DS Core Q1 2026 Release – What’s New for Practices and Labs

We were given early access to the Q1 2026 DS Core update ahead of its public rollout, so we can share what's coming before it goes live. Some features are already available, while others launch on March 3rd, 2026. This update touches several areas of the DS Core ecosystem, from scanning and chairside design to lab workflows and service plans. 

Let me be frank - DS has had a tough ride with DS Core, but they remain steadfast in building it out, and their user base continues to grow every month. I, for one, respect the all-in approach and, as someone who loves dental tech, am curious to see how this all plays out in the coming years.

So what's new for this quarter? Here's a look at what's included.

Primescan 2 - Scanning Improvements

Two updates are arriving for Primescan 2 users under the DS Core Light tier.

Scan Appearance Modes let you change how scan data is visually rendered on screen. A minor but useful change. This is already live in US/MX, EU, Canada, ANZ, Japan/Taiwan, Brazil, and Korea.

Resume Unfinished Scans is the second addition. If a scan gets interrupted for any reason, you can now pick up where you left off rather than starting over. This goes live on March 3rd in most regions. A welcome update.

CEREC Updates - Software and Cloud Enhancements

There are a few things happening on the CEREC side of this release.

CEREC SW v5.3.4

The on-premise CEREC software is being updated to version 5.3.4. If you're on a DS Core Standard subscription, this update is included. The standout detail here is for practices still running CEREC SW 5.2.x: upgrading to version 5.3 is included at no extra cost on DS Core Standard, so you do not need a separate upgrade license. That's a meaningful saving if you've been holding off on updating.

CEREC on DS Core Enhancements

For those using the cloud-based CEREC on the DS Core workflow, there are several usability improvements. These include an adjusted contact tool and quick access to the toolbar, among other refinements.

These enhancements are already live in the US/MX, EU, Canada, and ANZ. They are not yet available in Japan/Taiwan, China, Brazil, Korea, or India/Singapore.

DS Core Diagnose - Now Available in Brazil

DS Core Diagnose, the AI-powered diagnostic feature that works with Dentsply Sirona imaging systems, is expanding to Brazil as part of this release. DS Core Diagnose is a cloud-based diagnostic platform that provides AI-supported imaging tools. These include:

Core Functions

1. Cloud-Based Access to Imaging Data
   • Enables clinicians to access Dentsply Sirona X-ray data (including CBCT) from any device.
   • Stores imaging data securely in the cloud as primary storage (subscription required).
2. AI-Supported Diagnostic Tools
   • Provides AI-generated anatomical visualizations (e.g., teeth, bone, nerve canals) based on CBCT data.
   • Offers AI-generated proposals of the panoramic curve.
   • Includes essential diagnostic tools such as measurement functions.
3. Unified Diagnostic Workspace
   • Combines X-rays, intraoral scans, and annotations in a single digital interface (Canvas).
   • Allows clinicians to review and analyze imaging across operatories or even outside the practice.
4. Patient Communication Features
   • Uses visual illustrations to support explanation of findings.
   • Allows digital sharing of media and treatment plans immediately after consultation.
   • Includes Smart View (intended for patient communication, not a medical device).
5. Workflow & IT Simplification
   • Reduces reliance on local hardware and software.
   • Designed to integrate with Dentsply Sirona imaging systems such as Orthophos and Axeos.
6. Implantology Support
   • Simplifies integration of CBCT into practice workflows.
   • Expands options for ordering implant treatments through service providers.

It is already live in US/MX, EU, Canada, and ANZ. The feature launches in Brazil on March 3rd.

Worth noting, Dentsply Sirona originally mentioned a Taiwan release for DS Core Diagnose, but that has been pushed to later in 2026.

Lab Workflow Updates

This is where lab users will want to pay attention. There are several updates for labs running through DS Core.

DS Core x Exocad Integration

This is probably the most notable lab-focused update. The integration between DS Core and exocad DentalDB is now live in most major regions, including US/MX, EU, Canada, ANZ, Japan/Taiwan, Brazil, and Korea.

It allows labs running exocad to receive cases from DS Core directly into their DentalDB case list, including scan data with prep margins.

For labs that prefer exocad over Dentsply Sirona's InLab CAD software (many do), this is a meaningful step toward a more open platform.

InLab CAD v22.5

InLab CAD is being updated to version 22.5. The main addition is a new indication for bridge upload (dsco format) to DS Core, enabling direct print export.

This feature goes live March 3rd across most regions except China and India/Singapore.

New in Lab Ordering

Two practical additions are coming to the ordering workflow.

Partial Denture Orders can now be placed through DS Core. This expands the platform's indication coverage for removable prosthetics, which has been a long-standing gap. One important detail for labs: you will need to enable Partial Denture Orders as a service you offer within your DS Core lab profile. Until a lab activates this, clinicians won't see the option when submitting orders to that lab. Worth checking your settings when this goes live.

Add Delivery Time to Orders lets clinicians include expected delivery timelines when submitting orders, giving labs better visibility into scheduling.

Both go live March 3rd.

Additional Lab Improvements

Updated lab onboarding and the ability to see patient names in the order table are also included. These are quality-of-life improvements that should make the daily workflow a bit smoother for connected labs.

Foundational Updates

Sidexis 4 Connectivity Enhancements

The DI&CADCAM Connector is already live across all regions. Additional Sidexis 4 connectivity enhancements go live on March 3rd in US/MX, EU, Canada, ANZ, Japan/Taiwan, Brazil, and Korea.

DS Core Care Updates

Two updates are landing under DS Core Care.

Multi-Plan Discount is being introduced in the US/MX, EU, and Canada only. This goes live March 3rd. It is not available in ANZ, Japan, China, Brazil, Korea, India, or Singapore.

Accidental Damage Coverage for Primescan AC is already live in the US/MX, EU, Canada, and ANZ. Korea has also been added. This is not available in Japan/Taiwan, China, Brazil, India, or Singapore.

My Take

This is a steady, incremental update rather than anything flashy. For practices and labs already embedded in the Dentsply Sirona ecosystem, these are the kinds of improvements that make daily workflows noticeably smoother.

The DS Core x exocad integration stands out as the most significant single feature. It signals that Dentsply Sirona is committed to making DS Core a more open platform that works with the tools labs actually prefer, not just their own software. That's a positive direction.

The Primescan 2 updates (scan appearance modes and resuming unfinished scans) are practical and welcome, even if they're not headline-grabbing.

For CEREC users, the continued investment in CEREC on DS Core shows that the cloud-based workflow is becoming increasingly capable. Whether you design on the cart or in the cloud, the option is there.

On regional availability, it's worth understanding the context. India and Taiwan were only recently added to the DS Core rollout, so trailing slightly on feature availability is expected as they ramp up. And for features like DS Core Diagnose, which qualifies as Software as a Medical Device, regional availability is directly tied to regulatory approvals in each market. It's not simply a business decision. That said, if you're in China, availability across the board remains more limited, and it's worth factoring that into any purchasing decisions based on software ecosystem.

One more thing worth sharing. Dentsply Sirona publishes all DS Core release updates on their Customer Support Portal, which is a handy reference if you want to review previous updates or dig into the technical details. The Q1 2026 notes will be added there shortly.

If you have any questions, please leave them below.

Thanks for reading.