Large Lab Setup Recommendations for 3Shape Dental System

04 June 2026 | Updated 12.6.2026

This article provides recommendations and best practices for creating a stable and high-performance large lab setup for users running 3Shape Dental System with appropriate server infrastructure, client workstations, and network architecture.

This guide covers:

  1. Standalone and client-server installations
  2. Recommended infrastructure for large labs
  3. SQL database considerations
  4. Licensing and multidongle setups
  5. Network and storage recommendations
  6. Backup and security considerations
  7. Performance optimization best practices

Overview of Dental System Installation Types

Standalone Installation

A standalone installation is recommended when all 3Shape Dental System applications are intended to run on a single computer.

In this setup:

  1. The software is installed locally on the workstation
  2. The order database is stored locally
  3. All design and scanning operations are performed on the same PC

Standalone installations are recommended for:

  1. Single-user environments
  2. Small labs
  3. Scanner-only setups

Advantages:

  1. Simple setup and maintenance
  2. No network dependency
  3. Lower infrastructure requirements

Limitations:

  1. No centralized order sharing
  2. No simultaneous multi-user workflow
  3. Limited scalability

Client-Server Installation

A client-server installation allows multiple workstations to share the same Dental System environment across a local network. 

This setup enables several operators to:

  1. Create & design orders
  2. Scan cases
  3. Access shared material configurations
  4. Work simultaneously within the same production environment

In this configuration:

  1. The server hosts the shared Dental System environment, including the database, shared folders, and centralized configurations. Client workstations access these shared resources through the local network
  2. The order database is stored on the server
  3. Shared folders are mapped as network drives for the client workstations
  4. Client PCs access the centralized software and order database

After completing a server installation, a dedicated client installer becomes available on the server desktop and can be used for deploying client workstations.

Advantages:

  1. Centralized data management
  2. Shared workflow across multiple users
  3. Improved production efficiency
  4. Easier administration and backup management
  5. Better scalability for medium and large laboratories

Possible Client-Server Setups

Single Server Deployment

This is the most common setup for medium-sized laboratories that includes single server solution with all client PCs connected to this server. 

Configuration:

  1. 1 Server
  2. 1 Database
  3. 1 Shared Material Configuration
  4. Multiple Client PCs

In this setup:

  1. All users connect to a single Dental System server
  2. All data is stored centrally
  3. Material configurations are shared across the environment

This setup is recommended for:

  1. Small and medium laboratories
  2. Labs with unified workflows
  3. Environments with fewer than 20 simultaneous client connections

Multiple Server Deployment

Large labs or educational institutions may benefit from splitting workflows across multiple servers.

In this setup:

  1. Multiple Dental System servers are deployed
  2. Each server has its own database and material configuration
  3. Different departments or workflows can operate independently

Advantages:

  1. Better scalability
  2. Reduced server workload
  3. Workflow isolation
  4. Improved performance in large production environments

Supported Deployment Options

The following configurations are supported within a client-server environment:

  1. Local USB dongles connected directly to the server
  2. Network dongle service running on a dedicated PC

Local SQL database installation or remote Microsoft SQL Server installation. The SQL database should either be installed on the Dental System server or be accessible and available to the server over the network.

Subscriptions are shared across all connected client workstations (e.g. a single CAD license can be used from any connected client workstation). Available client seats are aggregated across connected dongles

Deployments with More Than 20 Client Workstations

Large production labs may require more than 20 client workstations.

Windows desktop operating systems (Windows 10/11 Pro) support a maximum of 20 simultaneous SMB inbound connections. Laboratories with more than 20 concurrently connected client workstations should consider one of the deployment strategies below.

Option 1 – Installing Windows Server OS on a server PC and connecting the rest of the PCs (running on standard Windows versions) as the clients: 

3Shape Dental System officially supports Windows Server for its centralized client/server setups. For environments with a large number of client workstations, a dedicated server running Windows Server OS is recommended. In this setup, the server hosts the Dental System environment, database, and shared resources, while scanning and design activities are performed on client workstations. 

Option 2 – Splitting server-client installations:

In this deployment model, a dedicated database server hosts the Dental Manager SQL database only, without a Dental System installation. Multiple Dental System servers connect to this centralized database, and client workstations can connect to any of the available Dental System servers during installation. 

Below scheme shows an example of such setup:

Advantages:

  1. Improved scalability
  2. Reduced workload per server
  3. Better performance distribution
  4. Easier departmental separation

Database Recommendations

3Shape Dental System supports both:

  1. Local SQL database connections
  2. Remote SQL database connections

However, the recommended configuration is to have SQL database installed locally on the server hosting the Dental System environment. This configuration generally provides the best performance and lowest latency.

SQL Server Configuration

On the database server, the following services must be running: SQL Server (THREESHAPEDENTAL) & SQL Server Browser. These services can be managed using SQL Server Configuration Manager.

To allow communication over the network, the TCP/IP protocol must be enabled for the SQL Server. This is done in the “SQL Server Configuration Manager” by selecting the “SQL Server network Configuration” option and double clicking the “TCP/IP” option to enable it:

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

For optimal performance, 3Shape recommends hosting the SQL database locally on the Dental System server unless infrastructure scaling or workload distribution requires a dedicated database server.

Cloud License Configuration

Starting from 3Shape Dental System 2024, Cloud License is available as an alternative to physical USB dongles.

Cloud License transitions software licensing from physical dongles to a 3Shape Account-based system, providing more flexible and centralized license management. Instead of relying on a physical dongle, users can access their licenses by signing in with their 3Shape Account.

This approach simplifies license administration and provides additional flexibility for laboratories operating multiple workstations or large client-server environments.

Key advantages of Cloud License include:

  1. No dependency on physical USB dongles that can be lost, damaged, or misplaced
  2. Remote license management and seamless license updates
  3. Access to licenses across multiple devices using a 3Shape Account
  4. Centralized overview of purchased software modules and subscriptions
  5. Simplified administration for large laboratories and multi-user environments

For labs using multiple dongles, Cloud License also supports license consolidation. Multiple dongles can be migrated to the corresponding Cloud License subscriptions, combining all modules, saves/CAD points, and client seats into one account-based license setup.

This can significantly simplify license management in larger environments by reducing the number of physical devices required for daily operation.

An active internet connection and a valid 3Shape Account are required for Cloud License activation and license synchronization. 

NOTE: Cloud license for 3Shape products supports offline mode and can work without internet connection for up to 10 days. However, certain functionalities (e.g., CAD point consumption, Automate, saves) will be limited and will require restoring connection.

For more information about Cloud License in Dental System see: FAQ: Cloud License Transition in 3Shape Dental System

For a detailed overview of migration process see: Dental System Cloud License Migration Process

Multidongle Configurations

A multidongle configuration refers to multiple dongles connected simultaneously to a single server or workstation. These dongles may contain identical or different license configurations, and available client seats are aggregated across all connected dongles.

Important multidongle considerations:

  1. All dongles should be connected to the server PC
  2. Client workstations must be connected to the same local network
  3. Up to 200 dongles can be attached to a single server

The number of available seats and saves can be checked using the local dongle status page:

http://localhost:27027

Pre-Installation Requirements

Meeting the recommended hardware and infrastructure requirements is essential for achieving:

  1. Stable operation
  2. Fast scanning and design performance
  3. Reliable multi-user workflows
  4. Long-term scalability

Performance should be evaluated separately for:

  1. Server hardware
  2. Client workstations
  3. Network infrastructure
  4. Storage performance

A reliable network infrastructure is critical for large Dental System deployments.

Recommended network requirements:

  1. Wired Ethernet network only
  2. Minimum 1 Gbps network speed
  3. 10 Gbps backbone recommended for large laboratories
  4. Managed network switches recommended
  5. Low-latency local network environment
  6. Static IP addresses recommended for servers

Important recommendations:

  1. Wi-Fi is not recommended for server or scanner communication
  2. VPN connections are not recommended for active scanning or design workflows
  3. NAS devices should not be used as primary live databases unless fully validated by the customer’s IT department
  1. Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) / Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
  2. Memory (RAM): 32GB (or 64GB for simultaneous scanning and modeling of large cases)
  3. Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce or NVIDIA Quadro
  4. Storage Media: 250GB SSD, 500GB SSD or 1TB SSD (if used as a stand-alone system or a server with the order folder)
  5. Available HDD / SSD Space: Minimum of 20GB of free disk space
  6. Processor: Intel Core i5 Gen 12 or higher / Intel Core i7 Gen 10 or higher
  7. Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080 / 1920 x 1200
  8. Network: Internet connection / Separate ethernet connector for the scanner

 

 

Please use the link below to know more about the sharing and setting permissions for Dental System components: 

What folders are shared during Dental System Server installation

 

Please use the link below to know more about the Firewall rules & ports for 3Shape Dental System: 

What are the firewall rules for 3Shape Dental System

 

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