Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Types of Software Do Dental Practices Use?
In today’s era of modern dentistry, a variety of software solutions are utilized to streamline operations and enhance patient care. These most commonly include:
Dental Practice Management Software (PMS)
PMS is the backbone of any dental practice, providing an integrated solution for scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and tracking revenue. Allowing teams to streamline daily operations, reduce manual tasks, and optimize staff productivity.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Software
EHR systems facilitate the management of patient health information, including medical history, treatment plans, and progress notes. These digital records improve collaboration among dental professionals and ensure that accurate, up-to-date patient data is always accessible.
Imaging Software
This type of software is specifically designed to manage, store, and analyze dental radiographs and images, such as X-rays, intraoral scans, and 3D CBCT scans. Dental imaging software often includes image enhancement tools and integration with other systems, enabling efficient diagnostic processes and treatment planning.
Charting Software
Dental charting software provides a digital solution for creating and maintaining periodontal and restorative charts. It allows for accurate and efficient documentation of clinical findings and treatment progress, facilitating better patient education and communication.
Accounting Software
Efficient financial management is crucial for the success of a dental practice. Accounting software tailored for dental practices helps manage accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and financial reporting.
Marketing and Reputation Management Software
In an increasingly competitive market, dental practices need to attract and retain patients. Marketing and reputation management software provides tools for managing online presence, monitoring patient reviews, and automating targeted marketing campaigns.
The Latest Advancements in Dental Software Technology
In recent years, we’ve witnessed remarkable orthodontic technology advancements, such as AI orthodontics, that are making leaps and bounds in the dental industry. that are making leaps and bounds in the dental industry.
One such leap is the advent of cloud-based dental software. Cloud technology provides a seamless and efficient way for dental practices to synchronize their data, access it from anywhere, and collaborate effortlessly. This aligns well with the concept of digital bonding systems, further innovating dental practice methodologies.
Another fascinating development is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI); opening up exciting new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment planning. AI-powered algorithms can now analyze dental radiographs and images with incredible speed and accuracy, identifying pathologies and anomalies that might have been missed by the human eye. These algorithms also enable more precise measurements, facilitating better treatment outcomes and more predictable results.
Embracing these advancements is not only an opportunity but also an imperative for dental practices seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape.
How to Choose a Dental Practice Software?
Selecting the ideal dental practice software is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your daily operations and overall patient experience, but with so many options available, how can you be sure which will be the best fit? To make the best choice, consider the following key factors:
Begin by assessing your practice’s current challenges and pain points, as well as your short-term and long-term goals. Identify the areas where software can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, or improve patient care. This will provide a clear roadmap for the features and functionality you need to be looking for.
Make a list of essential features you require. Focus on the core functionalities that directly impact your practice’s efficiency and patient satisfaction while also considering any specialized tools specific to your area of dentistry.
The user experience should be a priority when selecting dental software. A user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation can save your team valuable time and reduce the learning curve. Opt for software that offers comprehensive training and support to ensure a smooth transition for your staff.
As your practice grows, your dental software should be able to accommodate the increasing demands. Look for a solution that can easily scale to handle a larger patient base, additional practitioners, and more complex workflows.
Ideally, your chosen software should integrate seamlessly with your existing equipment and systems, such as imaging devices and EHR systems. This will help by enabling a smooth data exchange, minimizing manual data entry, and reducing the risk of errors.
The protection of sensitive patient data is paramount. Ensure your chosen software solution adheres to industry standards for data security and complies with regulations such as HIPAA.
Dependable customer support is fundamental for successful implementation, adoption, and ongoing maintenance. Choose a vendor that provides prompt, reliable support through multiple channels.
Why trust Scopic’s Top Dental Software Picks?
Our team of professionals has not only built cutting-edge dental software programs but has also collaborated closely with dental practitioners to understand the unique challenges and requirements within the industry. After 15+ years of hands-on experience in building solutions for the dental industry, our deep understanding of the intricacies of modern dentistry has positioned us as a trusted voice in the realm of dental software. We’re not just software experts; we’re passionate about empowering dental professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients. Please note that this article is not sponsored and the recommendations provided are solely based on our experiences and expertise.
If you’d like to learn more about the previous projects we’ve worked on in the dental industry, we invite you to check out our orthodontics and dental software portfolio.
Our Top 10 Picks for Dental Software Solutions
Dentrix
Dentrix, by Henry Schein One, is a leading dental practice management software that combines technology with connected workflows to help dentists expand and grow their practices. With over 20 years of experience and numerous awards, Dentrix has established itself as a reliable and trusted practice management system. Its wide range of products, such as Dentrix G7, Ascend, and Enterprise, cater to different practice needs, from single-location practices to large, multi-location enterprises. Dentrix G7, the most popular offering, is designed for Windows users and boasts a robust set of features, including patient engagement tools, appointment scheduling, charting, billing, and reporting.
While Dentrix has an extensive user base, it does have a steeper learning curve for new users compared to more lightweight alternatives. Some may also find the user interface to be dated when compared to newer systems on the market.
Key Features:
Two-way Texting and Automated Reminders
Patient Kiosk
Charting & Treatment Planning
Perio Charting
ePrescriptions
Credit Card Processing
Credit Balance Management
Automatic eClaims Attachments
Advantages of Dentrix
- Industry-leading dental practice management software with over 20 years of experience.
- Robust patient engagement tools, including two-way texting and automated reminders.
- Streamlined patient check-in with Dentrix Patient Kiosk.
- Comprehensive charting and treatment planning capabilities with odontogram and perio charting features.
- Integrated ePrescribe module for ePrescription writing and management.
- Dentrix Pay for seamless credit card processing within the software.
- Dentrix Ascend, a cloud-based solution for modern practice management.
What users have to say
Curve Dental
Founded in 2005, Curve Dental is an innovative, web-based dental practice management software (PMS) designed for direct use in a web browser, eliminating the need for local server installation. As a cloud-based solution, it offers dentists flexibility and accessibility, allowing secure access to schedules and patient records from any location while saving time and resources associated with server setup and maintenance. Data is securely backed up in a HIPAA-compliant manner, removing the need for expensive hardware or IT staff.
Curve provides numerous features to help dental practices transition to a paperless system, including an integrated patient portal, cloud-based imaging technology, a user-friendly interface, and a comprehensive suite of features for managing daily tasks. With integrated imaging, charting, and treatment plans, Curve offers a seamless experience in managing patient records. The color-coded appointment system streamlines scheduling, and the billing module integrates efficiently with the software for financial management. Overall, Curve is an ideal choice for solo practitioners seeking a modern, web-based solution.
Key Features:
Charting and Perio Charting
Scheduling
Billing
Patient Portal
Dental reporting
Payment Processing
Imaging
ePrescriptions
- Accessible from any location with internet connection, allowing for flexibility and convenience in managing your dental practice.
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant data storage and automatic backups across multiple servers, eliminating the need for local server maintenance and expensive hardware.
- Seamless integration of imaging, charting, and treatment plan modules for streamlined patient record management.
- Color-coded, feature-rich appointment system that simplifies scheduling and registration processes.
- Patient portal and cloud-based imaging technology contribute to a paperless practice by enabling patients to fill forms and pay bills online.
- A flexible reporting system that allows for custom report generation and analysis of various practice performance metrics.
- Integration with LocalMed for accepting patient appointments online, enhancing practice accessibility for patients.
- Capability to send ePrescriptions to any pharmacy in the US, promoting efficiency and compliance with regulations like New York’s I-STOP law.
What users have to say
Eaglesoft
Eaglesoft, developed by Patterson Dental, is a widely recognized dental practice management software system that caters to both the clinical and front office needs of dental practices. Its popularity stems from its feature-rich offerings, which include intuitive charting, perio charting, treatment plans, imaging integration, document storage, scheduling, and reporting. By incorporating all these essential aspects within the software, Eaglesoft helps streamline dental practice management and creates a more efficient workflow for both new and experienced staff members.
Despite being a locally hosted solution, Eaglesoft is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration of various modules. This software makes charting and treatment planning a breeze while offering compatibility with different digital imaging solutions. The SmartDoc feature allows for effective document management, whereas the OnSchedule module simplifies appointment management with its color-coded system and advanced scheduling options. Eaglesoft’s extensive reporting capabilities enable dental practices to analyze performance, insurance reimbursements, and patient demographics for strategic decision-making and targeted marketing efforts.
Key Features:
Scheduling
Appointment Management
Patient Records Management
Confirmation/Reminders
Charting
Claims Management
Imaging and X-rays
Treatment Planning
Medical Billing
Billing & Invoicing
Client Portal
Calendar Management
Client Management
- Intuitive charting with integrated treatment plans, imaging, and billing modules for a seamless workflow.
- Perio charting capabilities for comprehensive periodontal assessment and monitoring.
- Easy creation and presentation of multiple treatment plans with cost estimates and insurance information.
- Compatibility with various digital image solutions for seamless integration with existing hardware.
- SmartDoc feature for efficient document storage and management within the software.
- Robust OnSchedule module for color-coded appointment booking and advanced scheduling features.
- Extensive reporting capabilities, including the “Money Finder” tool for custom queries and in-depth practice analysis.
What users have to say
Denticon
Denticon, by Planet DDS, is yet another great cloud-based solution. It is highly scalable, making an ideal choice for growing, multi-location practices. One of Denticon’s key strengths lies in its reporting capabilities, which offer a consolidated view of performance across multiple offices. This is especially beneficial for multi-location practices that need to aggregate data from different locations.
Additionally, Planet DDS provides “Virtual Business Services,” allowing practices to outsource certain administrative tasks, such as insurance verifications, claims submission, and fee schedule entry. Its web-based nature ensures accessibility and security, with options to limit access to certain data types or locations for added security. It also offers additional modules, such as Dentiray for imaging and Dentigram for patient communication, further enhancing the software’s capabilities and user experience.
Key Features:
Easy-to-Use Scheduler
Online Patient Tools
Revenue Cycle Management & Insurance
Centralized Reporting
Multi-Specialty Functionality
Streamlined Clinical Workflow
Integrated Dental Imaging With AI
Intuitive Patient Engagement
- Scalable solution ideal for growing multi-location dental practices.
- Unified platform streamlining management of appointments, charting, billing, claims, and reporting.
- Web-based access allowing dentists and staff to access the software from any device with internet connectivity.
- Virtual Business Services (VBS) for outsourcing administrative tasks on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- Advanced security settings to protect sensitive patient data and ensure HIPAA compliance.
- Compatibility with over 96% of all imaging hardware through Dentiray, the Denticon imaging bridge.
- Dentigram, a patient communication solution for improved patient retention and engagement.
What users have to say
Dentimax
DentiMax offers a fully integrated practice management solution, serving dental practices for over 12 years. It provides a seamless user experience with its intuitive Windows-like interface, making it easy to navigate and manage daily workflows. From scheduling and billing to imaging and charting, as well as e-prescribing, DentiMax centralizes everything to facilitate a paperless transition for your staff.
The software is available in both local installation and cloud-based options, with the latter providing automatic data encryption and backup. Moreover, should you decide to leave DentiMax, they will provide your data in a CSV format via a secure encrypted connection for free. Key features include a robust appointment book, integrated texting, imaging with their proprietary Dream Sensor, comprehensive charting, efficient billing, and an extensive suite of reporting tools.
Key Features:
Practice Management
Health Maintenance
Billing / Invoicing
Claims Management
Order Management
Scheduling
e-Prescribing
Revenue Cycle Management
Access Control
On-Premise Platform
Document Management / Sharing
Automatic Notifications
- Intuitive Windows-like interface for seamless navigation and workflow management.
- Centralized system for scheduling, billing, imaging, charting, and e-prescribing.
- Cloud-based solution offering data encryption, backup, and remote accessibility.
- Free provision of data in CSV format via a secure encrypted connection upon leaving the service.
- Robust appointment book with informative patient record links and key financial information display.
- Integrated texting for appointment reminders, recall reminders, and personalized birthday greetings.
- Compatibility with a wide range of digital sensors, including their proprietary Dream Sensor.
- Comprehensive charting capabilities, including periodontal charting and perio graph comparisons.
- Efficient billing module with automatic claim validation to reduce insurance denials.
- Customizable reporting suite to help identify opportunities for business improvement.
What users have to say
Ace Dental
ACE Dental software is a user-friendly solution that caters to dental practices of all sizes and specialties, such as orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. With its robust feature set, ACE Dental enables practices to manage appointments, billing, and employee tasks seamlessly.
The software boasts a unique offering as it allows users to access the same set of features regardless of whether they choose a local or cloud-based database. This flexibility enables practices to switch between the two options as needed. Additionally, ACE Dental can be installed on a single computer or networked across multiple devices, with compatibility extending to mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, and Android phones. The optional clinical charting suite comprises 3D restorative charting, visual treatment planning, auto-clinical notes, and mixed dentition, among other features. The software also assists in employee management, payment and billing, and patient engagement, streamlining the overall dental practice management experience.
Key Features:
Claim Filing
Reporting & Analytics
Billing Model Management
Payment Processing
Invoicing & Billing
Shift Management
Treatment Planning
Dental Charting
- User-friendly interface, suitable for dental practices of all sizes and specialties.
- Same feature set available in both local and cloud-based database options, allowing for easy migration.
- Compatibility with various devices, including desktop computers, iPads, iPhones, and Android phones.
- Optional clinical charting suite with 3D restorative charting, visual treatment planning, and more.
- Streamlined administrative tasks, including appointment scheduling, insurance claims management, and integrated word processing.
- Comprehensive employee management tools, such as time clocks and room-to-room chat.
- Enhanced patient engagement with automated email appointment reminders, patient statements, and popup reminders.
What users have to say
Open Dental
Open Dental is another favorite among the dental community. It is a locally hosted, non-cloud dental practice management software that prioritizes user control over data. Unlike many competitors that store data in proprietary databases, the software utilizes MySQL, allowing users easy access to their data for custom reporting and easy transfer to other software providers. While this grants greater control, it also requires users to manage their own data storage and backup strategies. Despite being designed as server-based software, it can still be hosted on the cloud, with a small number of users opting for this option.
The open-source nature of the software allows for extensive customization, enabling users to develop bridges to other programs, tailor module settings, and create custom reports. The software’s commitment to user control and customization makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a locally-hosted solution.
Key Features:
Imaging
Billing & Insurance Claims
Charting
Treatment Plans
Scheduling
Reporting
- Complete control over data with access to the MySQL database for customized reporting and seamless data transfer to other software providers.
- Open-source software allowing for custom bridges, integrations, and tailored module settings to suit individual practice workflows.
- Affordable pricing with unlimited support and frequent software updates, ensuring smooth operation and high priority feature additions.
- Over 2000 query examples for powerful, detailed reporting, with the option to construct custom SQL queries or enlist Open Dental’s experts for assistance.
- Trial version with test data conversion, enabling users to assess the software’s suitability for their practice before making a purchase.
- Robust Chart module, featuring 3D tooth charts, multiple note sections, customizable appearance and functionality, and time-saving features such as Quick Pace notes and Auto Notes.
- Extensive patient registration options, including online forms and in-office kiosks that automatically integrate with the Open Dental system.
What users have to say
Tab32
Tab32 is a patient-centric practice management platform, designed for single, mobile, and group practices. As a cloud-based dental EHR and practice management software, it provides a multitude of tools for managing various aspects of dental practice, such as appointment scheduling, treatment planning, charting, documents and images, and patient communications. The shared patient database allows multiple practice locations to access the same patient data, making it suitable for practices of all sizes.
Users can easily manage appointments, scheduling, treatment planning, and more with the built-in EHR system. The platform offers several methods of communication with patients, including two-way text messaging, VoIP telephony, and appointment reminders. Additional features include practice management, X-ray capabilities, electronic claims, and a practice analytics dashboard. Although there is a learning curve to fully understand the platform’s numerous features, comprehensive onboarding training, and an intuitive user interface make it easy to navigate once users are familiar with the system.
Key Features:
Treatment Planing
Charting
Imaging
Image Analysis
2D Drawing
Patient Record Management
Appointment Management
Claims Management
- Offers seamless access to patient data from any location, reducing dependence on physical servers and streamlining workflows.
- Facilitates efficient information sharing among multiple practice locations, enhancing collaboration and data consistency.
- Enhances patient engagement through two-way text messaging, VoIP telephony, and automated appointment reminders.
- Provides dynamic, intelligent reporting and KPI tracking for data-driven decision-making and practice growth.
- Allows for greater adaptability by enabling practices to tailor the software to their specific needs and processes.
- Optimizes appointment bookings to better serve patients and improve practice efficiency.
- Simplifies image capture and management with Cloud Xray, including offline mode for mobile practices or connectivity loss.
- Ensures a smooth transition by assisting with data migration and comprehensive onboarding training.
What users have to say
Carestack
CareStack is an all-in-one, cloud-based dental practice management system designed to streamline the operations of small to medium-sized dental practices. The platform has gained a reputation for its customer-centric approach, with over half of its new features being recommendations from existing customers and a remarkable average customer support response time of under 30 seconds.
It includes a full-featured patient portal, which enables patients to request appointments, make payments, and view treatment history, among other actions. The platform’s robust patient engagement capabilities allow for paperless intake, branded communications, and HIPAA-compliant two-way communication through email and text. Additionally, the advanced marketing functionality allows for targeted campaigns based on a variety of patient dimensions. The software also offers efficient appointment scheduling and a comprehensive billing system, complete with claims management and reporting, while real-time business analytics and customizable dashboards ensure dental practices can monitor and optimize their operations effectively.
Key Features:
Insurance Verification
Charting
Clinical Notes
Digital Imaging
Treatment Planning
Insurance Claims Management
Revenue Cycle Management
Analytics & Reporting
Pay-By-Text
Patient Record Management
Patient Portal
Patient Kiosk
Reputation Management
Teledentistry
Credit Card Processing
- Cloud-based all-in-one solution, reducing the need for multiple software subscriptions.
- Powerful and targeted patient engagement tools for personalized communication.
- Exceptional customer focus, with over half of new features based on user recommendations.
- Quick customer support response times, averaging under 30 seconds.
- Bespoke software implementation tailored to each dental practice’s unique needs.
- Full-featured, user-friendly patient portal supporting paperless intake and various patient actions.
- Customizable notes and charting with advanced features for improved efficiency and compliance.
- Integrated billing and claims management with DentalXChange partnership.
- Real-time, customizable business analytics dashboards for informed decision-making.
What users have to say
ABELDent
Key Features:
Inventory Management
Appointment Management
Appointment Reminders
Patient Account Management
Treatment Planning
Clinical Charting
Imaging
Claims Management
Patient Billing
Patient Records Management
- A comprehensive platform that covers scheduling, automated messaging, reminders, and more.
- Includes patient messaging and patient-facing digital forms that integrate with existing patient charts, reducing manual effort and data redundancy.
- Its integration with Microsoft Power BI allows users to generate reports, KPIs, and dashboards
- Offers features that support an entirely paperless practice.
- A wide range of features that cater to various aspects of dental practice management, such as appointment scheduling, campaign management, EMR/EHR, and physician management
What users have to say
Custom Dental Software Development Solutions
In an industry as dynamic and specialized as dentistry, opting for a custom-developed dental software solution can offer marked advantages over choosing an off-the-shelf software solution. While existing vendor solutions cater to a broad range of requirements, sometimes it’s necessary to deviate from the beaten path and create something truly unique. By tailoring software to the specific requirements of their patients and staff, dental practices can create a seamless experience that leaves a lasting impression.
At Scopic, we understand the importance of personalized tools that will enhance your practice’s efficiency, patient experience, and overall success. With a diverse skill set spanning design, development, and marketing, Scopic brings a holistic approach to the table, ensuring that every element of your software is built with the bigger picture in mind.
Take a look at our portfolio and you’ll see the tangible benefits of custom dental software development. For instance, OrthoSelect, a dental business that was on the verge of closing, turned its fortunes around by partnering with remote developers. The result was an efficient and powerful digital orthodontic study model system that saved the company. Similarly, ShadeWave, an innovative dental application, transformed into an industry leader with the help of offshore developers who created a cutting-edge dental shade matching system.
Final Thoughts
The world of dental software has seen significant advancements, offering dental practices the opportunity to streamline their operations, enhance patient care, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Selecting the right dental software program is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the success of your practice. But by understanding the different types of software available, staying informed about the latest innovations, and considering the essential factors when making your choice, you will be well-equipped to invest in a solution that aligns with your practice’s unique needs and goals.
Does your practice need a more nuanced solution than off-the-shelf vendors can offer?
We can help. Contact us and let’s discuss a truly tailored way forward.
This guide was authored by Courtney Schwikkard, and reviewed by Taras Shchehelskyi, Principal Engineer with experience in leading and delivering complex dental software projects.
Scopic provides quality and informative content, powered by our deep-rooted expertise in software development. Our team of content writers and experts have great knowledge in the latest software technologies, allowing them to break down even the most complex topics in the field. They also know how to tackle topics from a wide range of industries, capture their essence, and deliver valuable content across all digital platforms.
