Dental Charting Software

Server Based Vs Cloud-Based Dental Practice Management Software

One of the most consequential choices you will make when you purchase dental practice management software is whether to opt for a cloud-based dental practice option or one that is based on your server. There are pros and cons to each.

Let's start with the cloud. Cloud-based software offers many benefits.

• Files are stored offsite and are accessible from anywhere.
• Most cloud-based services offer automatic backup of data.
• No expensive hardware to buy.
• Updates happen automatically.

Data theft is one of the biggest risks associated with cloud-based services. Although all cloud-based services for managing dental practices are HIPAA-compliant with strong security features, the risk of data theft is possible.

With server-based software, the benefit is that your data is on-site and not on the web. While this may seem to be sufficient for many dentists, there are still some drawbacks.

• Backups of your server will need to be made and stored properly.
• Updates to your software will need to be installed regularly.
• If your server fails, you will not have access to your software.
• You won't be able to access the software remotely without the use of a third-party program.

It is for these reasons that most dentists choose cloud-based dental practice management software, making sure to choose a company that is HIPAA compliant and has implemented state-of-the-art security to protect their clients' data.

Dental Practice Management Software Trends

The primary goal of any software designed to help you manage your dental practice is to increase efficiency and streamline everything from administrative tasks to patient follow-up, so you can focus on delivering quality care.

The trends in dental office management software are heavily weighted toward using technological advances to help dentists and their employees deliver the best care possible. Here are some of the things that we have noticed as trends.

• Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in all areas of healthcare including dentistry. Solutions that incorporate AI can use it for things like answering basic patient questions, enhanced scheduling features, better patient communication, and improved interoperability between the administrative and clinical staff at your practice.
• Integrated Digital Imaging. While some software options include digital imaging, many dentists have imaging software they prefer and, when that's the case, it's a good idea to look for software that integrates with existing imaging software. Third-party integration ensures a smooth transition to using new software and allows for accurate planning and improved dentist/patient communication.
• Mobile Solutions. While some people still prefer computers, the trend in digital communication is undeniably toward mobile technology. Built-in mobile options, such as HIPAA compliant text messaging and mobile telemedicine and mobile-friendly scheduling, communication, are some of the most important trends in software dentistry.
• Reputation Management. Reputation Management. Customers' feedback and reviews in dentistry are crucial. Patients will often read online reviews before making a decision about a dentist. Dental reputation management tools are included in the office management software. This makes it easier for dentists monitor social media mentions and reviews to make sure their practice has a stellar online reputation.
• Manage your membership program. Dental practices increasingly offer patient membership programs. This is a way to boost revenue and to provide necessary services for patients who don't have insurance. Although we only found a handful of dental management software that includes membership program management, this trend is expected to continue.

The trends we've identified are things that we expect to become standard in the coming years. For many dentists, the most important thing is finding an all-in-one practice management solution that will allow them to streamline every area to attract new patients and grow their practices.

Dentimax

Service model: Hybrid

Hardware/OS requirements: Windows 8 and higher/Mac OS/Mac OS 10.7+. Recommended minimum RAM of 2GB and 20 MBS Downloads and 5+ MBS Uploads

DentiMax provides both cloud-based and in-office solutions. There are 5 plan options available starting at $139 per month and increasing to $599 per monthly with no setup fees. Click here to learn more about the in-office software pricing and here to learn more about their cloud software pricing.

Free Demo: Yes

HIPAA compliant

Training: All of DentiMax's plans come with online training: six hours for the core plan, eight hours for the executive plan, and 10 hours for the unlimited plan. Additional training is available for $99 per hour or you can buy four hours of training for a reduced price of $$297. They also offer a comprehensive 5-step training program for $2,999 or you can purchase at an hourly rate of $99.

Support: All DentiMax subscription plans come with unlimited tech support, including weekly new client calls and tech support chat. Their website has a detailed FAQ and a library of videos and blog posts to provide additional information and support.

The Key Features

• Patient management
• Management of insurance claims
• Seamless medical billing
• Integrated credit card payments
• Payment plans
• Image integration and Xray
• Medicaid reports
• Perio and SRP charting
• Management and tracking of referral sources
• ICD9/10 diagnosis code management

DentiMax Texting and cloud imaging are two additional features. A web kiosk is also available for patient registration.

The Takeaway

DentiMax is one of the most comprehensive practice management software solutions available. Its extensive imaging and charting options are a highlight. We also like the integration of payment management, including claims tracking and billing as well as credit card payments and plans for patients that require them. For more information, click here

Datacon

Datacon, another hybrid solution for dental practice management, combines an online server and data storage with mobile connectivity. Datacon offers a complete suite of features and works with both Macs and PCs -- even both at the same time. Datacon has useful paperless office features and will also integrate with just about any dental software program.

Service model: Hybrid

Hardware/OS Requirements: Installs on a Mac server but can be accessed on Windows PCs or Macs (or a combination of both), as well as mobile devices. Find more info on the system requirements here. Their website specifies Windows 7 or above, but Titan Web Agency recommends upgrading to Windows 10 for security reasons.

Price: Datacon's website doesn't mention pricing, so we reached out to them to find out a little more. Flo Johnson from Datacon provided us with the following information:

We price our software based on the number of connected workstations. It allows a small dental practice or new dentist to access all the same features as larger multi-location offices.

The current pricing structure is as follows:

First three workstations $500.00/each

Workstations 4-6 $425.00/each

Workstations 9-9 $350.00/each

Workstations 10, or More $275.00/each

Server-based software (your private cloud) is available. The server software can run on any Macintosh for $799, with suggested configurations starting at $1999. There is also a (required) Monthly Software Support subscription of $175.00/month per database.

The following premium options are available:

HIPAA compliant secure email from the server. (This is not a desktop solution) $20/month

Emailed PDF statements $0.25 each

Automated Patient Communications - Text or email reminders, and messaging. $20/month

Electronic Prescriptions including controlled substances. $65/month/participating provider

The information included is from our 2020 update. We reached out for confirmation that this information is still the same and will update this post with new information as we receive it.

Free demo: No

HIPAA compliant: Yes

Training: Here's what Datacon says about training:

To provide an added value, we are now including 45 minutes of telephone/high-speed Internet training per quarter. This training does not accrue and expires at the end of each quarter. For training that is included in support, we will only post one credit per quarter. You can purchase additional training as required.

Support: Telephone support during business hours, plus email support. When we reached out to them via email, they responded quickly (within 24 hours). Find their full support policy here.

Key features:

• Paperless charting and other paperless office features
• Patient folders
• X-ray integration
• Seamless integration with all major dental software products (see list of supported integrations here)
• Billing features
• Patient scheduling
• PayConnect integration
• Customizable reporting

The Takeaway

Datacon is an advanced, all-in-one dental practice management software that provides the advantages of both on-premise and cloud-based services. Once you learn it, it is easy to use and integrates well with other dental software. Datacon can be used in a multi-computer practice, or for those who want mobile/paperless capabilities. Datacon is scalable and can be used in both small or large offices with many locations.

Dentrix Ascend

Dentrix Ascend is another cloud-based dental practice management software that provides administration duties, charting, imaging, as well as group practices. The software makes it easy to schedule and confirm appointments and track insurance plans. To gather key performance indicators (KPIs) such as patient visits and procedure performed, you can run management reports.

• Free Demo: Yes
• Price: The cost of Dentrix Ascend depends on the number of locations in your practice. One-time enrollment fees and data conversion costs are charged. A monthly subscription fee is also required. There is also an ongoing fee if you have more than 10 concurrent users. On their site, you can request a quotation.
• Support: Your monthly subscription includes support. Contact Dentrix Ascend via phone or email.
• Hosting: Cloud-based
• HIPAA compliant

This is the List of 3 Open Source and Free Dental Practice Platforms:

• EMR Open
• OpenDental
• Dentaltap

Comparative table of the 3 best Open Source and Free Dental Practice Management Tools

(Source-OpenEMR)

• Track patient demographics- name, age, sex, identification
• Notifications of appointment via SMS and email
• Use the calendar feature to locate open appointments
• Electronic medical records
• Tax and insurance support billing
• Patient reminders
• Patient registration forms
• Multi-language support
• Analytics and reports
• Encrypted documents for enhanced security

What is Dental Practice Software?

You might wonder what dental practice software is and why so many dentists use it. Put simply, practice management software is software that helps dental and orthodontic practices and labs manage routine activities, including:

• Scheduling appointments
• Communicating with patients
• Compiling and documenting patient charts
• Billing patients and insurance companies
• Time tracking for employees
• Processing insurance claims
• Processing payments (including credit card processing)
• Sharing data about patients with other authorized providers

Some versions of dental practice management software serve as a patient engagement platform, allowing dentists to engage with patients and get to know them. Many include dental imaging software, while others include marketing tools to help dentists grow their dental practices.

2) Increase your income

DentalCharting can help you increase your profits and reduce costs.

You can increase sales by:

• DentalCharting's scheduler makes it possible to book more patients each day.
• DentalCharting provides patients with different versions of their treatment plans, which they can then revise by clicking a mouse until it is suitable

DentalCharting allows you to save money by allowing your staff and yourself to work more effectively.

• Quick patient record access
• Fast e-Charting
• Finance at lightning speed
• Easy payment

With DentalCharting's help cost savings are significant by running a nearly paperless clinic.

Tab32

Service model for cloud

Price: Pricing is on a per-case basis. To get a quotation, you can fill out the contact form.

Free demo: No

HIPAA compliant: Yes

Tab32 Support provides a comprehensive knowledge base, videos, and an online learning management system. Clients also have access to support via live chat, telephone, or email.

Training: tab32's clients get live online training as well as access to webinars, documentation, and videos.

The key features

• Quick charting
• Advance scheduling
• Online appointment booking
• Online patient forms
• 2-way patient texting
• Billing & Attachments
• Detailled analytics
• Payment plan management
• Membership program management
• Multi-location and single location databases
• Teledentistry
• Revenue discovery
• Reputation management
• Cloud X-ray Software & Storage
•  

What's the Takeaway

Practice-Web

Practice-Web has a wide variety of capabilities. There's appointment scheduling, charting, e-billing, merchant card processing, automated appointment reminders, free text messaging, and more. This all-in-one system allows you to completely eliminate paper in your office. There is one problem. Practice-Web is only compatible with the Microsoft.NET platform (part of Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.) If your practice uses macOS or Linux, you won't be able to use Practice-Web.

• No cost demo
• Price: Practice-Web for the first office is $169/month for 12 months then $129/month. There are often special discounts available, so be sure to see what is offered when you sign up.
• Training: For $75/hour, additional training is possible.
• Support: Between the hours of 6:30AM and 5PM PST, Practice-Web provides support by phone or email.
• Hosting: On-site
• HIPAA compliant

Mogo Cloud

Microsoft's MOGO Cloud cloud-based software for managing dental practices is MOGO Cloud. All-in-one management software for dental practice without the need to add on or pay extra. You can manage your practice with ease thanks to features like an integrated imaging suite, customizable or automated eReminders and custom forms.

• Free Demo: Yes
• Training: Customized online training is available for an hourly fee. There is also a library of free training videos available on their website.
• Contact Support via Phone or Email Monday through Friday, 8AM-5.30PM CST
• Hosting: Cloud-based
• HIPAA compliant

Dentisoft

Dentisoft, a web-based solution for managing your dental office's finances is simple and easy to use. While its features aren't as robust as other practice management programs, it focuses on providing users with the most essential clinical and administrative features like patient information, messaging, and appointment requests. You can integrate it with existing programs such as Dexis and Evasoft and use it in conjunction with any other software.

• No cost demo
• Prices: The "Cloud Starter" plan is free. You may also choose to pay $249/month ($50 per monthly for new practices).
• Training: Although there is not any training information available on this website, they do have a large help section and live chat to assist you.
• Contact Support via Phone or Email There is also a live chat option.
• Hosting: Cloud-based
• HIPAA Compliant: Yes

Typical Features Of Dental Practice Management Software

You want the best software to manage your dental practice. It should have all of these features. Here are some of the typical features to look for and consider as you evaluate your options.

• Staff Scheduling. It is important to schedule the right staff at the right time to ensure that you can provide excellent care for your patients. You may use color-coding or other tools to make it clear who's working on each patient, and which procedures will be covered.

To ensure you fully understand each feature, it is a good idea to request a demo of any software you are considering.

Maxident

Maxident is another web-based dental practice management system compatible with all operating systems. You can manage your entire practice, from the reception desk to the exam rooms and check-out to check out. It features electronic records, automatic tasks reminders and treatment planning. You can be sure it will help take your practice to new heights.

• No cost demo
• Price: Maxident pricing starts at $199.95 per feature, per month. To determine the exact cost of Maxident, it is best to call them. You can get a free trial.
• Training: On-site training is available as well as online training courses and an extensive library of how-to videos.
• Contact us for support via email or phone
• Hosting: Cloud-based
• HIPAA Compliant: Yes

Easy Dental (By Henry Schein)

Overview: Easy Dental is a straightforward, proprietary dental practice management software product. Although you'll need to install the software on your hardware, there are some web-based features such as online payment and data backups. Easy Dental also features credit card processing services. This is the most popular dental practice management suite. According to their website, more than 20,000 practices use it.

Service-model: Proprietary

Hardware/OS requirements: Windows-only; a dedicated server is recommended.

Price: Customized (Contact Easy Dental to request a quote here).

Free demo: Yes. You can also view video tutorials that show the different aspects of their service.

HIPAA compliance is possible

Easy Dental provides support packages at all three levels: Basic, Plus and Complete. You can view their service bundles here. They used to have a notice on their site that stated that practices could use ad-hoc services if they didn't purchase a service package. However, that note has since been deleted. If you're not inclined to purchase a service bundle, we recommend asking about ad-hoc support. It may prove to be worthwhile to invest in at least the basic bundle for savings over the long term.

The Key Features

• Perio charts
• Clinical charting
• Patient records
• Billing patient
• Schedule
• Treatment plans
• Reports
• Recall appointments
• Attachments and electronic insurance claims
• QuickBill Statements
• Online data backup
• Integrated PowerPay LE credit and debit card processing
• CareCredit patient financing

What's the Takeaway

Easy Dental, like all Henry Schein software is high quality and a substantial investment in time and money. The limitations of on-premises software are that it needs to be installed on Windows. Easy Dental offers some online functions, such as online backup. We should note that Easy Dental does not offer a done-for-you patient portal, but it does include the tools to build a patient interface on your website. Some reviewers complained of technical issues and slow responses.

Tab32

Tab32 offers comprehensive patient communications and an easy-to-use online booking system. There are no hidden fees. tab32 has 19 employees and makes $3M in revenue.

Curve Dental

Curve Dental offers practice management software to over 38,000 dental professionals. This cloud-based dental solution simplifies and streamlines communication by consolidating everything in a single platform.

Curve Dental employs 74 people and generates $12M revenue.

What Is Denticon?

Denticon is a popular, cloud-based practice management software that is ideal for practices with multiple locations. Denticon is one of today's most popular products, with features such as scheduling, patient communication and processing claims. Additionally, Denticon has robust dental charting that is useful for practices of any size.

Denticon's full review can be found here.

Watch Feature

The Watch feature lets you take notes on the chart directly. Place arrows wherever you like on the chart. Patient information will appear when your cursor hovers over it.

X-Ray

It is difficult to switch between imaging and practice management software. Dentiray Web users can edit and view images in the charting module. Dentiray Web is a monthly subscription that costs only a few hundred dollars if it's purchased individually. Denticon does offer a discounted rate if you buy a bundle.

Clicking on the tooth in the odontogram will show a thumbnail of the x-ray. The thumbnail is able to be scaled, moved, or displayed on another monitor.

Estimates In An Eyeblink

When a Pre-Treatment Estimate of the plan is needed for insurance submission, DOM's dental charting software provides a one-click preparation of the Pre-Treatment estimate, enhancing office productivity.

Clinical To Perio Direct

Because we base our Perio Charting tools on our Clinical Charting facility, teeth and conditions entered in Clinical Charting carry over to Perio Charting. For enhanced patient presentations, you get realistic tooth graphics.

What Are The Three Major Dental Charting Systems?

Three of the most common dental charting systems are FDI World Dental Federation notation (ISO 3950), the Universal Numbering System, and the Palmer notation.

Rapid Entry in Clinical Charting

User-configurable button design allows for single-click entries of many common procedures for both pre-existing and treatment planning entries.

Clear As Day

Treatment plans should be clearly presented to the patient. BRS addresses this problem by showing a patient both a chart of the condition and a list of treatment plans on one screen. It also includes financial information.