Understanding DICOM Export Requirements
DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is the standard file format for medical imaging. BeamReaders requires DICOM files to provide accurate interpretations of your CBCT scans.
What DICOM format do I need?
BeamReaders accepts CBCT scans in two DICOM formats:
- Multi-file DICOM (most common): Several hundred individual .dcm files, each representing one slice of your scan
- Single-file DICOM: One .dcm file containing the entire volume
Both formats work equally well. Your CBCT software will determine which format is exported.
Critical Export Requirements
When exporting DICOM files for BeamReaders, you must follow these requirements:
✓ DO:
- Export at original or maximum resolution - never reduce the resolution
- Export the complete scan - do not crop or trim the volume
- Save files to a clearly labeled folder (we recommend using the patient's name)
- Verify your export was successful by checking the folder contains .dcm files
✗ DO NOT:
- Anonymize the scan - This is critical. Anonymized scans cannot be properly interpreted. We need patient information to match the scan to the correct report and to provide accurate clinical context.
- Compress the files (use "Uncompressed" when available)
- Create a DICOMDIR file (uncheck this option if available)
- Reduce resolution or downsample the image
Why can't you accept anonymized scans?
When a CBCT scan is anonymized, critical patient information is stripped from the file metadata. This creates several problems:
- We cannot match the scan to the correct patient case
- We lose important demographic information that affects interpretation
- We cannot verify scan quality parameters
- The files may not import correctly into our radiology software
For these reasons, please ensure "Anonymize" is always unchecked during export.
How do I know my export was successful?
After exporting, open the folder you created on your Desktop. You should see:
- For multi-file DICOM: Several hundred files with .dcm extensions (typically 150-600+ files depending on scan volume)
- For single-file DICOM: One file with a .dcm extension, typically 20-200 MB in size
If you see these files, your export was successful and you're ready to upload to BeamReaders.
Common Export Errors and Solutions
Problem: "No DICOM files in folder" or "Only a few files exported"
Solution: Make sure you selected "Export Volume" or "Third Party Volume" - not just "Export 2D Images". The 3D volume contains all the CBCT data we need.
Problem: "Files won't upload to BeamReaders"
Solution: Check that you didn't anonymize the scan. Also verify the files are .dcm format, not proprietary formats like .xstd or .opt.
Problem: "Export taking a very long time"
Solution: This is normal. Multi-file DICOM exports can take 2-5 minutes for large volumes. Don't cancel the export.
Problem: "Can't find the export in my software"
Solution: Look for "DICOM Export," "Export Volume," "Third Party Export," or "Output" menus. Search this help center for your specific CBCT software brand for step-by-step instructions.
File Size Expectations
Typical DICOM export sizes:
- Small FOV (field of view) scan: 50-150 MB
- Medium FOV scan: 150-400 MB
- Large FOV scan: 400 MB - 1 GB
If your export is significantly smaller (under 20 MB), it may be incomplete or at reduced resolution.
What about 2D X-rays and other imaging?
- 2D radiographs (PA, panoramic, etc.): Save as JPG, PNG, TIF, or BMP format and upload separately
- MRI imaging: Copy the full contents of the MRI disc to a folder, compress it to a .zip file, and upload the .zip file
- CT scans from medical imaging centers: These are already in DICOM format - copy the full disc contents
Need help finding export instructions for your CBCT system?
Search this help center for your CBCT manufacturer (DEXIS, Planmeca, Sirona, Carestream, i-CAT, Vatech, etc.) to find detailed step-by-step export instructions specific to your software.