Best Dental CBCT Viewer for iPad: Open Panoramic X-Rays on iOS
Updated April 2026 · 5 min read
Dental imaging has evolved beyond traditional 2D X-rays. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides 3D volumetric data that's essential for implant planning, orthodontic analysis, and endodontic diagnosis. But viewing these scans has traditionally required expensive desktop software. MedScan changes that.
Dental Modalities MedScan Supports
Why iPad is Perfect for Dental Imaging
iPad's large Retina display makes it ideal for reviewing dental scans during consultations. Show patients their CBCT data in real-time, explain treatment plans, and measure implant sites — all without leaving the dental chair.
- Patient communication: Show 3D scans to patients to explain procedures visually
- Chairside review: Quick assessment without walking to a desktop workstation
- Implant planning: Measure bone height, width, and density with ruler and ROI tools
- Referral review: Open scans from oral surgeons, orthodontists, or imaging centers instantly
How to View CBCT on iPad
1. Export from your CBCT unit. Most dental CBCT machines (Planmeca, Carestream, Sirona, Vatech) export DICOM files. Save to USB, email, or cloud storage.
2. Transfer to iPad. Use AirDrop for instant wireless transfer, or open from iCloud/Google Drive.
3. Open in MedScan. The app auto-detects dental modality and configures appropriate tools. CBCT scans open in multi-panel MPR view by default.
4. Measure and analyze. Use ruler for linear measurements, angle tool for cephalometric analysis. AI analysis provides a structured report of findings.
The Empty Niche Problem
Before MedScan, dentists had very few options for viewing CBCT on iPad. Most dental DICOM viewers are desktop-only or have outdated mobile interfaces. The few mobile alternatives require uploading patient data to cloud servers — a significant HIPAA concern.
MedScan fills this gap: a modern, fast, offline-first dental DICOM viewer that works on both iPhone and iPad, with measurement tools precise enough for implant planning.
Supported CBCT Manufacturers
MedScan opens standard DICOM files from all major dental CBCT manufacturers: