Ask Marty: I am getting emails with digital images attached as .dex files. How do I open them?

Q: With increasing frequency I receive emails with digital images attached. The file extension is .dex. Is there any software out there on the Internet that I can use to open these files? Or is it easy for the dental office to convert the file to a type that is more common?

A: The great thing is that digital images are more available -- currently about 70% of dental offices in the U.S. are now using digital radiography. The down side is that many offices are not properly trained on how to share these images with other dental offices.

We have all seen the poorly printed radiographs on standard paper and even on photographic paper. In most cases, these copies are useless. I would much prefer the office send me the digital files. However, the sending office in many cases is poorly trained and can only print the radiographs.

The direct answer to your question is that the files with the .dex extension you are receiving are from offices using the DEXIS radiography system. The problem is the lack of training. When sent using the DEXIS file format to another dental office using DEXIS, this preserves the ability to enhance the radiograph within DEXIS.

But what if you don't have DEXIS? The sending office should convert the images to a JPEG (.jpg) prior to sending. You can ask that they follow the procedure I have listed below in order to send you images you can use:

Click on the Export icon, click on email, then click on DEXIS (.DEX) format to send to doctors who have DEXIS; click on JPEG (.JPG) to send to non-DEXIS doctors. Select images by checking their boxes, click on Export Images. A message in your email program is automatically generated with the selected images attached. Choose a recipient, add a message, and send.

We all should be using a format that is compliant with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard. DICOM is a standard for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. Unfortunately, the digital radiography companies have not incorporated this easy-to-use, free standard into their software.

And remember: When sending patient information digitally, make sure you are doing so in a HIPAA-compliant manner.

Marty Jablow, DMD, lectures and consults extensively about integrating technologies into the modern dental practice (www.dentaltechnologycoach.com). If you have a technology question for Dr. Jablow, send it to [email protected].

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, product, or organization.