How to back up dental imaging properly
Imaging is the data clinics most often lose. Here is what a good imaging backup looks like.
Know where images live
Imaging software often stores files in a separate folder or server from the practice database. List every location.
Back up the images and the database together
Restoring one without the other can leave images that won't attach to patients.
Keep a fast local copy
For quick restores of a single image or a failed workstation.
Keep an off-site copy
For fire, theft and ransomware. It must be out of reach of the clinic network.
Check it every night
Someone should confirm last night's backup actually finished.
Test a restore twice a year
Open restored images in the imaging software, not just the files on disk.
Plan for growth
CBCT and intraoral scans grow storage fast. Size backups for next year, not this one.
Write it down
Document how to restore, so it does not depend on one person.
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