A shipping container that is configured to store, protect, and transport a dental impression is disclosed. The shipping container includes an exterior surface that encloses an interior area； a support located within the interior area that is configured to receive an impression tray that includes a patient's dental impression； and a means attached to or integrally formed with the support that is configured to hold the impression tray in place on the support and to position the impression tray in a standardized orientation. The shipping container, including its exterior surface and internal support(s), are made of a material that will not interfere with a selected non-invasive imaging scan. The shipping container is configured and used to obtain a digital scan of the dental impression, without the need to open the shipping container or directly handle the dental impression.
