Updated March 13, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Best Dental Software of 2025
Written by Lisa Morris
Associate Principal Analyst
Edited by Caroline Rousseau
Senior Editor
Reviewed by Cassie Kalisz
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- Overview
- Top Software
- Popular Comparisons
- All Software Options
- Buyers Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dental software is used by medical professionals such as general dentists, orthodontists, and dental hygienists to manage their practices, keep secure patient records, and engage with patients. While dental EHRs include all of the same features as general medical EHRs, they should also be equipped with features that are unique to the dental industry, such as certain imaging capabilities and codes for billing purposes. We feature 130 individual dental products on our site, and our advisors have fielded calls from more than 55 buyers seeking dental software in the past year [1].
Best Dental Software for 2025
: Best Overall
: Best for Small Business (up to 25 doctors)
: Best for General Dentistry
: Best Free
: Most Affordable
: Best Value for Money
: Best Ease of Use
: Best Customer Service
: Best Functionality
: Best for Appointment Management
Best Overall
Practice-Web
According to our verified user reviews, Practice-Web has the highest overall rating among dental software products with the most market demand.
Practice-Web is a dental management solution designed for businesses of all sizes—small and large practices alike. Users benefit from treatment planning, billing, charting, scheduling, and more. This software integrates with imaging programs for a more seamless, efficient experience. Smart tools are also available for marketing and communication tasks, ensuring a comprehensive product that provides plenty of value but is affordable. Users find its interface intuitive and appreciate the excellent customer support.
- Reviewers Perspective
“Every time we run into trouble (simple or complicated) the support has been great.”
Gundong Lee
Dentist
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 111 verified user reviews for Practice-Web to find out what actual users really think.
Customer support
Users find Practice-Web's customer support team helpful and responsive, making it easy to resolve issues quickly. They appreciate the user-friendly nature of the platform and the excellent customer service provided. Additionally, reviewers highlight the ease of use and the supportive, knowledgeable staff who consistently offer great assistance.Practice management
Users appreciate the comprehensive management features of Practice-Web, which help streamline various aspects of their practice. They find the training provided to be effective, ensuring a smooth transition and a quick learning curve. Reviewers also value the program's ability to improve productivity and overall practice efficiency.Navigation
Users find Practice-Web easy to navigate, with intuitive and menu-driven navigation that simplifies data entry and exploration. They appreciate the user-friendly design, which allows new staff to quickly learn how to use the program. Reviewers also highlight the system's intuitive nature, making it straightforward to navigate and utilize its features. - Key FeaturesPractice-Web's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.824.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.834.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.784.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best for Small Business (up to 25 doctors)
Dentrix
In our analysis of the most popular dental products, Dentrix is the most requested among small businesses with up to 25 doctors.
Dentrix is a practice management solution that helps clinics manage scheduling, payment processing, patient records, and more. This software is designed for those who want to grow their practice and improve everyday efficiency. Dentrix offers solutions for small dental practices, helping improve clinical charting, business management, billing, and other areas of daily operations. SMBs also appreciate the software’s ease of use—with features that are available to scale.
- Reviewers Perspective
“The dental staff as well as the dental provider are comfortable using it.”
Maria Elizabeth Hernandez
Registered Dental Assistant
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 368 verified user reviews for Dentrix to find out what actual users really think.
Dental practice management
Users find Dentrix comprehensive and user-friendly for managing dental practices. They appreciate its extensive features, which cover all aspects of dental practice management, making it easy for both dental staff and providers to use. Reviewers also highlight the effectiveness of the training resources, which enable even those with little dental knowledge to learn and handle various tasks quickly.Appointment scheduling
Users appreciate Dentrix for its efficient and easy-to-use appointment scheduling features. They find the integration with other platforms like Demandforce beneficial for appointment setting, reminders, and marketing. Reviewers also value the clear and customizable scheduling options, which help manage daily and weekly schedules effectively.Office software
Users find Dentrix scalable and suitable for both single and multi-location dental practices. They appreciate its ability to manage multiple offices from a single location, enhancing efficiency and performance. Reviewers also highlight the software's robust front-office management capabilities, which support various office functions seamlessly. - Key FeaturesDentrix's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
3.774.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.234.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.114.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best for General Dentistry
Eaglesoft
Based on our analysis of the most popular dental products, Easglesoft was the most requested for those seeking a general dentistry solution.
This dental practice management software solution is designed with dentists in mind, particularly those running a general dentistry office. Users appreciate Eaglesoft's patient portal and communication capabilities. Features that help manage and streamline workflows, clinical processes, business performance tasks, and scheduling are also highlighted. Users report that Eaglesoft is intuitive and best for practices that want a straightforward on-premise dental office management system.
- Reviewers Perspective
“It's an affordable and powerful way to manage a dental practice, covering all the needs of an office in one program that's backed by excellent support and compatible with most scanners, sensors, and cameras.”
Tyler LeBrun
Technical Support Specialist
Used for 1-2 years
We analyzed 152 verified user reviews for Eaglesoft to find out what actual users really think.
Dental practice management
Users find Eaglesoft to be an affordable and powerful solution for managing dental practices, covering all essential office needs. They appreciate its widespread use, making it familiar to most dental professionals and easing the transition for new users. However, they note that while the software is comprehensive, it comes with a steep learning curve, especially for new dental assistants.Customer support
Users appreciate Eaglesoft's customer service, noting that the support team is friendly, knowledgeable, and effective at solving problems. However, they express frustration with the long wait times and the need to speak to multiple representatives to resolve issues. Additionally, they mention that ongoing support incurs monthly charges, and there are compatibility issues with newer operating systems.Appointment scheduling
Reviewers find Eaglesoft's appointment scheduling features efficient, allowing for quick and effective patient scheduling. They appreciate the color-coded system for organizing appointments and the ease of rescheduling and deleting appointments. Users also value the ability to maintain a paper trail for appointments, which helps track changes and communications with patients. - Key FeaturesEaglesoft's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.244.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.384.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.164.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best Free
ABELDent
Based on our analysis of the top dental products, ABELDent was the most popular option with a free plan.
ABELDent targets dental practices, focusing on those with multiple locations. Top features and advantages include patient self-booking, a single database for multiple locations, and advanced reporting. ABELDent Freemium gives small practices access to free dental software with premium features. More advanced paid plans address the needs of practices that outgrow the free option. Users report time-saving benefits and how easy this product is to navigate.
- Reviewers Perspective
“The software has a strong focus on clinical workflows and is built to support the unique needs of dental practices, such as managing treatment plans, tracking dental histories, and handling patient images and X-rays.”
Ozhan Asi
CTO
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 109 verified user reviews for ABELDent to find out what actual users really think.
Support staff
Users find ABELDent's support staff knowledgeable, helpful, and readily available when needed. They appreciate the user-friendly nature of the software, which makes it easy for new staff to adapt quickly. Reviewers consistently highlight the positive experiences they have had with the support team, noting their professionalism and the accuracy of the assistance provided.Software updates
Reviewers appreciate the regular updates and new features introduced by ABELDent, which help keep the software current and functional. They find the upgrade process to be seamless and smooth, ensuring minimal disruption to their workflow. Users also value the continuous development and improvements that enhance their overall experience with the software.Dental practice management
Users recommend ABELDent for its strong focus on clinical workflows and its ability to support dental practices' unique needs. They find the software effective in managing treatment plans, tracking dental histories, and handling patient images and X-rays. Reviewers appreciate how ABELDent meets their dental practice management needs and helps maintain a full schedule. - Key FeaturesABELDent's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.754.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.684.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.654.28 category average
- Screenshots
Most Affordable
BestoSys
In our analysis of the dental products with the most market demand, BestoSys is the most requested among our site visitors based on its affordability.
BestoSys is practice management software designed for medical and dental practices. It targets practices of all sizes, from self-employed individuals and small teams to large enterprises. Based on this broad target market approach, BestoSys offers flexible features and pricing so that practices of all sizes can find a plan that works for them, making it an affordable option based on their growth stage.
- Reviewers Perspective
“This software has everything needed for any dental clinic, right from patient registration to social media interface for digital marketing. Plus Multiple language prescription is also an added advantage.”
Javed Ashraf
Prosthodontist
Used for 1-2 years
We analyzed 204 verified user reviews for BestoSys to find out what actual users really think.
Support team
Users appreciate BestoSys for its excellent support team, which they describe as patient and helpful. They find the back-end support to be quick and efficient, making the software easy to use. Reviewers highlight the continuous and kind assistance provided by the support team, even years after the initial sale.Dental practice management
Reviewers find BestoSys to be a comprehensive solution for dental practice management, covering everything from patient registration to detailed clinic operations. They appreciate its user-friendly design and the extensive range of features tailored to the needs of dental professionals. Users recommend the software for its ability to enhance the efficiency and success of dental practices.Patient management
Users value BestoSys for its effective patient management capabilities, including detailed record-keeping and communication features. They find it easy to manage patient treatments and appreciate the software's role in improving patient retention. Reviewers also note the professional touch it adds to their practice, enhancing the overall patient experience. - Key FeaturesBestoSys's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.564.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.674.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.634.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best Value for Money
Sensei Cloud
Based on our analysis of the top dental software products, Sensei Cloud was the most requested among visitors to our site because it offers the best value for money.
Sensei Cloud targets dental practices of all sizes and types, from dental and periodontal to orthodontic practices. This software is designed to help dental professionals manage their practices, providing features that allow users to schedule appointments, access important data, and remain compliant—all for a well-received price. Users appreciate flexible pricing plans and billing options.
- Reviewers Perspective
“Allows me to see patient files, set up appointments, view x-rays and set up treatment plans.”
Tom Baranowski
Doctor
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 30 verified user reviews for Sensei Cloud to find out what actual users really think.
User interface and accessibility
Reviewers appreciate Sensei Cloud's user-friendly interface and ease of navigation, which makes it simple to manage patient records, schedule appointments, and view imaging from any location. They find the cloud-based access particularly beneficial, allowing them to work remotely and access the system from various devices. However, some users experience issues with system quirks and bugs, which require workarounds and can impact overall efficiency.Customer support and updates
Users have mixed feelings about Sensei Cloud's customer support and update process. While many praise the support team for being responsive and helpful, others report difficulties in reaching support and frustration with slow response times. Additionally, users appreciate the frequent updates but note that some promised features have yet to be implemented, leading to ongoing dissatisfaction.Billing and financial management
Sensei Cloud's billing and financial management features receive varied feedback from users. They appreciate the ease of creating and managing billing statements, as well as the insurance claim functionalities. However, users encounter issues with billing accuracy, confusing financial reports, and limitations in ledger functions, which can complicate financial management and require additional manual adjustments. - Key FeaturesSensei Cloud's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
3.564.30 category average
Patient Records Management
3.684.40 category average
Treatment Planning
3.624.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best Ease of Use
Akitu One
Of the top dental products based on market demand, Akitu One is the highest rated by our users because of its ease of use.
Akitu One is a comprehensive dental solution offering many features, including appointment scheduling, teeth charting, instant messaging, and live dashboards. This software meets the needs of practices of all sizes, providing a full-featured yet simple option. Users report that this software is easy to use based on its design, level of support, and automated systems. When help is needed, users state that support is quick to respond.
- Reviewers Perspective
“I initially chose Akitu One for their cloud-based feature and the clean, modern, organized display of their content and graphics. But I was pleasantly surprised with the overall ease of use of the software, such as scheduling, charting, billing and most importantly the clinical notes templates.”
Paulette Gaudreau Lamothe
Independent Dental Hygienist
Used for 6-12 months
We analyzed 30 verified user reviews for Akitu One to find out what actual users really think.
Ease of use
Users find Akitu One easy to use, with a clean, modern interface that simplifies various tasks such as scheduling, charting, and billing. They appreciate that the system does not require advanced technical skills, making it accessible for all staff members. Additionally, users highlight the intuitive design and customizable settings, which help streamline their daily administrative workflows.Customer support
Reviewers consistently praise Akitu One's customer support for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful. They value the quick resolution of issues and the availability of training resources, which make the transition to the software smoother. Users also appreciate the support team's willingness to implement feedback and customize features to meet their specific needs.Charting and clinical notes
Users are generally satisfied with Akitu One's charting and clinical notes features, noting the modern and organized display. They find the ability to create personalized templates particularly useful, as it reduces documentation time. However, some users mention the need for additional charting options and improvements in specific areas, such as periodontal charting and imaging. - Key FeaturesAkitu One's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.684.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.904.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.584.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best Customer Service
CareStack
Our analysis of the most popular dental products shows that CareStack has the highest customer service rating among our site visitors.
CareStack is designed for dental practices, focusing less on company size and more on the needs of the businesses this software serves. This product is known to help practices improve staff productivity, simplify operations, strengthen patient relationships, and achieve business growth. Users report customer support they can rely on from a responsive, attentive team. Training is also reported to be thorough, helping practices get up and running with CareStack quicker. Dedicated customer and technical support is offered through chat, email, and phone.
- Reviewers Perspective
“From customer service, to office hours, to training team members, to platinum coaching, CareStack is committed to the client's growth and prosperity.”
Kari Cunningham
Pediatric dentistry and owner
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 104 verified user reviews for CareStack to find out what actual users really think.
Support team
Users appreciate the responsive and professional support team provided by CareStack, which is always available to assist with any questions or issues. They find the implementation team helpful, especially during the initial setup and go-live day, ensuring a smooth transition. Additionally, reviewers value the Platinum Coaching program, which demonstrates CareStack's commitment to their success and growth.Patient management
Reviewers find the staff at CareStack friendly and helpful when addressing their questions and concerns. They appreciate the flexibility of the system, which can be tailored to fit the specific needs of their office. Users also highlight the benefits of the cloud-based practice management software, which enhances accessibility and efficiency.Dental practice software
Users value CareStack's comprehensive knowledge of the dental industry, which helps improve their workflows and practice management. They appreciate the connected systems that integrate various aspects of dental practice into one cohesive platform. Additionally, reviewers find the dental treatment plan software effective and beneficial for their practice. - Key FeaturesCareStack's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.304.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.554.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.444.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best Functionality
Based on our analysis of the best dental products, Cloud 9 Ortho software has the highest user ratings regarding functionality.
Cloud 9 Ortho is practice management software for pediatric dentistry offices, group practices, orthodontic practices, and DSOs. It provides a full-featured practice management solution that users find easy to learn and use. Based on its functionality and capabilities, users appreciate how well this software addresses patient flow while serving as a one-stop shop. Dental users who visit our site say it is user-friendly.
- Reviewers Perspective
“I appreciate the "one-stop shop" of it meaning it has integrated imaging, email, text, document storage, etc. that prevents having to have multiple softwares to perform the abovementioned activities.”
Gary Sexson II
Owner Orthodontist and President
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 46 verified user reviews for Cloud 9 Ortho to find out what actual users really think.
Ease of use
Reviewers find Cloud 9 Ortho to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and learn. They appreciate its straightforward design, which simplifies daily tasks and enhances overall efficiency. Users also highlight the software's ability to accommodate both new and experienced staff, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal learning curve.Customer support
Users have mixed experiences with Cloud 9 Ortho's customer support. While some praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team, others report difficulties in reaching knowledgeable representatives and experiencing slow response times. The inconsistency in support quality has led to frustration for some users, particularly when dealing with billing issues or technical problems.Scheduling and reminders
Reviewers appreciate Cloud 9 Ortho's scheduling features, which allow for easy management of appointments across multiple locations. They find the reminder system, which supports both text and email notifications, to be effective in reducing no-shows and improving patient communication. However, some users mention the need for manual intervention in sending reminders and express a desire for more automation in this area. - Key FeaturesCloud 9 Ortho's scoreCategory average
Claims Management
4.254.30 category average
Patient Records Management
4.704.40 category average
Treatment Planning
4.864.28 category average
- Screenshots
Best for Appointment Management
Adit
Among users seeking a popular dental product, Adit is the most requested among those looking for appointment management software.
Adit is intended for any practice that wants to grow, focusing on the tools that help them identify and target their intended audiences. Most of its users are small and fast-growing dental practices. This software aims to modernize dental practice management tasks, streamlining operations and centralizing communications. Users report that the appointment management capabilities are beneficial, and the software is straightforward.
- Reviewers Perspective
“It's our do it all software for checking our metrics to getting patients in the door and also for advertising and setting up our websites.”
Youseph Anwar
Dentist
Used for 2+ years
We analyzed 82 verified user reviews for Adit to find out what actual users really think.
Customer service
Users appreciate Adit's customer service for its quick response times and ease of use, which they find very helpful. However, some reviewers mention issues with delayed responses and untrained call service, which can be frustrating. Additionally, contract issues and difficulties in resolving problems have been highlighted by users as significant drawbacks.Patient communication
Reviewers find Adit's patient communication features very effective, particularly appreciating the ease of communication and confirmation texts. They use the platform daily for confirmations and messaging with patients, which helps maintain better contact. Users also highlight the convenience of online appointments, reminders, and accessible texting communication, which saves time and enhances patient interaction.Patient management
Users value Adit's patient management capabilities, especially the integration of various features and the ease of managing patient forms. They find the platform helpful for new patient acquisition and appreciate the ability to email patient forms that can be filled out digitally. Additionally, Adit's comprehensive functionality, from appointment confirmations to marketing and analytics, is highly regarded by reviewers. - Key FeaturesAdit's scoreCategory average
Patient Records Management
4.04.40 category average
Treatment Planning
3.04.28 category average
- Screenshots
Methodology
The research for the best dental software list was conducted in January 2025. We evaluated data (user reviews and demand signals) from the past 24 months as of the research date. Read the complete methodology.
Popular Dental Comparisons
More Dental Software Options
Curve Dental is a comprehensive dental software solution. It is designed to streamline workflows and enhance communication for both independent and multi-location dental practices. The software includes features that address the core needs of a dental prac...Read more about Curve Dental
recommendations
iDentalSoft is a dental practice management solution that offers integrated charting, billing, treatment planning, scheduling and imaging features. The system allows practices to choose whether to host data and backups in the cloud or in their own office. ...Read more about iDentalSoft
recommendations
DentiMax is one of the only solutions to offer a complete Digital Sensor, Imaging software, and Practice Management Software solution, which can be purchased individually or as a bundle. The software is available to be installed locally on any Window-based...Read more about DentiMax
recommendations
Practice-Web is an all-in-one server-based/ on-premise dental practice management solution that helps dentists thrive! Suitable for small and large practices alike, the core software includes charting, scheduling, treatment planning, billing, and practice ...Read more about Practice-Web
recommendations
Developed for multi-location groups and DSOs, Denticon Practice Management is a scalable cloud-based solution that helps 45,000+ users break free from the constraints of legacy dentalsoftware. Denticon empowers growth through actionable insights and enable...Read more about Denticon
recommendations
Buyer's Guide
This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right dental software for you and your business.
Last Updated on February 25, 2025Dental offices deal with a high volume of patient information—both clinical and administrative. The dentists and office managers we talk to most often are looking for ways to improve access to that information and for better efficiency in documenting and managing it.
Watch the video below to see dental software functions and benefits in action.
Common applications and modules of dental software include:
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Digital sensor/imaging
Billing
Electronic claims
Coding
Reporting
Here's what we'll cover:
What you need to know about dental software
What is dental practice management software?
Essential features of dental practice management software
How to choose the best dental software for your business
ARRA meaningful use for dentists
Popular dental software comparisons
What you need to know about dental software
Dental software include common medical systems, such as electronic health records (EHR) or practice management suites, that are specifically designed for use by dental professionals. While these products generally include the same functionality as non-specialty-specific products, they should also include tools unique to dentistry, such as imaging and dental codes for billing.
Dental software is used by various professionals and organizations within the dental care industry to streamline operations, improve patient care, and enhance administrative efficiency. Key users include:
Dentists: General dentists and specialists (such as orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and oral surgeons) use dental software to manage patient records, treatment plans, and clinical notes.
Dental hygienists and assistants: These professionals use the software to document patient care, schedule appointments, and assist with treatment planning and patient education.
Practice managers and administrative staff: Office managers and administrative personnel use dental software for appointment scheduling, billing, insurance claims processing, patient communication, and overall practice management.
The market for dental software is relatively large—for example, we have 173 profiles for individual products on our site, and we’ve published 942 verified user reviews for these products in the past year. [2]
Dental software is typically priced either through a subscription fee (monthly or annually) or a one-time perpetual license fee, with the pricing model often corresponding to the deployment method—on-premise or cloud-based. On-premise software usually follows the perpetual license model, while cloud-based software generally uses a subscription model; the choice between these depends on whether you prefer a larger upfront cost or smaller recurring payments.
Read on for more information about dental software, and when you’re ready, contact our team of medical software advisors for personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements.
What is dental practice management software?
Dentists have a unique challenge in the medical community. Most appointments are scheduled several months ahead of time and require coordinating patient schedules and information with two different types of practitioners: dentist and hygienist.
Often, routine visits turn into more in-depth procedures, and the ability to manage these changes and the associated information can have a big impact on the time spent caring for your patient, and the quality of care you provide. These challenges make it more important to use dental software that manages patient data, images, and practice information.
Although the terms dental electronic medical records (EMR), dental electronic health records (EHR) and electronic dental records (EDR) can have different meanings, the terms are often used interchangeably. While there may be nuanced differences, generally all three terms refer to software that manages the charting and management of a patient's clinical information.
As a rule, effective dental office software will have templates specifically designed for dental practices; tooth and gum graphics; and an ability to import and organize X-rays. They’ll also have features to deal with patient scheduling, billing, and coding support, patient education modules, and often a web portal for patients, all of which maximize the efficiency of the front and back office staff.
Among the 118 calls with dental providers that took place in the past two years, e-prescribing was the number one application requirement, with 87% specifically requesting this feature in their dental software. [1]
According to our medical advisor Cassie Kalisz, who helps software buyers find the right systems, one consideration for dental software buyers that is unique when evaluating software has to do with the ease of transition between different charting systems: “Buyers typically have a high volume of patient history, and they want to make sure that it integrate[s] into a new system. So that's something that's commonly brought up—making sure no information is left out.”
Another niche requirement for dental providers has to do with a system’s ability to handle digital imaging; depending on the buyers, systems either need to integrate flawlessly with the practice’s existing imaging tools, or they need to come up with their own native imaging tools that meet the buyer’s needs. Our advisor, Bryan Markovich, explains that “Buyers tend to focus on digital imaging systems because a lot of times they come through with their own equipment in place already, but then some [software] vendors require buyers to purchase that equipment or use third party equipment.”
Dental Imaging in Eaglesoft (Source
Essential features of dental practice management software
One common problem dental software buyers are trying to solve when purchasing these systems is having to do things manually. Advisor Cassie explains that, in her experience, many buyers need software to automate processes: “A lot of the buyers that I speak to, whether it’s on the admin side or even just with patient history, they’re doing the work manually.”
Bryan adds that, for startup practices, knowing what type of software or features they need isn’t always obvious: “Often we deal with startup dental companies, and they’re not exactly sure what they’re looking for. So a lot of times, that’s why our service comes in handy—because we can help guide them in the right direction.”
As you search for dental practice management software, keep in mind that some features will be “core” and should be found in all of these systems, while others are more “common” and may not be included in every product on the market.
Core dental software features
Feature | Description |
Dentistry-specific templates | Text-based templates should be present for all common procedures, and the EDR should let you add a template quickly in the event of an emergency procedure. Commonly used templates might include routine exams, fillings, root canals, crowns, tooth extractions, or any number of customizable templates. |
Scheduling | Look for something that simplifies scheduling by coordinating dentist, hygienist, and patient schedules and that doesn’t require back office staff to fast-forward through six calendar months every time they need to book a patient out. 86% of reviewers on our site rate this feature as critical or highly important. |
Common dental software features
Feature | Description |
Charting | Manage patient documentation describing all clinical interactions, diagnoses, procedures, medications, etc. 82% of reviewers on our site rate this feature as critical or highly important. |
Graphical tooth charting | Dentist software should have a simple graphical depiction of each tooth and gum that makes it easy to identify caries, fillings, veneers, crowns, missing teeth, gum problems, and any other relevant issues. Any changes made to text-based templates should be reflected in the graphical tooth chart, and vice versa. |
The idea here is to import X-rays and other digital images, immediately connect them to the patient, and present them in a way that makes sense to the dentist (i.e., in the same order as the graphical tooth chart). Often, dental imaging software programs also offer advanced features like measuring a tooth or identifying a particular region of interest. Although standalone imaging software does exist, combining it with the EDR software facilitates integration, which is why most vendors offer both capabilities as a combined unit. | |
Dental billing and insurance | Dental billing software helps the practice in maximizing revenues through effective coding support, which simplifies billing as much as possible. As part of a dental EMR, it will likely include only those codes needed or used by dentists and can help group procedures that commonly occur together. |
Patient portal | Allows patients to fill out their dental history, change their contact information or even receive or send bills, X-rays and other documents from the comfort of their home, saving practice time and improving office efficiency. |
Charts in Curve Dental (Source
How to choose the best dental software for your business
What is the cost of dental software?
Although exceptions exist, dental software is typically priced in one of two ways: a subscription fee paid every month or year or a perpetual license fee paid once up front.
Pricing model tends to correspond with how the software is deployed: on-premise or in the cloud. On-premise deployment means the software is installed on your own local servers. Cloud-based deployment, on the other hand, means the software is hosted online, or "in the cloud." You use an Internet connection to access the software via web browser.
Traditionally, on-premise deployments are priced using the perpetual license model. However, today you'll find more and more on-premise products offering subscription pricing models. Cloud-based software is generally priced using a subscription model, wherein users pay a monthly or annual fee per user.
Perpetual license pricing comes with a steeper price tag up front, but low recurring monthly or annual costs (e.g., for maintenance or support). Subscription pricing, on the other hand, has a lower up-front investment, but relatively higher recurring costs, since you're paying the subscription fees each month or year.
The costs of on-premise and subscription models tend to converge over time, so the pricing model you choose depends largely on whether you prefer one large fee up front, or smaller fees broken out over time.
ARRA meaningful use for dentists
Many dentists looking for dental management software want to know if they’re eligible for the financial incentives provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Although the Medicare incentives generally do not apply (since Medicare doesn’t cover most dental procedures), dentists whose patient volume includes at least 30 percent of Medicaid users can receive the Medicaid incentive, provided they adopt a certified electronic health record (EHR) product.
Since there currently are no certification standards for EDRs, a dentist looking to meet these requirements would have to adopt a dental EHR, which could then interface with a dedicated EDR if that’s your preferred tool.
Although this may seem cumbersome, the best dental software programs have been designed to integrate with EHRs specifically to fulfill this need, and it could qualify you for almost $70,000 in incentives over six years.
Popular dental software comparisons
Note: The applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations. They have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.
About our contributors
Author
Lisa Morris is an associate principal analyst at Software Advice, covering the healthcare and medical industry, with a focus on technologies impacting independent practices and mental healthcare, such as electronic medical records and practice management tools.
Lisa’s research and analysis is informed by more than 15,000 authentic user reviews on Software Advice and over 20,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and medical software buyers. Lisa also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of medical practitioners and administrators so she can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.
She presented her research on medical wearable devices at the 2022 Sensors Summit in La Jolla, California, and also appeared on the Health Innovation Matters podcast with Logan Plaster. Her work has been featured in multiple publications, including Becker’s Hospital Review, Healthcare IT News, and AP News.
Editor
Caroline Rousseau is a senior content editor at Software Advice. A former content analyst, Caroline has, for the past five years, built, written, and edited research reports about technological trends, opportunities, and challenges with an SMB audience in mind. Her content has been featured in French Tier 1 media including Le Monde, L’Express, and Le Figaro, among other publications. Her previous experience as a graphic designer, translator, and LQA specialist in various industries converged into a skill set that allows her to create compelling content about today’s business matters.
Caroline’s personal interests include literature and art and she has a passion for Albert Camus, graphic novels, and drawing.
Advisors
Cassie Kalisz is a software advisor. She joined Software Advice in 2024 and she is based in Austin, TX.
As part of the software advisor team, Cassie helps retail, fleet management, and dental professionals who are seeking ecommerce, maintenance management, and billing software. She provides a short list of personalized technology recommendations based on budget, business goals, and other specific needs.
Cassie’s favorite part of being a software advisor is assisting buyers in solving problems they may not have been aware of beforehand.
Bryan Markovich is a software advisor. He joined Software Advice in 2024, and he is based in Fort Myers, FL.
Bryan works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. He assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking property management, retail, ecommerce, and fleet management software through one-to-one conversations and provides a short list of potential matches.
Bryan’s favorite part of being a software advisor is providing buyers with a sense of direction. He enjoys acting as a helping hand when buyers are not sure of which software they need.
Sources
Software Advice advisor call notes: Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Software Advice’s advisor team had with small-to-midsize businesses seeking e-prescribing tools. For this report, we analyzed phone interactions from January 3, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Read the complete methodology.
Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. Read the complete methodology.
Your Guide to Top Dental Software, May 2023
Dental FAQs
- What is the most popular dental software?
According to our analysis of user reviews, Practice-Web is rated the Best Overall dental software among popular products. Dentrix) is rated the Best for Small Businesses with up to 25 providers, and Eaglesoft is rated the Best for General Dentistry.
- What is dental practice management software?
Dental practice management software is a system made to manage the administrative and clinical operations of dental practices. It lets users handle patient records, appointment scheduling, billing, insurance claims, and treatment planning, all in one system. By integrating these features, practice management software makes dental practices run more smoothly.
- What are the three levels of dental practice management software?
Generally, pricing models for dental software are split into three levels: basic, mid, and advanced, each providing more features as you go. Basic dental software includes essential administrative and clinical tools like appointment scheduling; mid-level tiers include features like treatment planning and digital imaging integrations; and advanced levels include all features such as EHR integrations and multi-location support.
- What software does a dentist use?
Dentists use various tools, such as practice management software to handle administrative tasks, EHRs to manage secure patient records, and specialty-specific tools to handle things like imaging or 3D printing. According to our user data, Eaglesoft is rated the Best for General Dentistry among popular products.
- What is dental software used for?
Dental software is used to make running dental practices more efficient by managing patient records, scheduling appointments, processing billing and insurance claims, and facilitating treatment planning. It combines features to handle both clinical and administrative tasks, improves patient communication, supports digital imaging, and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, ultimately improving overall patient care and practice management.