Dentrix vs Open Dental: the two most common dental PMS choices, compared
Open Dental (8.3) scores higher than Dentrix (7.8) in our rankings, driven by its openness and published pricing. Dentrix is the most widely adopted dental PMS, with deep workflows and a large partner ecosystem through the Dentrix API Exchange. Both are typically run on-premises.
At a glance
| Attribute | Dentrix | Open Dental |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Category rank | #6 of 17 in Practice Management | #2 of 17 in Practice Management |
| Verdict | Industry-standard on-prem PMS from Henry Schein One. | Open-source, highly configurable PMS with a large integration ecosystem. |
| Pricing | Contact vendor | $199/mo per location first 12 months, then $149/mo (up to 3 providers) (source) |
| Website | dentrix.com | opendental.com |
Cost and terms
- Open Dental publishes its fees: $199 per month per location for the first 12 months (up to 3 providers), then $149 per month, with phone, chat and email support included and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
- Dentrix is sold in packages and suites, and pricing isn't published.
Integrations
- Open Dental is open-source, and most dental AI, communication and RCM tools in our directory connect to it.
- Dentrix connects through the Dentrix API Exchange, and nearly every tool we rank integrates with it too.
Deployment and AI
- Open Dental is self-hosted by default. Open Dental Cloud is available at extra cost.
- Dentrix is installed locally. Henry Schein One says it needs IT support for updates, backups and security.
- Dentrix includes built-in imaging with AI detection. Open Dental users usually add AI through partners.
Questions to ask before you decide
- How much do published, predictable costs matter? Open Dental publishes its fees; Dentrix pricing isn't published.
- Do you want built-in imaging with AI detection (Dentrix) or to add AI through integrated partners (most Open Dental practices)?
- What support and training do you need? Compare Open Dental's included phone, chat and email support with Henry Schein One's options.
- If you want cloud without servers, compare Dentrix Ascend or Curve as well.
FAQ
How much does Open Dental cost?
For US offices, $199 per month per location for the first 12 months, covering up to 3 providers, then $149 per month. Each additional provider is $20 per month. Data conversion is extra.
Is Dentrix cloud-based?
No. Dentrix is installed locally. Henry Schein One's cloud PMS is Dentrix Ascend.
Can I switch from Dentrix to Open Dental?
Open Dental lists data conversion as a separate, published fee. Ask for the conversion quote for your Dentrix version.
Get our take in the newsletter
This page sticks to the facts and scores. Our verdict on Dentrix vs Open Dental, and which kind of practice each one fits, goes out in the Tuesday email.
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Related comparisons
Other tools to consider
- CareStack 8.5/10 · Practice Management
- Denticon 8.0/10 · Practice Management
- Curve Dental 7.9/10 · Practice Management
- Bola AI 7.9/10 · Practice Management
- Dentrix Ascend 7.7/10 · Practice Management
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Scores are editorial, and sponsors never affect them. How we score