3Shape (Digital Workflow)
Implementation PlaybookDSO · Group Practice

3Shape (Digital Workflow)

Step-by-step implementation guide — pre-implementation checklist, onboarding, staff training, go-live runbook, and ROI tracking.

3Shape (Digital Workflow) — Implementation Playbook (DSO)

3Shape Digital Workflow Implementation Playbook

A Strategic Guide for DSO Deployment

Prepared for: VPs of Operations, Chief Dental Officers, and Regional Managers
Organization Type: Dental Service Organizations (15–50 Locations)
Tool Category: 3D Printing & Digital Workflow
Version: 1.0 | Publication Date: 2024


1. Executive Summary

What 3Shape Digital Workflow Does

3Shape Digital Workflow is an integrated digital dentistry platform that connects intraoral scanning (TRIOS), CAD/CAM design software (Dental System), and lab communication into a unified ecosystem. The platform digitizes impression-taking, automates restoration design, enables in-house 3D printing of surgical guides and models, and streamlines case submission to labs—eliminating analog bottlenecks and standardizing clinical outputs across locations.

Why DSOs Specifically Benefit from Digital Workflow AI

Scale Advantage DSO-Specific Value
Standardization Enforce identical scan protocols, design parameters, and quality thresholds across all locations—eliminating provider-to-provider variability that plagues analog workflows
Data Aggregation Centralized case analytics reveal which locations, providers, or case types have the highest remake rates, longest turnaround times, or lowest digital adoption—enabling targeted intervention
Procurement Leverage Enterprise licensing, bulk scanner purchases, and consolidated lab partnerships yield 15–25% cost reductions unavailable to independent practices
Workflow Velocity Same-day restorations and in-house printing compress case timelines from weeks to hours, increasing chair utilization and patient throughput across the portfolio
Talent Arbitrage Centralized design centers can handle CAD work for multiple locations, reducing per-location staffing requirements and enabling 24/7 case processing

Expected Timeline: Decision to Full Deployment

Phase Duration Locations Covered
Pre-Implementation & Pilot Prep Weeks 1–4 0 (planning only)
Wave 1: Pilot Locations Weeks 5–10 2–3 locations
Wave 2: Early Majority Weeks 11–18 5–8 locations
Wave 3: Broad Rollout Weeks 19–30 Remaining locations
Optimization & Standardization Weeks 31–36 All locations

Total Timeline: 8–9 months for a 30-location DSO
Compressed Timeline (aggressive): 6 months with parallel waves and dedicated implementation team


2. Pre-Implementation Checklist (Weeks 1–2)

Technical Requirements

Hardware Requirements Per Location

Component Minimum Specification Recommended Specification
Intraoral Scanner 3Shape TRIOS 3 Basic TRIOS 5 Wireless
Workstation Intel i7, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1060 Intel i9, 32GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 3070
Monitor 24" 1920x1080 27" 4K color-calibrated
3D Printer (if in-house) Desktop SLA (Form 3B) Production SLA (3Shape D50)
Network 50 Mbps up/down, <50ms latency 100 Mbps symmetric, dedicated VLAN

☐ Audit current scanner inventory across all locations
☐ Identify workstations requiring upgrade (CPU/GPU/RAM assessment)
☐ Verify network bandwidth at each location using standardized speed test protocol
☐ Assess electrical capacity for 3D printing equipment (dedicated 20A circuits)
☐ Inventory existing imaging equipment (CBCT, panoramic) for integration compatibility

Software Requirements

☐ Confirm current PMS versions at all locations (Dentrix G7.4+, Eaglesoft 21+, Open Dental 22.1+)
☐ Verify Windows 10/11 Pro across all clinical workstations
☐ Document current 3Shape software versions if any legacy installations exist
☐ Confirm antivirus/firewall exceptions policy for 3Shape cloud connectivity

Enterprise-Level Network Standards

🟣 Executive Decision Required: Centralized vs. Location-Level Architecture

Architecture Pros Cons Recommendation
Centralized Hosting Single point of management, consistent backups, easier compliance WAN dependency, latency concerns, single point of failure Best for DSOs with robust WAN infrastructure
Location-Level with Central Sync Local performance, WAN-independent for daily ops More complex management, distributed backup responsibility Best for geographically dispersed DSOs
Hybrid Balance of both Implementation complexity Best for 30+ location DSOs

☐ Establish minimum network SLA per location (uptime, latency, bandwidth)
☐ Deploy standardized network monitoring (Auvik, PRTG, or equivalent)
☐ Configure SSO integration with existing identity provider (Azure AD, Okta)
🔵 ☐ Request 3Shape enterprise SSO configuration documentation from vendor
☐ Establish VPN or SD-WAN connectivity for centralized case management


Vendor Onboarding Steps

🔵 ☐ Execute enterprise Master Services Agreement (MSA) with 3Shape
🔵 ☐ Negotiate volume licensing terms (scanner count, seat licenses, support tiers)
🔵 ☐ Establish named account team contacts:

Role Purpose Contact Cadence
Enterprise Account Manager Commercial decisions, escalations Weekly during rollout
Implementation Project Manager Deployment coordination Daily during active waves
Technical Support Lead Break/fix, configuration issues As needed
Training Coordinator Certification scheduling Pre-wave coordination
Customer Success Manager Adoption metrics, optimization Monthly post-deployment

🔵 ☐ Schedule kickoff call with 3Shape implementation team (Week 1)
🔵 ☐ Obtain enterprise admin portal access
🔵 ☐ Request dedicated support queue/phone number for enterprise customers


Data/Access Prerequisites

☐ Create centralized 3Shape Communicate lab portal admin account
☐ Generate API credentials for PMS integrations
☐ Document imaging archive access protocols (PACS, cloud imaging storage)
☐ Inventory existing digital impression files for potential migration
☐ Establish data classification policy for scan data (PHI handling procedures)
🔵 ☐ Obtain 3Shape API documentation for custom integrations


Internal Stakeholder Alignment Map

Decision-Makers (Require Approval)

Stakeholder Key Concerns Required Deliverable Timing
🟣 Board/Investors ROI, capital expenditure, competitive positioning Business case with 3-year NPV Pre-commitment
🟣 CEO Strategic alignment, operational disruption risk Executive summary, risk register Pre-commitment
🟣 CFO CapEx/OpEx model, cash flow impact Financial model, payment terms Pre-commitment
🟣 CDO/Chief Dental Officer Clinical efficacy, standard of care Clinical validation data, peer references Pre-commitment

Influencers (Require Alignment)

Stakeholder Key Concerns Required Deliverable Timing
VP Operations Implementation logistics, location disruption Detailed rollout plan Week 1
VP Clinical Training burden, provider adoption Training plan, change management Week 1
IT Director Security, integration complexity, support burden Technical architecture, support model Week 1
Regional Managers Location-level impact, staff capacity Wave schedule, location assignments Week 2

Implementers (Require Information)

Stakeholder Key Concerns Required Deliverable Timing
Office Managers Daily workflow changes, staff training time Location implementation guide Pre-wave
Providers Learning curve, appointment timing impact Clinical quick-start guide Training week
Front Desk Staff Scheduling changes, patient communication Updated scripts, scheduling protocols Training week

Baseline Metrics to Capture

⚠️ Critical: Capture these metrics BEFORE any deployment begins. Inconsistent baseline measurement is the #1 cause of ROI uncertainty.

Standardized Metric Collection Protocol

Metric Category Specific Measure Collection Method Owner Frequency
Case Acceptance Crown/bridge case acceptance rate (%) PMS report Regional Manager Monthly, trailing 90 days
Turnaround Time Days from impression to seat (avg) PMS procedure dates Office Manager All cases, trailing 90 days
Remake Rate Lab remakes per 100 cases Lab invoices Billing Monthly, trailing 12 months
Chair Time Minutes per crown prep appointment Schedule analysis Office Manager Sample 20 cases
Impression Retakes Analog impression retakes per 100 cases Provider self-report Office Manager Prospective 30-day count
Lab Costs Average lab fee per unit Accounting Finance Monthly, trailing 12 months
Patient Satisfaction NPS or satisfaction score Survey platform Marketing Trailing 6 months
Provider Utilization Productive hours / available hours PMS Regional Manager Monthly

Cross-Location Standardization Requirements

☐ Create standardized Excel template for baseline metric collection
☐ Define consistent PMS report parameters across all locations
☐ Establish single deadline for all locations to submit baseline data
☐ Designate central analyst to validate data consistency
☐ Document any location-specific anomalies (recent provider turnover, renovations, etc.)


3. Location Readiness Assessment

Scoring Framework

Factor 1: IT Infrastructure Maturity (Weight: 25%)

Score Criteria
5 Fiber internet (100+ Mbps symmetric), modern workstations (<2 years), current PMS version, IT support on-call
4 Cable internet (50+ Mbps), adequate workstations (<4 years), current PMS version
3 Basic broadband (25+ Mbps), mixed workstation age, PMS within 2 versions of current
2 DSL/slow connection, aging workstations (>5 years), outdated PMS requiring upgrade
1 Unreliable internet, obsolete equipment, major infrastructure investment required

Factor 2: Staff Tenure and Adaptability (Weight: 20%)

Score Criteria
5 <15% annual turnover, prior successful tech adoption, staff express enthusiasm for digital
4 15–25% turnover, neutral tech adoption history, stable core team
3 25–35% turnover, mixed tech adoption results, some resistant staff
2 35–50% turnover, prior failed tech implementations, significant resistance expected
1 >50% turnover, active staff dissatisfaction, major change management risk

Factor 3: Patient Volume (Weight: 20%)

Score Criteria Note
5 80+ patients/day, high restorative mix High impact but monitor closely
4 60–79 patients/day, moderate restorative mix Ideal balance
3 40–59 patients/day, average restorative mix Lower risk, moderate impact
2 25–39 patients/day, limited restorative Limited ROI potential
1 <25 patients/day, primarily hygiene May not justify investment priority

Factor 4: Existing Tech Stack Compatibility (Weight: 20%)

Score Criteria
5 Already using 3Shape components, PMS with validated integration, compatible imaging
4 Using competitor digital workflow (easy transition), current PMS, standard imaging
3 No digital workflow, current PMS, may need imaging integration work
2 Legacy PMS requiring upgrade, incompatible imaging, significant integration work
1 Custom/niche PMS, no viable integration path, complete system overhaul needed

Factor 5: Local Champion Availability (Weight: 15%)

Score Criteria
5 Tech-forward provider owner + eager office manager, both willing to lead training
4 Strong office manager champion OR engaged provider advocate
3 Willing participants but no clear champion; will need external support
2 Passive acceptance, no enthusiasm, champion must be developed
1 Active resistance from leadership, no viable champion candidate

Composite Score Calculation

Formula: (IT × 0.25) + (Staff × 0.20) + (Volume × 0.20) + (Tech × 0.20) + (Champion × 0.15) = Composite Score

Composite Score Readiness Tier Rollout Recommendation
4.0 – 5.0 Tier 1: Ready Now Wave 1 pilot candidates
3.0 – 3.9 Tier 2: Ready with Prep Wave 2 after pilot learnings
2.0 – 2.9 Tier 3: Needs Investment Wave 3 after infrastructure remediation
<2.0 Tier 4: Defer Address fundamental issues before inclusion

Sample Readiness Assessment Matrix

Location IT (×0.25) Staff (×0.20) Volume (×0.20) Tech (×0.20) Champion (×0.15) Composite Tier
Southside Dental 5 (1.25) 4 (0.80) 4 (0.80) 5 (1.00) 5 (0.75) 4.60 1
Northgate Family 4 (1.00) 4 (0.80) 5 (1.00) 4 (0.80) 4 (0.60) 4.20 1
Westend Smiles 3 (0.75) 3 (0.60) 4 (0.80) 3 (0.60) 3 (0.45) 3.20 2
Downtown Dental 2 (0.50) 2 (0.40) 5 (1.00) 2 (0.40) 2 (0.30) 2.60 3

Rollout Sequence Recommendation

  1. Wave 1 Pilot Selection Criteria:

    • 2–3 locations with Tier 1 scores (4.0+)
    • Geographic diversity (different regions if applicable)
    • Representative of portfolio mix (urban/suburban, single/multi-provider)
    • At least one location with existing partial 3Shape deployment (if any)
  2. Wave 2 Expansion:

    • Tier 1 locations not in Wave 1
    • Tier 2 locations with straightforward remediation paths
    • Apply learnings from Wave 1 to accelerate deployment
  3. Wave 3 Completion:

    • Remaining Tier 2 locations
    • Tier 3 locations after infrastructure investments complete
    • Leverage mature playbook and trained champions from earlier waves
  4. Tier 4 Locations:

    • Evaluate individually for remediation feasibility
    • Consider timeline for acquisition integration, renovation, or divestiture

4. Rollout Strategy

Wave Structure

Wave Timing Locations Duration Primary Objective
Wave 1: Pilot Weeks 5–10 2–3 Tier 1 locations 6 weeks Validate workflows, identify issues, refine training
Wave 2: Early Majority Weeks 11–18 5–8 Tier 1/2 locations 8 weeks Scale processes, build regional champion network
Wave 3: Broad Rollout Weeks 19–30 Remaining locations 12 weeks Full deployment leveraging mature playbook
Stabilization Weeks 31–36 All locations 6 weeks Optimization, standardization, advanced features

Wave 1: Pilot Location Selection

Selection Criteria Matrix

Criterion Weight Rationale
Readiness Score 4.0+ Required Minimize implementation friction
Geographic accessibility High Central team can provide hands-on support
Representative case mix High Learnings applicable to broader portfolio
Strong champion(s) Required Organic evangelism for later waves
Moderate volume (4 rating) Preferred Meaningful data without overwhelming risk
Existing 3Shape relationship Preferred Faster ramp, can validate upgrade path
  • Location A: Urban multi-provider, high volume, strong IT infrastructure
  • Location B: Suburban single-provider, moderate volume, enthusiastic champion
  • Location C: (If applicable) Location with partial existing 3Shape deployment

Timeline Per Wave

Wave 1 Detailed Timeline (6 Weeks)

Week Activities
Week 1 Site prep, equipment delivery, network configuration, staff pre-training
Week 2 Equipment installation, software configuration, integration testing
Week 3 Hands-on training, parallel run begins (old + new workflows)
Week 4 Full go-live, intensive monitoring, daily check-ins
Week 5 Stabilization, workflow refinement, metrics collection
Week 6 Pilot evaluation, lessons learned documentation, Wave 2 prep

Wave 2 & 3 Accelerated Timeline (Per Location)

Week Activities
Week 1 Site prep, equipment delivery, champion training
Week 2 Installation, configuration, staff training
Week 3 Go-live, monitoring, stabilization
Week 4 Handoff to location team, ongoing support transition

Go/No-Go Criteria for Wave Advancement

Wave 1 → Wave 2 Advancement Criteria

Category Metric Go Threshold No-Go Threshold
Technical System uptime >98% <95%
Technical Integration failures <5 per week >15 per week
Adoption Provider scan completion rate >80% <50%
Adoption Staff training completion 100% <80%
Quality Scan acceptance rate (first attempt) >85% <70%
Quality Remake rate vs. baseline Equal or better Significantly worse
Satisfaction Provider satisfaction (survey) >3.5/5 <2.5/5
Satisfaction Staff satisfaction (survey) >3.0/5 <2.0/5

🟣 Executive Decision Required: If 1–2 metrics are in "No-Go" range but others pass, convene leadership review before advancing.

Wave 2 → Wave 3 Advancement Criteria

Same metrics as above, plus:

  • Champion training certification: 100% of Wave 2 champions certified to train
  • Regional manager sign-off on Wave 2 location readiness
  • No unresolved critical support tickets from Wave 2 locations

Rollback Plan

Rollback Triggers

Trigger Action
Critical integration failure affecting patient care Immediate pause, revert to analog workflow
>3 locations reporting same critical issue Pause wave, central investigation
Provider safety concern Immediate pause, CDO review required
Vendor support capacity exceeded Pause new deployments until resolved

Rollback Procedure

  1. Immediate (Day 0):

    • Notify vendor support of rollback
    • Communicate to affected location(s)
    • Resume analog impression workflow
    • Document issue in detail
  2. Short-Term (Days 1–3):

    • Root cause analysis with vendor
    • Impact assessment on other locations
    • Update risk register
    • Revise timeline if needed
  3. Recovery (Days 4–14):

    • Implement fix in test environment
    • Validate resolution
    • Gradual re-enablement with enhanced monitoring
    • Update playbook with lessons learned

Isolation Protocols

  • Each location operates independently—one location's rollback does not affect others
  • Centralized systems (lab portal, reporting) maintained regardless of location status
  • Wave progression can continue for unaffected locations

5. Configuration & Integration (Weeks 2–3)

Practice Management System Integration

Dentrix Integration (Version G7.4+)

🔵 ☐ Step 1: Obtain 3Shape-Dentrix bridge installer from 3Shape partner portal
Step 2: Verify Dentrix version compatibility (minimum G7.4)
Step 3: Create Dentrix user account with API access permissions
Step 4: Install bridge software on primary workstation
🔵 ☐ Step 5: Configure bi-directional sync (patient demographics, procedure codes)
Step 6: Map 3Shape case types to Dentrix procedure codes
⚠️ ☐ Step 7: Test patient search and case attachment (common failure point)
Step 8: Validate appointment linking functionality
Step 9: Configure automatic case status updates
Step 10: Document provider-specific settings

Estimated Time: 4–6 hours per location
Vendor Involvement Required: Steps 1, 5

Eaglesoft Integration (Version 21+)

🔵 ☐ Step 1: Request Patterson integration package from 3Shape
Step 2: Verify Eaglesoft SQL Server accessibility
Step 3: Configure Eaglesoft API credentials
🔵 ☐ Step 4: Install 3Shape Eaglesoft connector
Step 5: Map clinical data fields (patient ID, provider, procedures)
⚠️ ☐ Step 6: Test image attachment workflow (common permission issue)
Step 7: Validate ledger/financial integration if enabled
Step 8: Configure automated backup of connector settings

Estimated Time: 4–5 hours per location
Vendor Involvement Required: Steps 1, 4

Open Dental Integration (Version 22.1+)

Step 1: Enable Open Dental API in Program Links
Step 2: Generate API key for 3Shape integration
🔵 ☐ Step 3: Install 3Shape Open Dental bridge
Step 4: Configure FHIR endpoints (if using advanced integration)
Step 5: Map user permissions for scan technicians
Step 6: Test patient data pull and case creation
Step 7: Validate procedure attachment workflow

Estimated Time: 3–4 hours per location
Vendor Involvement Required: Step 3


Imaging System Integration

CBCT Integration (Carestream, Planmeca, Vatech)

🔵 ☐ Step 1: Verify CBCT DICOM export capability
Step 2: Configure DICOM storage path accessible to 3Shape workstation
Step 3: Set up automatic DICOM push or scheduled pull
🔵 ☐ Step 4: Install 3Shape DICOM importer module
Step 5: Configure scan-to-CBCT alignment parameters
Step 6: Test import workflow with sample dataset
⚠️ ☐ Step 7: Validate implant planning integration (if applicable)

Estimated Time: 3–4 hours per location

2D Imaging Integration (Dexis, Schick, Apteryx)

Step 1: Verify image export format compatibility (JPEG, PNG, DICOM)
Step 2: Configure shared network folder for image transfer
Step 3: Set up automatic attachment to 3Shape case
Step 4: Test x-ray overlay functionality in scan review

Estimated Time: 1–2 hours per location


Test Environment Setup

🟣 ☐ Step 1: Establish dedicated test tenant in 3Shape Communicate
🔵 ☐ Step 2: Request test account provisioning from 3Shape
Step 3: Configure test lab connections (sandbox mode)
Step 4: Create synthetic patient records for testing
Step 5: Replicate production configuration in test
Step 6: Document test environment credentials and access

Validation Checklist

Test Case Expected Result Pass/Fail
Patient search from PMS Returns matching patient with demographics
Scan initiation Opens TRIOS with pre-populated case info
Scan completion Saves to correct patient record
Lab submission Case appears in lab portal
Lab communication Rx details transmitted accurately
Case return Notification received, file accessible
Image attachment Scan viewable in PMS imaging module
Billing integration Procedure code logged correctly
Reporting Case appears in analytics dashboard

Data Migration

Historical Case Migration (If Applicable)

Step 1: Inventory existing digital impression files (STL, PLY, DCM)
Step 2: Assess file compatibility with 3Shape import
🔵 ☐ Step 3: Request migration utility from 3Shape (if large volume)
Step 4: Map legacy patient IDs to current PMS records
Step 5: Perform test migration with sample dataset
Step 6: Execute full migration during off-hours
Step 7: Validate migrated data integrity

Estimated Time: Variable (1 day to 2 weeks depending on volume)


Enterprise Configuration Standards

Standardized Settings (Mandatory Across All Locations)

Setting Category Standardized Value Rationale
Scan resolution "High" for all final impressions Quality consistency
Margin marking Required before submission Lab quality
Auto-articulation Enabled Workflow efficiency
Case numbering [LocationCode]-[YYYYMMDD]-[Seq] Cross-portfolio tracking
Lab routing Centralized preferred lab list Procurement leverage
Backup frequency Nightly, 30-day retention Data protection
Session timeout 15 minutes HIPAA compliance
Password policy Match SSO provider Security consistency

Location-Specific Settings (Customizable)

Setting Category Allowed Variation Governance
Provider preferences Shade guides, prep style Provider discretion
Specialty workflows Ortho, implant, sleep Case mix dependent
Local lab connections Secondary/specialty labs Regional manager approval
Scanner positions Physical operatory assignment Office manager discretion
Appointment durations Per procedure type Provider + office manager

Security & HIPAA Compliance

Enterprise HIPAA Checklist

🟣 ☐ BAA Execution: Signed Business Associate Agreement with 3Shape covering all entities
Data Classification: All scan data classified as PHI, handling procedures documented
Access Controls: Role-based access configured (provider, assistant, admin, read-only)
Audit Logging: Enabled for all user actions, 7-year retention
Encryption: Verified AES-256 for data at rest, TLS 1.3 for transit
Minimum Necessary: Access limited to required data per role
De-identification: Protocols for research or analytics use
Breach Notification: Vendor commitment to 24-hour breach notification
Subcontractor Management: 3Shape lab partner BAAs verified
Physical Security: Scanner workstation locations assessed (no public visibility)

Compliance Documentation

☐ Create 3Shape-specific addendum to HIPAA policies
☐ Update risk assessment to include 3Shape integration
☐ Document data flow diagram (patient → scan → cloud → lab)
☐ Establish incident response procedure for digital workflow
☐ Schedule annual compliance review


6. Team Training Plan

Train-the-Trainer Model

Champion Selection Criteria

Criterion Ideal Profile
Role Lead dental assistant, office manager, or tech-forward hygienist
Tenure 2+ years at location, established credibility
Tech Comfort Demonstrated ability to learn and teach technology
Availability Capacity for 8 hours initial training + ongoing mentorship
Influence Respected by peers, ability to motivate adoption
Communication Clear verbal and written communication skills

Champion Responsibilities

Responsibility Time Commitment Frequency
Complete advanced certification 8 hours One-time
Train all location staff 8–16 hours total Pre-go-live
Provide go-live day support Full day Go-live
Answer peer questions 30 min/day First 30 days
Escalate issues to regional/central As needed Ongoing
Track training completion 1 hour/week Pre-go-live
Conduct new hire training 2 hours per new hire Ongoing
Attend champion community calls 1 hour/month Ongoing

Champion Certification Program

🔵 Week 1: 3Shape-led certification training (virtual, 2 half-days)

  • Day 1: Technical fundamentals, system architecture, troubleshooting
  • Day 2: Training delivery skills, objection handling, adult learning principles

Week 2: Shadow experienced champion at Wave 1 location (if Wave 2+)
Week 3: Deliver training to own staff with certification trainer observation
Assessment: Demonstrate competency through practical evaluation
Certification: Badge and recognition upon successful completion


Role-Specific Training Outlines

Dentists/Providers

Estimated Training Time: 3–4 hours (can be split across 2 sessions)
**Training

AI-generated implementation guide based on public vendor information. Verify specifics directly with 3Shape (Digital Workflow).