How to Create Custom X-Ray Templates in Dexis

If you take the same X-ray series over and over again in Dexis, creating a custom template can save you a lot of time.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to create your own X-ray templates in Dexis, how to customize the order, and how to use them during patient appointments.

Why Create Custom X-Ray Templates in Dexis?

Dexis already comes with standard templates like:

Bitewings
Vertical bitewings
Full mouth series (FMX)
Single tooth

But in real practice, we don’t always take “standard” series.

For example, I frequently take:

4 bitewings
3 anterior PAs

Instead of manually selecting each image every time, you can create a custom template that runs automatically.

This saves time, keeps your workflow consistent, and reduces errors.

Step 1: Open Dexis Preferences

To create a custom template:

Click the Dexis logo in the upper right corner
Select Preferences
Go to the Dexray tab

This is where all of your X-ray series settings live.

Step 2: Open X-Ray Series Settings

In the Dexray tab:

Find “X-ray series”
Click the dropdown arrow (triangle)

This opens the screen where you can:

View existing templates
Edit the order of images
Create new templates

Step 3: (Optional) Edit Existing Templates

Before creating a new one, it’s worth knowing:

You can also adjust existing templates like:

FMX
Bitewings
Vertical bitewings

If your office takes images in a different order than the default, you can change that here.

Step 4: Create a Custom X-Ray Template

To create your own template:

Click into an open template field
Type a name for your template
- Example: 4 Bitewings + PAs

Then you’ll enter the tooth numbers for each image.

Step 5: Enter Tooth Numbers (This Is the Key Part)

This is what controls the sequence.

Enter tooth numbers in the exact order you want to take the X-rays
Use a space between each set
No commas or special characters needed

Example Template:

Bitewings:
- 1–30
- 3–28
- 12–19
- 14–17
Anterior PAs:
- 10–11
- 6–7
- 24–25

When entered correctly, Dexis will automatically move through this sequence during capture.

Step 6: Save Your Template

Once everything is entered:

Click Done

Your template is now saved and ready to use.

Step 7: Use Your Template When Taking X-Rays

When you’re ready to take images:

Click the radiation button
Select your custom template

Dexis will:

Start at the first image
Automatically move through the sequence
Guide you through the entire series

No more manually clicking each exposure.

Real Example: 4 Bitewings + 3 Anterior PAs

This is one of the most useful setups in practice.

Instead of:

Selecting 4 bitewings
Then switching to PAs
Then selecting each anterior

You click once—and Dexis runs the full series for you.

Important Limitation (Know This Before You Set It Up)

Dexis only allows 4 total templates.

So if you’re already using:

FMX
Bitewings
Vertical bitewings

You may only have room for one additional custom template.

Choose the one you use most often.

Final Thoughts

If you’re doing the same X-ray series regularly, setting up a custom template is one of the easiest ways to improve your workflow.