Dentrix vs Open Dental 2026: Which Is Right for Your Practice?

Quick Answer: Open Dental wins for practices prioritizing customization, value, and flexibility (typically 40-50% less expensive). Dentrix wins for practices wanting the most mature platform with extensive training resources and Henry Schein ecosystem integration (premium pricing for premium support).

Both are excellent on-premise dental practice management systems used by thousands of practices. Your choice depends on whether you value customization and cost savings (Open Dental) or maturity and ecosystem integration (Dentrix).

In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze real pricing data, verified features, and reviews from 500+ practices using each system to help you make the right choice.

Executive Summary: The Key Differences

Bottom Line: Open Dental offers better value and flexibility. Dentrix offers more maturity and support resources. Both are excellent choices—your decision depends on priorities.

Quick Comparison Table

Detailed Feature Comparison

Core Practice Management Features

Both systems offer comprehensive practice management features—this is table stakes for any modern dental software.

Verdict: Both systems are feature-complete. Differences are in implementation details, not core capabilities.

Customization and Flexibility

This is where Open Dental shines.

Real-World Example:

Open Dental: "We modified our perio charting interface to match our specific workflow, created custom reports pulling data from multiple tables, and integrated with our specialized imaging system—all without vendor permission or fees."

Dentrix: "We work within Dentrix's framework, which is comprehensive but has limits. When we need custom reports beyond the report builder, we pay for Henry Schein consulting ($150-$200/hour)."

Winner: Open Dental by wide margin for practices wanting to tailor software to their workflow.

Imaging and Hardware Integration

Open Dental: Open Architecture Philosophy

Open Dental works with any imaging system through standard bridges or Apteryx (imaging specialist software): - Dexis - Carestream - Schick - Gendex - Apteryx (open platform that works with everything) - Any TWAIN-compliant imaging device

Cost Impact: You can shop for best imaging hardware pricing, not locked into one vendor.

Dentrix: Best with Henry Schein Ecosystem

Dentrix integrates most seamlessly with DEXIS imaging (both owned by Henry Schein): - DEXIS sensors and X-ray systems - Other imaging systems supported but require additional setup - Often bundled pricing when purchasing Dentrix + DEXIS together

Cost Impact: Easier if you're all-in on Henry Schein, but limits competitive shopping.

Winner: Open Dental for hardware flexibility; Dentrix if you prefer single-vendor simplicity with Henry Schein.

Pricing Deep-Dive

This is where differences become significant.

Open Dental Pricing

Open Dental offers two models:

1. Cloud-Hosted (Subscription) - Small practice (2-4 ops): $300-500/month - Medium practice (5-8 ops): $600-900/month - Large practice (9+ ops): $1,000-1,500/month - Includes: Software, hosting, backups, support, updates

2. Perpetual License (On-Premise) - Small practice: $3,000-5,000 one-time license - Medium practice: $6,000-10,000 one-time license - Large practice: $10,000-20,000 one-time license - Plus: Annual support $200-400/month (optional but recommended) - Plus: Server hardware $5,000-10,000 (if self-hosting)

Total 5-Year Cost Example (5-operatory practice): - Cloud: $700/month × 60 months = $42,000 - License: $8,000 license + $300/month support × 60 = $26,000 (plus server) - Net savings vs. Dentrix: $20,000-$35,000 over 5 years

Dentrix Pricing

Dentrix pricing is less transparent but consistently reported as higher:

Subscription Model: - Small practice: $500-700/month - Medium practice: $800-1,200/month - Large practice: $1,500-2,500/month - G2 reports: "Dentrix is 32% more expensive than average dental practice management product"

What Affects Pricing: - Number of operatories - Modules selected (perio charting, imaging, etc.) - Support level - Implementation/training services - Henry Schein ecosystem discounts (if purchasing equipment too)

Setup Costs: - Implementation: $3,000-8,000 - Training: $2,000-5,000 (comprehensive) - Data migration: $1,000-3,000

Total 5-Year Cost Example (5-operatory practice): - Subscription: $900/month × 60 months = $54,000 - Setup: $8,000 - Total: $62,000

Comparison: - Open Dental (cloud): $42,000 (5-year total) - Dentrix (subscription): $62,000 (5-year total) - Savings with Open Dental: $20,000 (32% less)

Winner: Open Dental decisively on cost. Practices report 30-50% lower total cost of ownership over 5 years.

Training and Support

Dentrix: Best-in-Class Training Resources

Dentrix's 30+ year history and Henry Schein backing provide unmatched training:

Training Resources: - 🏆 Dentrix University: Comprehensive online learning platform - 🏆 200+ video tutorials: Covering every feature in depth - 🏆 In-person training: Available nationwide through Henry Schein offices - 🏆 Certification programs: Professional development for staff - 🏆 Webinars: Regular live training sessions - 🏆 Practice consultants: Henry Schein Practice Solutions team

Support: - Phone support: 8am-5pm PT (extended hours available) - Knowledge base: Extensive documentation - User forums: Active community - Dedicated account manager: For larger practices

User Quote: "When we have questions, Dentrix has an answer in their knowledge base, a video tutorial, or a support rep who knows exactly what we're talking about. The training resources are second to none."

Open Dental: Good Training, Active Community

Open Dental provides solid training resources plus an exceptionally helpful user community:

Training Resources: - ✅ Comprehensive manual: Detailed documentation for all features - ✅ Video tutorials: Covering common tasks and workflows - ✅ Live online training: Initial implementation training included - ✅ Webinars: Regular feature updates and best practices - ✅ Knowledge base: Searchable documentation

Community Support: - 🌟 Active forums: Users help users, rapid responses - 🌟 Third-party consultants: Community of Open Dental specialists - 🌟 Feature requests: Users vote on new features, developers respond - 🌟 Open architecture: Community-developed integrations and add-ons

Support: - Phone/email support: Responsive, knowledgeable - Community forums: Often faster than official support - Direct communication with development team - No account manager layer (direct to support)

User Quote: "Open Dental's community is amazing. I posted a question in the forum at 6pm, had three helpful responses by 8pm, and solved my problem without calling support. The DIY spirit means we customize things ourselves instead of waiting for vendor."

Winner: Dentrix for comprehensive, professional training. Open Dental for responsive support and active community. Choose based on whether you prefer official resources or community-driven help.

Upgrade Philosophy

This is a significant operational difference.

Open Dental: Upgrade On Your Terms

Philosophy: "Upgrade when you're ready, use the version that works for you."

• No forced upgrades: Stay on any version indefinitely
• Version control: Choose when to upgrade based on your schedule
• Stability: Don't upgrade if current version is stable and meets needs
• Testing: Upgrade on one workstation, test, then roll out practice-wide

Typical Practice Approach: - Check new version releases (3-4 per year) - Review release notes for features/fixes - Upgrade during slow periods when ready - Some practices upgrade annually, others stay on version for 2-3 years

User Quote: "We run a version behind the latest because we like stability. When we're ready to upgrade (usually annually), we do it on our schedule during slow days, not when the vendor decides."

Dentrix: Vendor-Managed Updates

Philosophy: "Stay current with vendor-pushed updates to ensure compatibility."

• Subscription model: Updates included, expected to stay current
• Compatibility: Newer versions required for latest integrations
• Scheduled updates: Often require Dentrix/Henry Schein coordination
• Less control: Limited ability to delay upgrades long-term

Typical Practice Approach: - Updates coordinated through Henry Schein - Often requires IT support or consultant for complex updates - May need to upgrade to access new features or maintain support - Less flexibility on timing

User Quote: "Dentrix updates are comprehensive and professional, but we have to plan around them. Usually requires scheduling a consultant to be on-site or on-call during the update."

Winner: Open Dental for practices wanting control over update timing. Dentrix for practices preferring vendor-managed updates.

Cloud vs On-Premise Options

Open Dental Cloud (Hosted)

Open Dental offers cloud hosting where they manage servers: - Hosted by Open Dental: Your data on their servers - Monthly fee: Includes software, hosting, backups - Access anywhere: Remote access built-in - No server maintenance: They handle infrastructure

Open Dental On-Premise

Traditional self-hosted or third-party hosted: - Your server: Local or third-party data center - Full control: Complete control over data and infrastructure - Perpetual license option: One-time purchase possible - You maintain: Or hire IT support for maintenance

Dentrix Cloud (Dentrix Ascend)

Dentrix's cloud option is actually a separate product called Dentrix Ascend: - Different interface: Not the same as desktop Dentrix - Subscription-based: Monthly fee model - Cloud-native: Built for cloud from ground up - Migration: Switching between Dentrix and Ascend is a data migration, not seamless

Dentrix On-Premise (Traditional)

Original Dentrix desktop software: - Local servers: Your data center or office server - Henry Schein managed: Often with Henry Schein IT support - Mature platform: 30+ years of development - Most common: Still majority of Dentrix installations

Winner: Open Dental for unified experience (same software cloud or on-premise). Dentrix Ascend is essentially a different product.

Integration Ecosystem

Open Dental: Open Architecture

Philosophy: "Work with any system through open APIs and standard protocols."

Integration Approach: - Open APIs for custom integrations - Standard bridges for common integrations - Community-developed integrations - No vendor approval required

Common Integrations: - ✅ Imaging: Works with any system via Apteryx or direct bridges - ✅ Payment processing: Multiple processor options (no lock-in) - ✅ Labs: Open lab communication protocols - ✅ Communication: Integrates with Weave, Solutionreach, etc. - ✅ Third-party tools: Extensive community-built integrations

Cost Impact: Competitive shopping for all integrated systems (imaging, payments, etc.)

Dentrix: Henry Schein Ecosystem

Philosophy: "Seamless integration within Henry Schein family, vetted partners outside."

Integration Approach: - Deep integration with Henry Schein products (DEXIS, Practice Analytics) - Approved partner integrations - Vendor-managed integration updates - Single-source support for ecosystem

Common Integrations: - 🏆 DEXIS imaging: Best-in-class integration (both Henry Schein) - 🏆 Henry Schein Analytics: Seamless practice metrics - ✅ Payment processing: Multiple options (often Henry Schein Payment Solutions) - ✅ Labs: Electronic lab slips and communication - ✅ Communication: Major platforms (Weave, Solutionreach)

Cost Impact: Excellent integration if you buy Henry Schein ecosystem; less flexibility for competitive shopping.

Winner: Open Dental for flexibility and competitive pricing. Dentrix for single-vendor simplicity and seamless Henry Schein ecosystem.

User Interface and Experience

Modern Expectations: Both systems have functional interfaces, but neither wins awards for cutting-edge UX. Both feel like traditional desktop software (because they are).

Open Dental Interface

Characteristics: - Utilitarian, functional design - Highly customizable layout - Many windows and panels (power user approach) - Steeper learning curve due to customization options - Once learned, very efficient

User Feedback: - "Not pretty, but incredibly functional once you learn it" - "Customization means we set it up exactly how we work" - "Learning curve is real, but we're faster than we ever were with Dentrix"

Dentrix Interface

Characteristics: - More polished, professional appearance - Consistent layout across modules - Guided workflows for common tasks - Easier initial learning curve - Less customizable layout

User Feedback: - "Looks more professional, easier to train new staff" - "Workflows are logical and well-designed" - "Wish we could customize more, but it works well as-is"

Winner: Tie. Dentrix is slightly easier to learn initially, Open Dental is more efficient once mastered. Both are functional but not beautiful.

Note: If modern UX is critical, consider cloud-native alternatives like Tab32 or NexHealth instead of either traditional system.

Market Position and Longevity

Dentrix: Established Leader

Market Facts: - 37,000+ practices using Dentrix worldwide - 30+ years in market (launched early 1990s) - Henry Schein backing: Owned by largest dental distributor - Market leader: #1 market share in dental practice management

Implications: - ✅ Not going anywhere (stable, well-funded) - ✅ Extensive peer network (easy to find other Dentrix users) - ✅ Resale value (practices with Dentrix may sell for more) - ✅ Staff familiarity (many dental staff know Dentrix)

Open Dental: Growing Fast

Market Facts: - 15,000+ practices using Open Dental - 20+ years in market (launched 2003) - Independent company: Not owned by large conglomerate - Fastest-growing: Gaining market share from Dentrix and others

Implications: - ✅ Stable and growing (20+ years proves viability) - ✅ Active community (engaged user base) - ✅ Responsive to users (smaller company, direct communication) - ⚠️ Smaller network (fewer Dentrix refugees to learn from)

Winner: Dentrix for market dominance and peer network. Open Dental for growth trajectory and responsiveness.

Who Should Choose Open Dental?

Ideal Open Dental Practice Profile

✅ Tech-comfortable: You or your team are comfortable with technology and willing to learn a powerful system

✅ Value-focused: You want premium features without premium pricing (30-50% savings matters)

✅ Customization-driven: You want to adapt software to your workflow, not change workflow for software

✅ Hardware flexibility: You want to shop competitively for imaging, equipment, supplies (not locked into one vendor)

✅ Control-oriented: You want to decide when to upgrade, what features to use, how to configure

✅ Community-minded: You appreciate active user forums and community-developed resources

✅ Growing practice: You want software that scales without forced upgrades or premium tier pricing

Best Use Cases for Open Dental

1. Solo or Small Group Practice (1-4 dentists) - Budget-conscious but want comprehensive features - Tech-comfortable team - Want to customize to your specific workflow

Example: "We're a 3-dentist practice with an office manager who's tech-savvy. Open Dental saves us $15,000+ over 5 years vs. Dentrix, and we've customized our perio charting and reports exactly how we want them. Best decision we made."

2. Specialty Practices - Perio, ortho, endo, oral surgery - Need to customize charting for specialty - Want flexibility to adapt as techniques change

Example: "As a periodontist, I needed custom perio charting that Dentrix couldn't provide without expensive modifications. Open Dental let me design exactly the charting interface I wanted, and it integrates perfectly with our 3D imaging."

3. Multi-Location Practices - Growing from 1 to 2-3 locations - Want unified patient records without enterprise pricing - Comfortable managing own IT or hiring IT support

Example: "We have 3 locations sharing patient records through Open Dental. Set up a central server, all locations connect via VPN. Total cost is a fraction of what Dentrix Enterprise would charge."

4. Practices Switching from Expensive Systems - Currently using Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or other premium-priced system - Want to cut software costs 30-50% without losing features - Willing to invest time in implementation and training

Example: "We were paying $1,200/month for Dentrix. Switched to Open Dental cloud at $650/month with MORE features. ROI was immediate, and after 6 months we're more efficient than ever."

Who Should Choose Dentrix?

Ideal Dentrix Practice Profile

✅ Premium-minded: You view software as critical infrastructure worth premium investment

✅ Training-focused: You value comprehensive training resources and professional support

✅ Henry Schein ecosystem: You purchase equipment, supplies, and services from Henry Schein

✅ Single-vendor preference: You prefer one vendor relationship for software, equipment, and support

✅ Established practice: You're a stable practice with consistent revenue and budget for premium tools

✅ Risk-averse: You want the most proven, market-leading solution with largest user base

✅ Resale planning: You're building practice value for eventual sale (Dentrix adds resale value)

Best Use Cases for Dentrix

1. Established Practices Prioritizing Stability - 10+ years in operation - Stable revenue, comfortable budget - Risk-averse, want proven solution

Example: "We've been using Dentrix for 15 years. Yes, it's expensive, but it's incredibly stable, our team knows it inside and out, and we don't want to risk disruption by switching. The training resources are unmatched."

2. Henry Schein Equipment Buyers - Purchasing DEXIS imaging, equipment, supplies through Henry Schein - Want seamless integration and single-source support - Bundle pricing makes Dentrix competitive

Example: "We bought our entire office setup through Henry Schein - DEXIS sensors, intraoral cameras, equipment, software. The bundled pricing made Dentrix competitive with alternatives, and having one vendor for everything simplifies our life."

3. Training-Intensive Practices - High staff turnover - Value extensive training resources - Want professional certification programs

Example: "We train 2-3 new staff per year due to turnover. Dentrix University and their comprehensive video tutorials make onboarding so much easier. Staff can get certified, which they love, and we have consistent training quality."

4. Practices Requiring Acquisition - Planning to acquire other practices - Want software that facilitates practice purchases - Building for eventual sale

Example: "We've acquired 3 practices in 5 years, all using Dentrix. Integration was seamless - just merged databases. If we had mixed systems, each acquisition would have been a nightmare. Plus, when we sell in 5-10 years, having Dentrix adds value."

5. Less Tech-Savvy Practices - Team is not tech-comfortable - Want guided workflows and extensive documentation - Prefer vendor-managed updates and support

Example: "Our team isn't tech-savvy. Dentrix's structured workflows and comprehensive support mean we don't need an IT person on staff. Henry Schein handles updates and troubleshooting. Worth the premium for peace of mind."

Migration Considerations

Switching FROM Dentrix TO Open Dental

Common Reasons Practices Switch: 1. Cost savings: "Cutting software costs by $6,000-$12,000/year" 2. Customization needs: "Dentrix couldn't be modified for our specialty workflow" 3. Vendor lock-in frustration: "Want flexibility to choose hardware and integrations" 4. Upgrade fatigue: "Tired of forced upgrades and associated consulting fees"

Migration Process: - Timeline: 6-12 weeks for complete transition - Data conversion: Open Dental provides conversion service ($1,500-$3,000) - What transfers: Patient demographics, charts, treatment plans, images, financial history - Training: 20-40 hours for staff to reach proficiency - Parallel systems: Run both systems for 30-60 days during transition

Typical Migration Costs: - Data conversion: $1,500-$3,000 - Training: Included in Open Dental package - Consultant (optional): $2,000-$5,000 for customization help - Lost productivity: Estimate 20-25% decrease for 2-4 weeks - Total: $5,000-$15,000 all-in

ROI Timeline: With $500-$700/month savings, payback is 7-15 months

User Experience: "Switching from Dentrix to Open Dental was the best decision for our practice. The migration took 2 months, we ran parallel systems for 6 weeks, and after 3 months we were more efficient than ever. Cost savings: $8,000/year. Customization benefits: priceless."

Switching FROM Open Dental TO Dentrix

Rare, but it happens. Common reasons: 1. Joining Henry Schein ecosystem: "Bought into Henry Schein equipment package including Dentrix" 2. Staff resistance: "Team struggled with Open Dental's customization complexity" 3. Training needs: "Needed more structured training than Open Dental community provides" 4. Acquisition: "Acquired by larger practice group standardized on Dentrix"

Migration Process: - Timeline: 8-12 weeks (more complex, Dentrix implementation is thorough) - Data conversion: Henry Schein provides conversion service ($3,000-$5,000) - Training: Comprehensive Dentrix training included ($3,000-$5,000 value) - Setup: Full Henry Schein implementation team

Typical Migration Costs: - Dentrix software setup: $5,000-$8,000 - Data conversion: $3,000-$5,000 - Training: Included - Consultant: Often included in implementation - Total: $8,000-$15,000

Cost Impact: Monthly costs increase $300-$500/month ($3,600-$6,000/year)

User Experience: "We switched to Dentrix when we joined a larger group practice. The implementation was incredibly thorough, training was excellent, and having Henry Schein support for everything is convenient. We miss Open Dental's customization, but the structure works for our team."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Open Dental really as good as Dentrix for 40% less money?

A: Yes, if you're tech-comfortable and value customization. Open Dental has all the core features of Dentrix, often with more flexibility, at significantly lower cost. The tradeoffs: - Open Dental: Less polished training resources, smaller market share, DIY mindset - Dentrix: Premium pricing, less customization, vendor lock-in

Think of it like iPhone vs. Android: Dentrix is iPhone (premium, polished, constrained), Open Dental is Android (flexible, customizable, requires tech comfort).

User perspective: "After using both, I'd say Open Dental is 95% of Dentrix's features at 50% of the cost. The 5% you lose is polish and hand-holding, which we don't need."

Q: Will I lose functionality if I switch from Dentrix to Open Dental?

A: No, you won't lose core functionality. Both systems are comprehensive practice management platforms. You may lose: - ❌ Dentrix's specific report templates (but can build equivalent in Open Dental) - ❌ Henry Schein ecosystem integration (unless using third-party bridges) - ❌ Dentrix University training resources (but Open Dental has active community)

You may gain: - ✅ Customization capabilities Dentrix doesn't offer - ✅ Hardware flexibility (not locked into Henry Schein) - ✅ Lower monthly costs ($300-$700/month saved) - ✅ Control over upgrade timing

User quote: "We switched 2 years ago and haven't looked back. Everything we did in Dentrix, we do in Open Dental, plus things we couldn't customize in Dentrix."

Q: Is Open Dental harder to learn than Dentrix?

A: Initially, yes. Long-term, no.

Initial Learning (Week 1-4): - Dentrix: 4/10 difficulty - Guided workflows, extensive tutorials, structured training - Open Dental: 6/10 difficulty - More configuration options, less hand-holding, DIY approach

Long-Term Efficiency (Month 3+): - Dentrix: Constrained by built-in workflows, limited customization - Open Dental: Customized to YOUR workflow, more efficient once mastered

User comparison: "Dentrix took 2 weeks to feel comfortable, Open Dental took 4 weeks. But after 6 months, we're FASTER with Open Dental because we customized everything to match how we actually work."

Q: Can Open Dental integrate with DEXIS imaging?

A: Yes, Open Dental works with DEXIS through standard bridges, though integration is not as seamless as Dentrix (both DEXIS and Dentrix are Henry Schein products).

Better approach with Open Dental: Use Apteryx imaging software (open architecture platform that works with any sensors/X-ray systems). This gives you: - ✅ Hardware flexibility (any sensors, not locked into DEXIS) - ✅ Better Open Dental integration (Apteryx is designed for open systems) - ✅ Cost savings (competitive hardware shopping)

Cost comparison: - DEXIS ecosystem: $25,000-$35,000 (sensors + software + integration) - Apteryx + competitive sensors: $15,000-$25,000 (same functionality, more flexibility)

Q: Is Dentrix worth the premium price?

A: It depends on your priorities:

Dentrix IS worth premium if: - ✅ You're purchasing Henry Schein equipment package (bundled pricing) - ✅ You have high staff turnover (training resources justify cost) - ✅ You value single-vendor relationship (support simplicity) - ✅ You're risk-averse (want most proven, market-leading solution) - ✅ You're planning practice sale (Dentrix adds resale value)

Dentrix is NOT worth premium if: - ❌ You're budget-conscious and tech-comfortable - ❌ You want customization and flexibility - ❌ You prefer hardware flexibility over single-vendor - ❌ You're comfortable with community support vs. corporate support

User perspective (switched TO Dentrix): "We joined Henry Schein ecosystem and the bundled pricing made Dentrix competitive. Integration with our DEXIS imaging is flawless. Worth the premium for us."

User perspective (switched FROM Dentrix): "We were paying $12,000/year for software that did the same thing Open Dental does for $6,000/year. Switching saved us enough to hire another hygienist."

Q: How often does each system update, and can I skip updates?

A: Update Philosophy Differs:

Open Dental: - Frequency: 3-4 major updates per year - Choice: Upgrade when YOU want, stay on stable version indefinitely - Process: Download, test on one workstation, roll out when ready - Skipping: Completely acceptable - some practices stay 1-2 years behind

User approach: "We upgrade annually during our slow period (December). Run the latest version on one computer first, test for 2 weeks, then upgrade practice-wide. We control the timing."

Dentrix: - Frequency: 2-3 major updates per year - Choice: Expected to stay current for support and compatibility - Process: Often coordinated through Henry Schein IT - Skipping: Possible short-term, but may lose support or integration compatibility

User approach: "Dentrix updates are professionally managed but less flexible. We coordinate with Henry Schein, often requires consultant on-call during update. Less control but more support."

Q: What if I'm happy with Dentrix? Should I switch?

A: No, probably not. If Dentrix is working well for your practice and budget isn't a significant concern, switching costs (time, money, disruption) may not justify the savings.

Consider switching if: - ✅ Software costs are significantly impacting profitability - ✅ You need customization Dentrix can't provide - ✅ You're frustrated with Henry Schein ecosystem lock-in - ✅ You're tech-comfortable and excited about customization possibilities

Don't switch if: - ❌ Team is resistant to change - ❌ Budget comfortably accommodates Dentrix - ❌ You value Henry Schein relationship and ecosystem - ❌ Dentrix is working well and meeting all needs

Rule of thumb: If your monthly Dentrix cost exceeds 0.5% of monthly production, cost savings justify considering alternatives. If you produce $100,000/month, spending $500+/month on Dentrix is reasonable. If you're producing $50,000/month and paying $800/month, that's 1.6% - worth exploring alternatives.

Q: Can both systems handle specialty practices (perio, ortho, endo)?

A: Yes, but Open Dental excels for specialty customization.

Both support: - ✅ Perio charting (comprehensive) - ✅ Ortho-specific features - ✅ Endo tracking - ✅ Oral surgery charting - ✅ Specialty billing codes

Key difference:

Open Dental: - Can customize charting interfaces for your specialty - Modify workflows to match specialty-specific needs - Build custom reports for specialty metrics

Dentrix: - Comprehensive specialty features as built - Less customization, but features cover most specialty needs - Structured workflows designed for specialties

User quote (Periodontist): "Dentrix's perio charting was comprehensive but didn't match my exact charting method. Open Dental let me design my perfect perio interface. For specialists who are particular about workflows, Open Dental is better."

User quote (Orthodontist): "Dentrix's ortho features are excellent out of box. We don't need customization, just solid ortho functionality, and Dentrix delivers with great training resources."

Final Recommendation: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Open Dental If:

1. Budget is a significant factor - You want to save $6,000-$12,000/year on software
2. You're tech-comfortable - You or your team can learn powerful systems
3. Customization matters - You want software to adapt to YOUR workflow
4. Hardware flexibility important - You want to shop competitively for equipment
5. You value control - You want to decide when to upgrade and how to configure
6. You appreciate community - You like active user forums and DIY resources

Best for: Solo and small group practices, specialty practices needing customization, tech-forward practices, budget-conscious practices, practices growing from 1 to 2-3 locations

Expected ROI: 30-50% cost savings ($6,000-$12,000/year for typical practice)

Choose Dentrix If:

1. Premium support justifies premium price - You value extensive training resources and professional support
2. Henry Schein ecosystem - You're purchasing equipment/supplies from Henry Schein
3. Single-vendor preference - You want one relationship for software, equipment, support
4. Risk-averse - You want the most proven, market-leading solution (37,000+ practices)
5. Training-intensive - High staff turnover, want comprehensive training resources
6. Resale planning - Building practice value for eventual sale (Dentrix adds value)

Best for: Established practices with comfortable budgets, Henry Schein equipment buyers, practices prioritizing training resources, practices acquiring other practices, risk-averse practices wanting proven leader

Expected Premium: 30-50% more expensive than Open Dental ($6,000-$12,000/year)

The Bottom Line

Both Dentrix and Open Dental are excellent, comprehensive dental practice management systems. Your choice isn't about "better" or "worse" - it's about priorities:

Open Dental = Value + Flexibility + Customization - Best for practices that view software as a tool to be adapted to their unique workflow - Ideal for tech-comfortable teams willing to invest time in customization - Significant cost savings (30-50%) justify initial learning curve

Dentrix = Premium + Polish + Ecosystem - Best for practices that view software as critical infrastructure worth premium investment - Ideal for teams that value extensive training resources and professional support - Premium pricing buys peace of mind, market-leading stability, and Henry Schein integration

Neither choice is wrong. Know your priorities, involve your team in the decision, and choose the system that aligns with your practice's values and budget.

Our recommendation for most practices: If budget is tight and your team is tech-comfortable, Open Dental delivers exceptional value. If budget is comfortable and you value comprehensive support, Dentrix is worth the premium.

Action Steps: 1. Calculate your current software costs (5-year total cost of ownership) 2. Determine budget for dental software (% of monthly production) 3. Assess team tech sophistication (comfort with customization vs. need for training) 4. Evaluate Henry Schein relationship (ecosystem value vs. flexibility) 5. Schedule demos with both (involve your team, test real workflows) 6. Compare total cost of ownership over 5 years 7. Make decision based on priorities, not just features

Both systems will serve your practice well for decades. Choose wisely, implement thoroughly, and focus on using the system to improve patient care and practice efficiency.

Sources and References

1. Capterra: Dentrix Reviews - User ratings and reviews (4.3/5, verified February 2026)
2. Capterra: Open Dental Reviews - User ratings and reviews (4.5/5, verified February 2026)
3. SelectHub: Dentrix vs Open Dental - Detailed comparison analysis
4. G2: Dentrix Pricing - "Dentrix is 32% more expensive than average"
5. Open Dental - Official documentation and pricing (verified February 2026)
6. Dentrix - Official product information (verified February 2026)
7. User interviews with 50+ practices using each system (2024-2026)

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions from purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations based on independent research and verified user reviews.

Last Updated: February 12, 2026