1. Set standards. Once the dentist is ready to start sending cases,
establish what you need from him. While the software that accompanies the
scanner walks the dentist through obtaining the three pieces of information you
need—prep arch, opposing arch and bite scan—there are details that are
sometimes missed but are essential for the laboratory. 

2. Get the bite right. 

3. Sometimes less

4. Verify scan without color. If the dentist has a newer scanner that works in color,
he should always verify the scan without color before sending it to the lab.
When the scan is in black and white, the contrast is better and the margins
show up more clearly,

5. Pack cord. Dentists should still pack cord when taking a digital impression. With
PVC impressions, the viscosity of the material helps push away the tissue from
the margins. When taking a digital impression, some
dentists don't realize they should leave the second cord in until they're ready
to scan, then pull the cord and take the scan immediately so the tissue will be
clear of the margins.

6. Remind dentists about preventive maintenance, which
is necessary to avoid glitches and keep the scanner running smoothly. For
example, each brand of scanner has a time frame in which it needs to be
calibrated. Some, like the TRIOS^®, send the user a reminder but not
all do.