Glidewell
Implementation PlaybookDSO Β· Group Practice

Glidewell

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

Glidewell β€” Implementation Playbook (DSO)

Glidewell 3D Printing & Digital Workflow Implementation Playbook

A Strategic Guide for DSO Deployment


1. Executive Summary

What This Tool Does

Glidewell's 3D Printing & Digital Workflow solution integrates chairside and laboratory digital manufacturing capabilitiesβ€”including the glidewell.ioβ„’ In-Office Solution, fastmill.ioβ„’, and advanced 3D printing systemsβ€”enabling DSOs to produce same-day restorations, surgical guides, dentures, and orthodontic appliances in-house while maintaining seamless digital connectivity with Glidewell's laboratory network for complex cases.

Why DSOs Specifically Benefit

Scale Advantages:

  • Bulk equipment purchasing and consumables negotiation across 15–50 locations dramatically reduces per-unit costs
  • Centralized digital design capabilities can support multiple locations, maximizing ROI on trained CAD/CAM specialists
  • Standardized material inventories reduce waste and enable cross-location resource sharing

Standardization Benefits:

  • Unified digital impression protocols eliminate variability in case quality across providers
  • Consistent restoration parameters ensure brand-level quality standards regardless of location
  • Standardized workflows enable staff portability between locations

Data Aggregation Value:

  • Enterprise-wide production analytics reveal efficiency patterns and bottlenecks
  • Predictive material ordering based on aggregated case volume data
  • Comparative performance benchmarking across locations and providers

Expected Timeline: Decision to Full Deployment

Phase Duration Milestone
Pre-Implementation Weeks 1–2 Infrastructure assessment, vendor contracts, baseline metrics
Pilot Wave (2–3 locations) Weeks 3–8 Full deployment and optimization at pilot sites
Wave 2 (5–8 locations) Weeks 9–14 Scaled deployment with refined playbook
Wave 3+ (Remaining locations) Weeks 15–26 Full portfolio deployment
Total Timeline 6–7 months All 15–50 locations operational

Note: Timeline assumes 30-location DSO. Adjust proportionally for portfolio size.


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

Technical Requirements

Hardware Requirements

☐ Milling/Printing Equipment Specifications

  • glidewell.io: Dedicated space minimum 4' x 3', 110V/20A dedicated circuit
  • fastmill.io: Minimum 3' x 2.5' space, 110V/15A circuit
  • 3D Printers: Ventilated area with temperature control (68–77Β°F), dedicated circuit
  • Estimated time: 2 hours per location assessment

☐ Chairside Scanning Hardware

  • iTero Element series, 3Shape TRIOS, or compatible intraoral scanner
  • Dedicated scanning workstation with minimum 16GB RAM, SSD storage
  • Calibration tools and maintenance kits
  • Estimated time: 1 hour per operatory inventory

☐ Workstation Requirements

  • Design station: Intel i7 or equivalent, 32GB RAM, dedicated GPU (NVIDIA recommended), dual monitors
  • Windows 10/11 Pro (64-bit)
  • Minimum 500GB SSD with 100GB free space
  • Estimated time: 30 minutes per workstation audit

Network Requirements

☐ Bandwidth Standards

  • Minimum 100 Mbps symmetric per location (recommended: 250+ Mbps)
  • Dedicated VLAN for digital workflow equipment
  • Latency <50ms to cloud services
  • Estimated time: 4 hours network assessment across portfolio

☐ Firewall/Security Configuration

  • Whitelist Glidewell cloud endpoints (obtain list from vendor)
  • Open required ports for real-time case transmission
  • VPN configuration for centralized design centers (if applicable)
  • Estimated time: 2 hours per location IT configuration

Software Requirements

☐ Core Software Stack

  • glidewell.io Design Software (latest version)
  • Glidewell Direct cloud platform access
  • CAD/CAM design software licenses
  • 3D printing slicer software
  • Estimated time: 1 hour per workstation installation

☐ Integration Software

  • PMS integration middleware (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental connectors)
  • DICOM viewer for CBCT integration
  • Cloud backup solution compatible with PHI
  • Estimated time: 4–8 hours per integration configuration

πŸ”΅ Vendor Onboarding Steps

Step Action Owner Timeline
1 Execute Master Services Agreement (enterprise-level) Legal/Procurement Days 1–5
2 πŸ”΅ Schedule Glidewell Implementation Kickoff Call Vendor + VP Ops Day 6
3 πŸ”΅ Assign Glidewell Enterprise Account Manager Vendor Day 7
4 πŸ”΅ Receive equipment delivery schedule by location Vendor Days 8–10
5 πŸ”΅ Obtain technical support escalation matrix Vendor Day 10
6 πŸ”΅ Confirm training calendar availability Vendor Days 10–14

Key Vendor Contacts to Establish

☐ Enterprise Account Manager (primary relationship owner) ☐ Technical Implementation Specialist (equipment installation) ☐ Integration Engineer (PMS/imaging connectivity) ☐ Training Coordinator (scheduling and materials) ☐ Tier 2 Technical Support Lead (escalation path) ☐ Executive Sponsor (Glidewell side) for QBRs

Estimated time: 3–4 hours total coordination


Data/Access Prerequisites

☐ Glidewell Platform Access

  • Enterprise admin account creation
  • Location-level admin accounts (one per site)
  • Provider-level user accounts
  • API credentials for PMS integration
  • Estimated time: 2 hours setup, 30 minutes per location

☐ Imaging Archive Access

  • CBCT system export credentials
  • Intraoral scanner cloud sync permissions
  • Historical case database access (for training AI components)
  • Estimated time: 1–2 hours per imaging system

☐ PMS Access Levels

  • Read/write access for appointment integration
  • Patient record query permissions
  • Treatment plan modification rights
  • Billing code automation permissions
  • Estimated time: 1 hour per PMS instance

⚠️ Internal Stakeholder Alignment

🟣 Approval Requirements

Stakeholder Approval Needed For Timeline
Board/Investors Capital expenditure >$X threshold, strategic initiative endorsement Pre-decision
CEO/COO Overall initiative approval, budget allocation Week 1
Chief Dental Officer Clinical protocol changes, provider workflow modifications Week 1
VP of Operations Rollout timeline, resource allocation, location selection Week 1
CFO ROI projections, financing structure, depreciation schedule Week 1
VP of IT Infrastructure requirements, security compliance, integration scope Week 1–2
Regional Managers Location-specific considerations, staff readiness concerns Week 2
Office Managers (pilot sites) Go-live scheduling, staff coordination Week 2

Stakeholder Alignment Map

INFORM ←――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――→ APPROVE

Board/Investors        β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Strategic approval + ROI reporting
CEO                    β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Initiative approval + executive sponsorship
COO                    β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘  Operational oversight + resource allocation
Chief Dental Officer   β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘  Clinical protocol approval + provider buy-in
CFO                    β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Budget approval + financial tracking
VP of Operations       β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆ  Primary owner + rollout execution
VP of IT               β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Technical approval + security sign-off
Regional Managers      β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Location coordination + staff management
Office Managers        β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Local execution + daily oversight
Providers              β–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–ˆβ–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘β–‘  Clinical adoption + workflow feedback

Baseline Metrics to Capture BEFORE Go-Live

⚠️ Critical: Standardize Measurement Across All Locations

Production Metrics (capture 90-day historical average)

Metric How to Measure Target Source
Same-day restoration volume Cases completed same visit PMS procedure codes
Average lab case turnaround Days from impression to seat Lab tracking system
Remake/adjustment rate % cases requiring redo Lab invoices + PMS
Chair time per restoration Minutes per crown/bridge seat Schedule analysis
Lab fees per restoration Average cost per unit Accounting/Lab invoices

Financial Metrics

Metric How to Measure Target Source
Revenue per provider hour Production Γ· clinical hours PMS + payroll
Lab expense as % of revenue Lab costs Γ· restorative revenue P&L by location
Average case value Revenue per restorative case PMS reporting
Restorative case acceptance rate Accepted Γ· presented PMS treatment plans

Operational Metrics

Metric How to Measure Target Source
Appointment cancellation rate Cancelled Γ· scheduled PMS scheduling
Patient wait time for restorations Days to next available Scheduling analysis
Referral-out rate for complex cases Cases sent to specialists PMS referral tracking
Staff overtime hours Hours above 40/week Payroll records

Quality Metrics

Metric How to Measure Target Source
Patient satisfaction scores NPS or survey results Patient feedback system
Clinical outcome complaints Patient-reported issues Call logs/reviews
Provider satisfaction Internal survey Staff survey tool

☐ Create standardized baseline report template ☐ Distribute to all Office Managers with 14-day completion deadline ☐ Centralize data collection in single dashboard ☐ Validate data quality before proceeding

Estimated time: 4–6 hours to design template, 2 hours per location to complete


Enterprise-Level Requirements

Network Standards Across Locations

☐ Standardized Network Architecture

  • Consistent VLAN segmentation for clinical devices
  • Uniform firewall rule sets for Glidewell connectivity
  • Centralized network monitoring for all production equipment
  • Redundant internet connections at high-volume locations

Hosting Decision Matrix

Factor Centralized Hosting Location-Level Hosting
Design workload Multiple designers serve all locations Each location self-sufficient
Network dependency High (requires reliable connectivity) Low (local processing)
Staffing model Fewer, more specialized staff Distributed generalists
Equipment cost Lower (shared resources) Higher (full kit per site)
Recommendation Hybrid: Central design hub + local production For locations with experienced staff

🟣 Executive Decision Required: Centralized vs. distributed design center model

SSO and Credentialing

☐ Single Sign-On Integration

  • Configure SAML/OAuth with enterprise identity provider
  • Map role-based access controls to AD groups
  • Establish session timeout policies (HIPAA-compliant)
  • Test SSO across all location types

☐ Centralized Credentialing

  • Create provider credential database linked to Glidewell accounts
  • Automate license verification checks
  • Establish onboarding/offboarding workflows
  • Configure DEA/NPI mapping for prescription integrations

Estimated time: 8–16 hours for SSO configuration, 4 hours for credentialing setup


3. Location Readiness Assessment

Scoring Framework

Factor 1: IT Infrastructure Maturity (1–5)

Score Criteria
1 Network <50 Mbps, hardware >5 years old, unsupported PMS version
2 Network 50–100 Mbps, hardware 4–5 years old, PMS 1–2 versions behind
3 Network 100–150 Mbps, hardware 2–3 years old, current PMS version
4 Network 150–250 Mbps, hardware <2 years old, current PMS, some integrations active
5 Network >250 Mbps, new hardware, current PMS, existing digital workflow experience

Factor 2: Staff Tenure and Adaptability (1–5)

Score Criteria
1 Turnover >40%, no tech training history, documented resistance to change
2 Turnover 30–40%, minimal tech training, passive resistance observed
3 Turnover 20–30%, some tech training, neutral toward new technology
4 Turnover 10–20%, regular tech training, positive toward digital tools
5 Turnover <10%, certified digital workflow staff, active technology champions

Factor 3: Patient Volume (1–5)

Score Criteria
1 <50 restorative cases/month (low impact, safe pilot)
2 50–75 restorative cases/month
3 75–100 restorative cases/month (balanced impact/risk)
4 100–150 restorative cases/month
5 >150 restorative cases/month (high impact, high risk)

Factor 4: Existing Tech Stack Compatibility (1–5)

Score Criteria
1 PMS with no API, analog imaging, no scanner
2 PMS with limited API, digital x-rays only, no scanner
3 PMS with standard API, digital imaging, basic scanner
4 PMS with full API, integrated imaging, advanced scanner, CBCT
5 Full digital workflow today, Glidewell lab customer, cloud-native systems

Factor 5: Local Champion Availability (1–5)

Score Criteria
1 No identifiable champion, leadership skeptical
2 Possible champion but limited bandwidth or influence
3 Willing champion identified but needs development
4 Strong champion with bandwidth, respected by team
5 Multiple champions, proven change leadership track record

Composite Readiness Score Calculation

Formula: (IT Γ— 1.2) + (Staff Γ— 1.3) + (Volume Γ— 0.8) + (Tech Stack Γ— 1.0) + (Champion Γ— 1.2) = Readiness Score

Weighting rationale: Staff adaptability and champion availability are strongest predictors of success; volume is managed risk

Readiness Score Recommendation
22–27.5 Wave 1 Candidate (Pilot)
17–21.9 Wave 2 Candidate
12–16.9 Wave 3 Candidate
<12 Remediation required before rollout

Sample Location Readiness Assessment

Location IT (Γ—1.2) Staff (Γ—1.3) Volume (Γ—0.8) Tech (Γ—1.0) Champion (Γ—1.2) Total Wave
Metro Center 4 (4.8) 5 (6.5) 4 (3.2) 4 (4.0) 5 (6.0) 24.5 Wave 1
Suburban East 3 (3.6) 4 (5.2) 3 (2.4) 5 (5.0) 4 (4.8) 21.0 Wave 2
Downtown 5 (6.0) 3 (3.9) 5 (4.0) 4 (4.0) 3 (3.6) 21.5 Wave 2
Rural West 2 (2.4) 4 (5.2) 2 (1.6) 2 (2.0) 3 (3.6) 14.8 Wave 3
New Acquisition 1 (1.2) 2 (2.6) 3 (2.4) 1 (1.0) 2 (2.4) 9.6 Remediation

☐ Complete readiness assessment for all locations ☐ Validate scores with regional managers ☐ Finalize wave assignments ☐ Create remediation plans for low-scoring locations

Estimated time: 2 hours per location assessment, 4 hours for portfolio analysis


4. Rollout Strategy

Wave Structure Recommendation

Wave 1: Pilot (2–3 Locations) β€” Weeks 3–8

Selection Criteria for Wave 1:

  • Readiness score >22
  • Geographic diversity (different regions represented)
  • PMS diversity (include both Dentrix and Eaglesoft if both exist in portfolio)
  • Mix of practice sizes (one high-volume, one moderate)
  • Accessible to central team for hands-on support
  • NOT flagship locations (protect high-revenue sites from pilot risk)

Wave 1 Objectives:

  1. Validate installation and configuration playbook
  2. Test all integrations in production environment
  3. Develop troubleshooting knowledge base
  4. Refine training materials based on real feedback
  5. Establish realistic productivity benchmarks
  6. Identify unanticipated workflow impacts

Timeline:

Week Activity
3 Equipment delivery and installation at all Wave 1 sites
4 πŸ”΅ Vendor-led configuration and integration
5 Staff training and parallel operation
6 Go-live and intensive support
7 Stabilization and optimization
8 Wave 1 retrospective and Wave 2 preparation

Wave 2: Scaled Deployment (5–8 Locations) β€” Weeks 9–14

Selection Criteria for Wave 2:

  • Readiness score 17–22
  • Leverage Wave 1 learnings and trained champions
  • Include 1–2 "stretch" locations to test remediation effectiveness
  • Balance high-volume and moderate-volume sites

Timeline:

Week Activity
9 Equipment delivery for Wave 2 cohort
10 Configuration using standardized templates from Wave 1
11 Champion-led training (using train-the-trainer model)
12 Staggered go-lives (2–3 locations per day)
13 Stabilization across cohort
14 Wave 2 retrospective and Wave 3 preparation

Wave 3+: Full Portfolio (Remaining Locations) β€” Weeks 15–26

Approach:

  • Deploy in sub-waves of 8–10 locations
  • 2-week cycles per sub-wave
  • Champions from Waves 1–2 assist with peer locations
  • Reduced central support (shift to regional ownership)

Timeline:

Weeks Sub-Wave Locations
15–16 3A 8–10 locations
17–18 3B 8–10 locations
19–20 3C 8–10 locations
21–22 3D Remaining standard locations
23–26 Remediation Previously delayed/deferred sites

🟣 Go/No-Go Criteria Between Waves

Wave 1 β†’ Wave 2 Advancement Criteria

Category Green (Go) Yellow (Conditional Go) Red (No-Go)
Technical Stability <5% system downtime, all integrations functional 5–10% downtime, minor integration issues resolved >10% downtime, critical integration failures
Adoption Rate >80% of cases using new workflow 60–80% adoption <60% adoption
Quality Metrics Remake rate ≀ baseline Remake rate ≀1.5Γ— baseline Remake rate >1.5Γ— baseline
Staff Confidence >4.0/5.0 comfort score 3.5–4.0 comfort score <3.5 comfort score
Time to Competency Within training estimates Up to 25% over estimates >25% over training estimates
Patient Experience No complaints, positive feedback Isolated complaints, resolved Multiple unresolved complaints

⚠️ Any RED metric = mandatory pause and remediation before proceeding

🟣 Executive Decision Required: Advancement decision documented with sign-off from VP Operations and CDO


Rollback Plan

Trigger Events for Rollback

  • Critical system failure affecting patient care
  • Data loss or HIPAA breach incident
  • 20% of scheduled cases unable to complete

  • Provider or staff safety concern
  • Vendor unable to resolve critical issue within 4 hours

Rollback Procedure by Severity

Level 1: Workflow Rollback (Location-Level)

  1. Revert to traditional lab workflow immediately
  2. Document all affected cases
  3. Notify vendor support of issue
  4. Continue patient care with backup process
  5. Investigate root cause before resuming Estimated recovery: 2–4 hours

Level 2: Wave Pause

  1. Halt all go-lives in current wave
  2. Active locations continue with enhanced monitoring
  3. Convene emergency retrospective within 24 hours
  4. Develop remediation plan
  5. 🟣 Executive approval required to resume Estimated recovery: 1–2 weeks

Level 3: Program Pause

  1. All locations revert to traditional workflow
  2. Equipment remains installed but dormant
  3. πŸ”΅ Vendor escalation to executive level
  4. 🟣 Board notification required
  5. Independent review before resumption Estimated recovery: 4–8 weeks

Cross-Location Protection

  • Waves operate independently
  • Issues in one wave do not automatically affect others
  • Shared learnings distributed, but execution isolated
  • Central team maintains separate support capacity per wave

5. Configuration & Integration (Weeks 2–3)

Step-by-Step PMS Integration

Dentrix Integration

☐ Step 1: Verify Dentrix Version Compatibility

  • Minimum version: Dentrix G7.3 or later
  • Verify eCentral subscription is active
  • Confirm Dentrix API access is enabled Estimated time: 30 minutes

☐ Step 2: Install Glidewell Integration Module

  • πŸ”΅ Obtain integration package from Glidewell
  • Run installer on each Dentrix workstation
  • Restart Dentrix services after installation
  • Verify integration appears in Dentrix toolbar Estimated time: 45 minutes per workstation

☐ Step 3: Configure Patient Data Sync

  • Map patient ID fields between systems
  • Configure demographic field mapping
  • Set up insurance/eligibility data flow
  • Enable real-time vs. batch sync preferences Estimated time: 2 hours

⚠️ Step 4: Test Patient Lookup and Case Creation

  • Create test patient in Dentrix
  • Initiate case in Glidewell system
  • Verify patient data auto-populates
  • Confirm treatment plan flows correctly
  • Test bi-directional status updates Estimated time: 1 hour testing

☐ Step 5: Configure Procedure Code Mapping

  • Map Glidewell case types to ADA codes
  • Configure auto-posting of completed procedures
  • Set up fee schedule integration (if applicable)
  • Test end-to-end procedure flow Estimated time: 2 hours

Eaglesoft Integration

☐ Step 1: Verify Eaglesoft Version and Modules

  • Minimum version: Eaglesoft 21.x
  • Patterson Imaging integration active
  • API access credentials obtained Estimated time: 30 minutes

☐ Step 2: Install Bridge Software

  • πŸ”΅ Receive Glidewell-Eaglesoft bridge installer
  • Install on server (client-server) or each workstation (standalone)
  • Configure connection strings
  • Test database connectivity Estimated time: 1 hour per installation

☐ Step 3: Configure Data Exchange

  • Set up patient search parameters
  • Map appointment types to case workflows
  • Configure image attachment pathways
  • Enable clinical note templates Estimated time: 2 hours

⚠️ Step 4: Validate Image Transfer

  • Test intraoral scan upload
  • Verify CBCT integration path
  • Confirm 2D radiograph accessibility
  • Test image quality in Glidewell system Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Open Dental Integration

☐ Step 1: Enable Open Dental API

  • Navigate to Setup > Program Links
  • Enable API module (may require additional license)
  • Generate API credentials
  • Configure allowed endpoints Estimated time: 45 minutes

☐ Step 2: πŸ”΅ Configure Glidewell Connection

  • Enter API credentials in Glidewell admin portal
  • Configure webhook endpoints for real-time sync
  • Set up authentication token refresh schedule
  • Test API connectivity Estimated time: 1.5 hours

☐ Step 3: Map Clinical Data

  • Configure procedure code mapping
  • Set up provider assignment rules
  • Map operatory/equipment relationships
  • Configure scheduling integration (if applicable) Estimated time: 2 hours

☐ Step 4: Test Workflow End-to-End

  • Create test case through full cycle
  • Verify data appears correctly in both systems
  • Test error handling scenarios
  • Document any custom configurations Estimated time: 2 hours

Imaging System Integration

Intraoral Scanner Integration

☐ iTero Element Series

  • Enable Glidewell export destination
  • Configure automatic case routing
  • Set default prescription parameters
  • Test scan export workflow Estimated time: 1 hour

☐ 3Shape TRIOS

  • Add Glidewell to lab connections
  • Configure case submission preferences
  • Set up case tracking visibility
  • Test end-to-end submission Estimated time: 1 hour

☐ Primescan/CEREC

  • Configure Glidewell connection portal
  • Set up design preferences (if applicable)
  • Test scan data transfer
  • Verify shade/material data transmission Estimated time: 1.5 hours

CBCT Integration

☐ Configure DICOM Export

  • Set up Glidewell as DICOM destination
  • Configure automatic or manual export rules
  • Verify volume data format compatibility
  • Test surgical guide workflow Estimated time: 2 hours

Test Environment Setup

Validation Checklist

☐ Patient Data Flow

  • New patient creation in PMS appears in Glidewell
  • Patient demographics update bidirectionally
  • Insurance information transfers correctly
  • Treatment plans sync appropriately

☐ Case Creation and Management

  • Case initiated from PMS successfully
  • Scan data attaches to correct case
  • Case status updates reflect in PMS
  • Completed case updates patient record

☐ Image Transfer

  • Intraoral scans transmit at full resolution
  • CBCT data accessible in design software
  • 2D radiographs viewable as reference
  • Image orientation and scaling correct

☐ Billing Integration

  • Procedure codes post correctly to PMS
  • Fee schedules apply accurately
  • Insurance eligibility checks function (if applicable)
  • Claim generation works correctly

Data Migration / Historical Data Ingestion

☐ Assess Historical Data Needs

  • Determine if legacy case data should migrate
  • Identify date range for historical import
  • Map legacy data fields to new schema
  • Plan for data quality issues Estimated time: 4 hours planning

☐ Execute Migration (if applicable)

  • πŸ”΅ Work with Glidewell data services team
  • Export data from legacy systems
  • Transform and validate data
  • Import to Glidewell platform
  • Verify data integrity post-migration Estimated time: 1–3 days depending on volume

Security and HIPAA Compliance Verification

Enterprise-Level HIPAA Checklist

☐ Business Associate Agreement

  • πŸ”΅ Execute BAA with Glidewell
  • Verify BAA covers all subsidiaries/locations
  • Confirm data retention and destruction policies
  • Document BAA in compliance records Estimated time: 1–2 weeks (legal review)

☐ Data Governance

  • Define data ownership and stewardship
  • Establish data classification scheme
  • Configure data retention policies
  • Set up audit logging and retention Estimated time: 4 hours

☐ Access Controls

  • Implement role-based access control (RBAC)
  • Configure minimum necessary access principles
  • Set up privileged access management
  • Enable multi-factor authentication
  • Configure session timeout policies Estimated time: 3 hours per location

☐ Technical Safeguards

  • Verify encryption at rest (AES-256)
  • Confirm encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+)
  • Enable audit trail functionality
  • Configure backup and disaster recovery
  • Test incident response procedures Estimated time: 8 hours enterprise-wide

☐ Documentation

  • Update HIPAA policies to include new system
  • Document data flow diagrams
  • Create user access request procedures
  • Establish breach notification protocols Estimated time: 4 hours

DSO-Specific Configuration

Standardized Configuration Template

Settings to Standardize Centrally:

Setting Category Specific Parameters
Security Password policies, session timeouts, MFA requirements
Integration PMS connection parameters, API keys, webhook endpoints
Quality Margin thickness defaults, material defaults by case type
Naming Conventions Case numbering scheme, file naming structure
Reporting Metric definitions, report templates, dashboard layouts
Communication Notification preferences, escalation contacts

Settings Allowing Local Discretion:

Setting Category What Can Vary
Provider Preferences Shade matching approach, design style preferences
Scheduling Scan time allocations, production batching schedules
Materials Brand preferences within approved list
Workflow Morning vs. afternoon production, rush case handling

Centralized vs. Per-Location Testing

Recommended Approach: Hybrid

  1. Central Test Environment

    • Master configuration validation
    • Integration testing with each PMS version
    • Security penetration testing
    • New version qualification testing
  2. Per-Location Validation

    • Site-specific integration verification
    • Local equipment calibration
    • Staff readiness confirmation
    • Patient communication testing

☐ Create centralized test environment (Week 2) ☐ Validate master configuration (Week 2) ☐ Develop per-location validation checklist (Week 2) ☐ Execute per-location validation for Wave 1 (Week 3)

Estimated time: 8 hours central setup, 2 hours per location validation


6. Team Training Plan

Train-the-Trainer Model

Champion Selection Criteria

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum

AI-generated implementation guide based on public vendor information. Verify specifics directly with Glidewell.