exocad GmbH

What exocad GmbH does

exocad GmbH is a Darmstadt, Germany-based developer of CAD/CAM software for digital dentistry, founded in 2010 and operating as a subsidiary of Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN). The company sells an open-architecture, hardware-neutral software platform spanning dental laboratories, clinicians, implantologists, DSOs, and integration partners, with core products DentalCAD (lab-side restoration design), ChairsideCAD (single-visit chairside design), exoplan (implant planning and surgical guide design), PartialCAD (removable partial denture frameworks), Smile Creator (aesthetic smile design), exocad ART (orthodontic-restorative combination), exocam (CAM production), and dentalshare (lab-clinic collaboration). The platform integrates with 35+ intraoral scanners and CBCTs, 40+ 3D printers, 360+ materials, 80,000+ prosthetic components, 16,000+ implants, 8,000+ tooth shapes, and 19 virtual articulators, making it the broadest open integration ecosystem in dental CAD/CAM.

The business model combines perpetual licenses with upgrade contracts (DentalCAD), subscription-only licensing for medical-device-classified products (ChairsideCAD, exoplan, required under EU Regulation 2017/745), usage-based AI services delivered through exocad Credits (AI Design, TruSmile Photo, TruSmile Video), and a pay-per-design TruDesign outsourcing service starting at $3.50 per case. Distribution is exclusively through a global network of authorized resellers, supplemented by a self-serve Webshop for existing customers; the company does not sell directly to end users. AI capabilities include generative crown design proposals in under two minutes, photorealistic smile visualization, AI-driven margin repair on imperfect scans, and automated dynamic occlusion — all monetized as recurring usage through the credit system. Localized versions exist in ten languages including English, German, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian, supporting operations across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific (with documented activity in Germany, the United States, China, Japan, and Spain).

The company maintains ongoing major-version releases (DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz in October 2025, PartialCAD 3.3 Chemnitz in 2026) and an annual Insights user conference, alongside partnerships with major implant manufacturers (Straumann, Dentsply Sirona, Zimmer Biomet, Camlog), material suppliers (Ivoclar, 3M, GC, Shofu, Vita), scanner and printer OEMs (Imes Icore, Roland DG, Stratasys), and software platforms (DEXIS IS Connect Cloud, DS Core Cloud, Align Digital Platform / iTero).

Name

exocad GmbH

Legal name

exocad GmbH

Website

https://exocad.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

exocad GmbH is a Darmstadt, Germany-based developer of open-architecture CAD/CAM software for digital dentistry, serving dental laboratories, clinicians, and implantologists worldwide through DentalCAD, ChairsideCAD, exoplan, and related products under parent Align Technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dental CAD/CAM Software

NAICS

Software Publishers (51321)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Prosthodontics & CAD/CAM Restorations (Chairside/Clinic-Based) (HLABAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Implant Prosthetics & Abutment Fabrication (HLABAJAC)

Keywords

• Dental CAD software
• Dental CAM software
• Implant planning software
• Chairside dentistry software
• Dental laboratory software

Headquarters

HQ city

Darmstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses (DentalCAD): DentalCAD software sold through perpetual licenses (with optional upgrade contracts) or subscription-based Flex Licenses. Perpetual licenses can be used indefinitely but require upgrade contracts for updates. Flex Licenses offer lower initial cost with full upgrade access included. Add-on modules (Implant Module, Bar Module, Full Denture Module, etc.) available for additional purchase.
2. Medical Device Software Subscriptions (ChairsideCAD, exoplan): ChairsideCAD and exoplan are classified as medical devices and are only available via subscription-based licensing models (no perpetual option). Subscriptions include maintenance and updates. According to EU Regulation 2017/745, medical devices must have determined lifetime, hence no indefinite-use licenses are offered.
3. AI Services (exocad Credits): AI-powered services including AI Design (1 credit per crown), TruSmile Photo (2 credits), and TruSmile Video (10 credits) are consumed via exocad Credits. Flex License holders receive 30 credits/month, Perpetual License holders receive 10 credits/month. Additional credits can be purchased at 1 EUR per credit.
4. TruDesign Service: CAD design outsourcing service where dental labs can send cases via dentalshare to exocad's qualified designers. Pricing starts at $3.50 per design for various indications including crowns, bridges, veneers, models, temporaries, mockups, bite splints, and smile designs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

exocad GmbH develops and sells CAD/CAM software for digital dentistry. Its portfolio includes DentalCAD for dental laboratories, ChairsideCAD for chairside single-visit dentistry, and exoplan for implant planning and surgical guide design, along with supporting modules (PartialCAD, Smile Creator, exocam) and AI services (AI Design, TruSmile Video and Photo). The software is sold via perpetual and subscription licenses and distributed exclusively through a global network of authorized resellers, with add-on modules and AI Credits available through a self-serve Webshop.

Product overview

exocad GmbH offers a modular CAD/CAM software platform for digital dentistry, serving dental laboratories, clinicians, and DSOs worldwide. The portfolio centers on DentalCAD (core lab software with major versions 3.3 Chemnitz and 3.2 Elefsina), which integrates with add-on modules including PartialCAD (partial framework design), Smile Creator Module (aesthetic smile design), and specialized modules for implants, bars, models, bite splints, provisionals, virtual articulation, jaw motion, DICOM viewing, tooth libraries, and nesting. ChairsideCAD provides single-visit chairside design for dental practices, while exoplan handles implant planning and surgical guide design. AI services (AI Design, TruSmile Video and Photo) are delivered via monthly exocad Credits for DentalCAD users in the EU and US. Supporting products include exocam (CAM production), dentalshare (case collaboration), exocad webview (3D viewing), TruDesign (outsourced design services), and exocad ART (orthodontic treatment). The platform is hardware-neutral, integrating with 35+ scanners, 40+ 3D printers, and 360+ materials from third-party manufacturers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DentalCAD: Leading CAD software for digital dentistry used by dental labs and clinics for designing dental restorations.
• ChairsideCAD
• PartialCAD
• exoplan
• exocad ART
• dentalshare
• Smile Creator
• exocam
• exocad webview
• TruSmile
• AI Design
• TruDesign

Products and services

• DentalCAD Leading white-label CAD software for dental laboratories providing an open platform for designing restorations including crowns, bridges, copings, veneers, inlays, onlays, pontics, provisionals, and removables. Features wizard-based guided workflows and expert mode for advanced customization, sold via perpetual and Flex subscription licenses with add-on modules.
• ChairsideCAD First complete open-architecture CAD software platform for single-visit dentistry, optimized for dental practices. Highly automated with wizard-guided workflows enabling clinicians to design crowns, bridges, copings, veneers, inlays, onlays, provisionals, and appliances chairside. Classified as a medical device and available only via subscription.
• exoplan High-performance, open-architecture implant planning and surgical guide design software with prosthetic-driven planning and seamless integration with DentalCAD. Provides access to a library of 16,000+ implants from manufacturers including Straumann, Dentsply Sirona, Zimmer, and Camlog. Classified as a medical device and available only via subscription.
• PartialCAD DentalCAD add-on module for designing high-quality removable partial denture frameworks, providing advanced design features for meshes, major connectors, clasps, lingual aprons, and finish lines, enabling digital design of components previously made in wax.
• exocad ART Software combining tooth alignment with restorative treatments for comprehensive dentistry, bringing restorative and orthodontic workflows closer together within the exocad ecosystem.
• AI Design AI-powered crown design proposal service generating accurate single and multi-unit crown designs tailored to patient anatomy, adjacent teeth, and occlusion. Configurable for preferred tooth libraries; crown proposals generated in under two minutes. Consumed via exocad Credits included with DentalCAD licenses.
• TruSmile Video and TruSmile Photo AI-powered visualization services creating photorealistic smile makeover previews. TruSmile Photo generates 2D image previews; TruSmile Video creates realistic simulation videos based on restoration designs and patient footage. Available via Smile Creator Module and consumed via exocad Credits.
• Smile Creator Module InCAD smile design solution for predictable aesthetic smile makeovers, integrated into DentalCAD. Combines 2D photos with 3D scan data for real-time smile visualization and includes AI Photo Analysis for automatic lip line detection and faster, automated workflows.
• TruDesign Professional CAD design outsourcing service operated by exocad, enabling dental laboratories to send cases to qualified designers via dentalshare for overflow, new indications, or expanded design capabilities. Pricing starts at $3.50 per design across multiple indications.
• exocam CAM technology seamlessly integrated with exocad CAD software, providing nesting, production queue management, material block management, automated toolpath creation, and milling simulation. Supports Imes Icore and Roland DG milling machines.
• dentalshare Multidirectional data transfer platform simplifying communication and collaboration between clinicians, dental technicians, production centers, and design service providers. Includes webview integration for sharing 3D previews on mobile devices.
• exocad webview Fast 3D viewer supporting all open file formats (STL, OBJ, PLY, WRL, OFF) on any mobile device or browser, available as web, iOS, Android, and Microsoft Store apps for case sharing and collaboration without registration.

Quantifiable outcome

• AI crown design proposals generated in under two minutes
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

AI capability10 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• DEXIScoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2026DEXIS expanded integrations with exocad as part of the IS Connect Cloud for Labs platform launch. The integration facilitates data exchange, case tracking, and workflow management between clinics and dental laboratories, strengthening the digital collaboration ecosystem.
• Amann GirrbachcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2026Integration partnership expanding DEXIS IS Connect Cloud capabilities with Amann Girrbach for seamless data exchange in dental laboratory workflows.
• StratasyscoreTechnology or Integration · 16 December 2025exocad and Stratasys collaborate to demonstrate design and 3D printing workflows for monolithic full-color dentures with zero assembly through joint webinars, highlighting advancements in dental 3D printing and CAD/CAM integration.
• Align TechnologyflagshipOthers · 3 December 2025Align Technology is the parent company of exocad. exocad operates as an independent subsidiary while benefiting from Align's resources and market position. exocad software including iTero-exocad Connector is showcased at Align events like the Greater New York Dental Meeting.
• Dentsply SironacoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with DS Core Cloud Platform enabling DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz to receive cases from Dentsply Sirona scanners and other connected systems.
• IvoclarcoreTechnology or IntegrationIvoclar's clinical process for digital dentures is supported by DentalCAD, including the Gnathometer CAD and UTS CAD integration for functional impression-taking and bite registration. Ivotion Denture System add-on available.
• StraumanncoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor implant manufacturer with components available in exocad's exoplan implant library for surgical guide design and prosthetic planning.
• Zimmer BiometcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor implant manufacturer with implant components included in exocad's comprehensive exoplan implant library.
• CamlogcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor implant manufacturer with implant library integration in exocad exoplan software for implant planning workflows.
• 3McoreTechnology or IntegrationMaterial manufacturer integrated into ChairsideCAD's open library of production materials for dental restorations.
• GCcoreTechnology or IntegrationDental material manufacturer integrated into ChairsideCAD's open material library.
• ShofucoreTechnology or IntegrationDental material manufacturer with products included in ChairsideCAD's open library for restorative materials.
• VitacoreTechnology or IntegrationDental material manufacturer with products integrated into ChairsideCAD's open material library for dental restorations.
• Imes IcorecoreTechnology or IntegrationMilling machine manufacturer supported by exocam CAM software (245i, 250i, 350i models).
• Roland DGcoreTechnology or IntegrationMilling machine manufacturer supported by exocam CAM software (DWX-4, DWX-4W, DWX-51D, DWX-50 models).
• EvidentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorth American design service partner available through dentalshare platform for dental lab CAD outsourcing.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• 3Shape: Denmark-based developer of dental CAD/CAM software (Dental System) and intraoral scanners (Trios). Closest direct competitor to exocad's DentalCAD and ChairsideCAD, serving the same dental laboratories and clinicians with similar open-architecture positioning.
• Planmeca: Finnish dental equipment and software company offering Romexis and PlanCAD software for dental imaging, CAD design, and implant planning. Comparable open-architecture CAD offering serving dental labs and clinics across restorative and implant workflows.
• Zirkonzahn: Italian provider of dental CAD software and milling systems, offering both CAD software and integrated hardware. Competes with exocad in the dental laboratory segment with comparable design capabilities for crowns, bridges, and implant prosthetics.
• Dental Wings: Canadian dental CAD/CAM software developer offering lab and clinic design tools with open scanner integration. Comparable product scope (crown/bridge, implant planning) and similar open-architecture philosophy targeting dental laboratories.

Broad incumbents

• Carestream Dental: Broader dental imaging and practice-management software portfolio (CS Solutions) with intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM capabilities. Competes at the intersection of imaging and design, overlapping with exocad's clinic-side workflows.
• Dentsply Sirona: Vertically integrated dental equipment and digital workflow provider with inLab (lab CAD) and CEREC (chairside CAD/CAM) competing directly against exocad. DS Core cloud platform and exclusive hardware bundling represent the most strategic competitive threat to exocad's open-platform model.
• Align Technology: Parent company of exocad and maker of iTero intraoral scanners and Invisalign clear aligners. Acts as both owner and adjacent competitor via iTero ecosystem, with iTero-exocad Connector integrating the two platforms.

Others

• Stratasys: Industrial and dental 3D printing partner of exocad, co-developing monolithic full-color denture workflows. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct CAD competitor, but materially shapes exocad's lab-side production story.
• Ivoclar: Dental materials and integrated clinical workflow provider (Ivotion Denture System, Gnathometer CAD, UTS CAD). Functions as both an integration partner supplying proprietary workflows for DentalCAD and an adjacent dental ecosystem player.

Emerging players

• Medit: South Korean intraoral scanner and CAD software provider that has rapidly gained share through aggressive pricing and open-architecture philosophy. Direct overlap with exocad in chairside scanner-driven CAD workflows.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/exocadofficial
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/exocadvideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/exocad
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/exocad-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about exocad GmbH