 x 1080.

      • The applicable tooth numbers and date of each selected image are included.

    3. Click (or tap) Add.

Managing custom imaging procedures

You can create, edit, and delete custom imaging procedures.

Creating custom imaging procedures


Dentrix Ascend Imaging comes with several default imaging procedures. However, you can create a custom imaging procedure. The imaging procedure will be available to every user who has rights to acquire images.

Note: Custom and favorite imaging procedures are location specific.

To create a custom imaging procedure

  1. If you are not already viewing the correct location, select it on the Location menu.

  2. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  3. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  4. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  5. Under Imaging Procedures, click (or tap) the Custom tab.

    Any existing custom imaging procedures are listed. Also, at the bottom of the list, there is an option for creating an imaging procedure.

  6. Click (or tap) Create Custom Procedure.

    The options to set up the imaging procedure become available.

  7. Enter a name for the imaging procedure in the Procedure Name box. The name can be up to 11 characters long.

  8. Enter a valid procedure code or a multi-code in the Code box. The specified code will be posted to a patient's record when this imaging procedure is used to acquire images. However, if the code is invalid, an error message will appear during acquisition, and the code will not be posted.

  9. Set the default state for the following check boxes (which are available only if a Code is entered):

    • Apply charges - Select or clear this check box to specify whether you want to have the fee or a zero amount, respectively, posted for the specified Code by default. This can be changed at the time of acquisition.

    • Bill to insurance - Select or clear this check box to specify whether you want to have the patient's insurance carrier billed or not billed, respectively, for the specified Code by default. This can be changed at the time of acquisition.

  10. Select the Intraoral X-ray, Intraoral photo, or Extraoral photo option to specify the acquisition type for the imaging procedure.

    Note: Once you save the imaging procedure, you cannot change the acquisition type.

  11. Add image placeholders to the template as needed (the order in which you add them determines the default acquisition order):

    1. Click (or tap) Add Horizontal or Add Vertical.

    2. Drag the placeholder to the desired spot on the template.

    3. If needed, you can click (or tap) the Rotate button to switch the orientation of the placeholder.

    4. For a template with intraoral X-rays or photos, click (or tap) the Edit button to assign tooth numbers to the placeholder.

    5. Repeat steps a-d as needed to add other placeholders.

    Note: To remove a placeholder, with that placeholder selected, click (or tap) Remove Placeholder.

  12. To view or change the default acquisition order, click (or tap) Set Order.

    Numbers appear on the placeholders to indicate the order.

    To change the order, do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) Reset to remove the order number from every placeholder.

    2. Click (or tap) each placeholder in the order that you want to acquire the images.

      Note: To undo order assignments, click (or tap) Undo as needed.

    3. When you have assigned an order to every placeholder, click (or tap) Finish.

    The imaging procedure is ready to be saved.

  13. Click (or tap) Save.

Editing custom imaging procedures


You can edit any custom imaging procedure. Any changes to a custom imaging procedure do not affect images that have already been taken using that imaging procedure.

To edit a custom imaging procedure

  1. If you are not already viewing the correct location, select it on the Location menu.

  2. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  3. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  4. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  5. Under Imaging Procedures, click (or tap) the Custom tab.

    Any existing custom imaging procedures are listed.

    Note: Custom and favorite imaging procedures are location specific.

  6. Select an imaging procedure.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  7. Click (or tap) the Edit button next to Acquisition Options for [Procedure Name].

    The options to edit the imaging procedure become available.

  8. Change any of the following options as needed:

    • Procedure Name - A name for the imaging procedure. The name can be up to 11 characters long.

    • Code - A valid procedure code or a multi-code. The specified code will be posted to a patient's record when this imaging procedure is used to acquire images. However, if the code is invalid, an error message will appear during acquisition, and the code will not be posted.

    • The default state for the following check boxes (which are available only if a Code is entered):

      • Apply charges - Select or clear this check box to specify whether you want to have the fee or a zero amount, respectively, posted for the specified Code by default. This can be changed at the time of acquisition.

      • Bill to insurance - Select or clear this check box to specify whether you want to have the patient's insurance carrier billed or not billed, respectively, for the specified Code by default. This can be changed at the time of acquisition.

  9. Edit the image placeholders in the template as needed:

    1. To move a placeholder, drag it to a different spot.

    2. To switch the orientation of the selected placeholder, click (or tap) the Rotate button .

    3. For a template with intraoral X-rays or photos, to assign different tooth numbers to the selected placeholder, click (or tap) the Edit button .

    4. Repeat steps a-c as needed to edit other placeholders.

    Notes:

    • You cannot add or remove placeholders.

    • You cannot change the acquisition type.

  10. To view or change the default acquisition order, click (or tap) Set Order.

    Numbers appear on the placeholders to indicate the order.

    To change the order, do the following:

    1. Click (or tap) Reset to remove the order number from every placeholder.

    2. Click (or tap) each placeholder in the order that you want to acquire the images.

      Note: To undo order assignments, click (or tap) Undo as needed.

    3. When you have assigned an order to every placeholder, click (or tap) Finish.

  11. Click (or tap) Save.

Deleting custom imaging procedures


You can delete any custom imaging procedure. Deleting a custom imaging procedure does not affect images that have already been taken using that imaging procedure.

To delete a custom imaging procedure

  1. If you are not already viewing the correct location, select it on the Location menu.

  2. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  3. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  4. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  5. Under Imaging Procedures, click (or tap) the Custom tab.

    Any existing custom imaging procedures are listed.

    Note: Custom and favorite imaging procedures are location specific.

  6. Select an imaging procedure.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

  7. Click (or tap) the Edit button next to Acquisition Options for [Procedure Name].

    The options to edit the imaging procedure become available.

  8. Click (or tap) Delete.

    A confirmation message appears.

  9. Click (or tap) Yes.

Managing favorite imaging procedures

You can mark imaging procedures as favorites and remove them from the list of favorites.

Adding imaging procedures to the list of favorites


You can have an imaging procedure appear as a favorite in Dentrix Ascend Imaging when you are acquiring images so that you have quick and easy access to that procedure.

To add an imaging procedure to the list of favorites

  1. If you are not already viewing the correct location, select it on the Location menu.

  2. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  3. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  4. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  5. Under Imaging Procedures, on either the Standard tab or the Custom tab, select the imaging procedure that you want to make a favorite.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

    Note: A favorite imaging procedure has a yellow star next to Acquisition Options for [Procedure Name]. A non-favorite has a gray star.

  6. Click (or tap) the gray star next to Acquisition Options for [Procedure Name].

    The star becomes yellow, indicating that the imaging procedure is now a favorite.

Removing imaging procedures from the list of favorites


You can have an imaging procedure appear as a favorite in Dentrix Ascend Imaging when you are acquiring images so that you have quick and easy access to that procedure. If you no longer want an imaging procedure to be a favorite, you can make it a non-favorite.

To remove an imaging procedure from the list of favorites

  1. If you are not already viewing the correct location, select it on the Location menu.

  2. If the correct patient is not already selected, use the Patient Search box to access the patient's record.

    Note: You can include inactive patients in the search results by setting the Include inactive patients switch to On.

  3. On the Patient menu, under Clinical, click (or tap) Chart, Progress Notes, Quick Exam, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging.

  4. On the Chart, Progress Notes, Perio, Tx Planner, or Imaging tab of a patient's clinical record, on the Imaging tab's menu, click (or tap) Acquire images.

    The options for acquiring images become available.

  5. Under Imaging Procedures, on the Favorites tab, the Standard tab, or the Custom tab, select the imaging procedure that you want to make a non-favorite.

    The options for the selected procedure become available.

    Note: A favorite imaging procedure has a yellow star next to Acquisition Options for [Procedure Name]. A non-favorite has a gray star (on the Standard or Custom tab only) and does not appear on the Favorites tab.

  6. Click (or tap) the yellow star next to Acquisition Options for [Procedure Name].

    The star becomes gray (you see this change only on the Standard or Custom tab), indicating that the imaging procedure is now a non-favorite. The procedure no longer appears on the Favorites tab.

Using the offline mode

Acquiring images in offline mode


Dentrix Ascend Imaging supports an offline mode of operation. You can use the offline mode to acquire images when you do not have access to Dentrix Ascend Imaging online (for example, if the Internet is not working at the office). Offline mode allows you to acquire new images for diagnosis, and you can synchronize those images with your online database after you are back online.

Offline mode uses a local embedded database (for temporary storage of patient information, metadata, images, and so forth), and an embedded web server (embedded in the acquisition agent) to provide offline mode functionality. The latest acquisition agent installer automatic installs and sets up the database and web server.

The workflow for acquiring images offline is nearly identical to the online (normal) mode, but note the following differences:

To acquire offline images

  1. Close all Chrome browser windows.

    Important: To prevent any issues that may occur while starting the offline mode, close all Chrome browser windows that may be open.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • For Windows users - Click (or tap) the Acquisition Agent icon in the notification area of the Windows taskbar, and then click (or tap) Start Offline Mode.

    • For Mac users - Click (or tap) the Acquisition Agent icon on the dock. From the Acquisition Agent menu, click (or tap) Start Offline Mode.

    A new Chrome browser window opens with Dentrix Ascend Imaging running in offline mode.

  3. Enter the First name, Last name, and Birth date of the patient whom you want to acquire images for.

  4. Select whether the patient has Adult dentition or Pediatric dentition.

  5. Click (or tap) Acquire Images.

    The Acquire Images tab is selected by default, and the options for acquiring images, using the standard imaging procedures, are available.

    Note: The billing and provider options are not available while you are using the offline mode, but you select them during the synchronization process (after you return to using Dentrix Ascend Imaging online).

  6. Acquire images similarly to how you would when using Dentrix Ascend Imaging online.

  7. When you are finished acquiring the patient's images, either close the Chrome browser window that has Dentrix Ascend Imaging running in offline mode to end the offline acquisition session for the patient, or click (or tap) the Select Patient tab to acquire or view images for another patient.

Viewing offline images


If a patient has offline images (images that have been acquired while using the offline mode) on this computer that have not been synchronized with that patient's online record, you can view those images.

Note: You cannot delete exams while you are using the offline mode, but you can delete images from an exam unless there is only one image.

To view offline images

  1. Close all Chrome browser windows.

    Important: To prevent any issues that may occur while starting the offline mode, close all Chrome browser windows that may be open.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • For Windows users - Click (or tap) the Acquisition Agent icon in the notification area of the Windows taskbar, and then click (or tap) Start Offline Mode.

    • For Mac users - Click (or tap) the Acquisition Agent icon on the dock. From the Acquisition Agent menu, click (or tap) Start Offline Mode.

    A new Chrome browser window opens with Dentrix Ascend Imaging running in offline mode.

  3. Enter the First name, Last name, and Birth date of the patient whom you want to view images for.

  4. Click (or tap) Show Image History.

    The Show Image History tab is selected by default.

    You can view the patient's offline image history chronologically and quickly navigate between each image. To display only the images that match the filter criteria that you specify, click (or tap) in the Narrow down the results box. Also, you can work with images as you normally would while using Dentrix Ascend Imaging online. For example, you can process (such as enhance or annotate) images, compare images, export images, and resume incomplete exams.

  5. When you are finished viewing the patient's images, either close the Chrome browser window that has Dentrix Ascend Imaging running in offline mode to end the offline viewing session, or click (or tap) the Select Patient tab to acquire or view images for another patient.

Synchronizing offline images


When you are able to get back online after being offline, you can synchronize offline images (images that have been acquired while using the offline mode) with your online database. When you attempt to acquire images with Dentrix Ascend Imaging online (from Dentrix Ascend), if any offline images exist on the computer that you are using, a message appears and asks if you want to synchronize the offline images now or to be reminded to synchronize them later.

Note: If any offline images have been acquired for a new patient, before you can synchronize those images with your online database, you must create a patient record in Dentrix Ascend; there is not an option to create a patient record during the synchronization process.

To synchronize offline images

  1. Close all Chrome browser windows.

    Important: Before attempting to synchronize offline images with online patient records, close all Chrome browser windows. You cannot synchronize offline images if the offline mode of Dentrix Ascend Imaging is open in any Chrome browser window.

  2. Open Dentrix Ascend in a new browser window. In a patient's clinical record, from the Imaging tab menu, click (or tap) Acquire Images.

    If any offline images exist on the computer that you are using, the Sync Offline Procedures message box appears.

    Note: To postpone the synchronization for a later date, click (or tap) Remind Me Later. Dentrix Ascend Imaging will not prompt you again today to synchronize offline images from this computer.

  3. Click (or tap) Synchronize Procedures.

    The Imaging Data Synchronization dialog box appears and lists the patients who have offline images on this computer.

  4. Select a patient.

    Note: You can synchronize only one patient's record at a time.

  5. Click (or tap) Next.

    The Patient Match tab is selected, and one of the following occurs:

    • If a matching patient (a patient with the same first name, last name, and date of birth) is found in your online database, that patient's name and birth date appear.

    • If a matching patient is not found, the Search existing patient/household box is available.

  6. Do one of the following:

    • If the Potential patient match is correct, skip to step 8.

    • If the Potential patient match is not correct, click (or tap) the Edit button , and then proceed to the next step.

    • If there is not a Potential patient match, proceed to the next step.

  7. Click (or tap) in the Search existing patient/household box to search for and select the correct patient.

  8. Click (or tap) Next.

    The Imaging Options tab is selected. Under Offline Imaging Procedures, a list of the patient's imaging procedures appears. The first imaging procedure is selected by default.

    Notes:

    • To postpone the synchronization for later, click (or tap) Remind Me Later.

    • To go back and change the patient, click (or tap) Back.

  9. For the selected imaging procedure, set up the following options:

    • Apply charges - To post the fee for the selected procedure, select the check box. To post a zero amount for the procedure, clear the check box.

    • Bill to insurance - To bill the patient's insurance carrier for the procedure, select the check box. To not bill the patient's insurance carrier, clear the check box.

    • Select provider - Select the provider who you want to associate with the procedure. Only providers who have access to the current location are available.

  10. If there are multiple imaging procedures, do one of the following:

    • To assign the selected billing options and provider to all the procedures that are listed, click Apply Selected Options to All Procedures.

    • To assign billing options and a provider for each procedure separately, select the next procedure, and then repeat step 9. Repeat this process until you have selected billing options and a provider for all the procedures that are listed.

  11. Click (or tap) Next to begin synchronizing images.

    If the synchronization is successful, a green check mark symbol appears next to each imaging procedure.

    Notes:

    • If an imaging procedure fails to be synchronized, a red error symbol and message appear. Click (or tap) Sync the Procedure Again next to that procedure to try synchronizing it again.

    • If an imaging procedure fails to be synchronized a second time, either click (or tap) Sync the Procedure Again to try synchronizing it again, or click (or tap) Hide Procedure to move the corresponding images to a recovery folder on this computer (you will not be prompted to synchronize the hidden procedure again, but you can recover the images by attaching them to a patient record later on).

  12. Do one of the following:

    • To synchronize another patient's offline images, click Sync Another Patient. You are returned to the list of patients who still have offline images to synchronize. Repeat steps 4-11.

    • If you have finished synchronizing all the patients, or if you have not, and want to begin acquiring images for the selected online patient (from step 2), click (or tap) Finish & Proceed to proceed to the acquisition options.