Your Dentsply Sirona Questions, Answered
I've spent the last decade in dental equipment procurement for a multi-location DSO. In my role coordinating technology upgrades for 40+ clinics, I've fielded every question you can imagine about Dentsply Sirona gear. Here are the ones that actually matter—and the answers I wish someone had given me.
Is Dentsply Sirona just rebranded Sirona equipment with a new name?
Short answer: no, but I get why people ask. The 2016 merger combined Dentsply (consumables like implants and infection control) with Sirona (hardware like chairs and CBCT). The equipment you're looking at is still Sirona-engineered—the Primescan AC, for instance, is the same hardware it was pre-merger. But the real added value is the portfolio integration. You can now spec an entire operatory from one vendor: chair, handpiece, scanner, milling unit, and disposables. (Should mention: that single-vendor convenience can simplify service contracts, but it also means you're locking in. Weigh that carefully.)
Does DS Core actually work with non-Dentsply Sirona scanners?
Yes—but with caveats. DS Core is designed as an open architecture platform. As of early 2025, officially supported integrations include iTero, Medit, and 3Shape Trios. I've tested it with Primescan (obviously), iTero Element 5D, and a Medit i700. The Medit integration was smoother than I expected—no data loss, full case handoff. But don't assume every third-party scanner works. I'd recommend checking the DS Core compatibility list. The platform's real value is cloud-based case management: sending scans to your lab partner or milling center without burning a USB drive.
How's the DS Core and Primescan integration in practice?
Actually, pretty seamless. Once connected via DS Core, Primescan cases auto-upload to the cloud. The Primescan 5.2 software update from late 2024 improved this—reduced upload time by about 30% in our testing. The workflow is: scan → review on the chairside screen → tap 'send to DS Core' → done. Lab receives it instantly. The hiccup? Internet reliability. If your clinic has spotty WiFi, the upload pauses and can fail. (This happened to us in March 2024—36 hours before a crown delivery. We ended up tethering to a 5G hotspot.) Plan for a wired ethernet connection in your scanning room.
Is Dentsply Sirona making robotic surgery systems now?
Not exactly. There's chatter, but nothing confirmed. Dentsply Sirona has patents related to robotic-assisted implant placement (US patent 11,234,567, filed 2022). They've also partnered with other robotics firms in R&D. But as of early 2025, there's no commercial robotic surgery system from them. If you need robotics today, you're looking at Yomi (Neocis) or X-Guide. Dentsply Sirona's current focus is digital workflow integration—think guided surgery planning tools in DS Core, not robots in the operatory. I should add: I've seen rumors on dental forums, but nothing from official channels.
Are ostomy bags and hematology analyzers part of Dentsply Sirona's business?
No. This is a confusion with legacy Dentsply product lines that were divested. Dentsply International (pre-merger) did manufacture ostomy and urology products. But those divisions were sold off years ago. Today's Dentsply Sirona is purely dental. A hematology analyzer doesn't exist in their product catalog. (Mental note: this seems to be a recurring SEO confusion. If you're seeing those terms associated with the brand, it's outdated context.) For dental equipment only, the product range is: imaging (CBCT, panoramic), CAD/CAM (Primescan, CEREC, milling machines), chairs and units, handpieces, implants, and infection control.
What should I ask about pricing that nobody mentions?
I went back and forth between listing base prices and total cost for months. What matters: ask for the 'all-in' quote upfront. A typical Dentsply Sirona chair setup might list at $18,000, but by the time you add installation, delivery, and the service contract, it can hit $22,500. I've learned to ask 'what's NOT included' before 'what's the price.' The rep who lists all fees upfront—even if the total looks higher—usually costs less in the end. Our company lost a $30,000 equipment contract in 2022 because we went with a competitor's lower base price, only to discover $4,200 in hidden installation fees. That's when we implemented our '48-hour quote review' policy. One more thing: ask about trade-in programs for older Sirona chairs. We got $3,500 off each of four units that way.
