Quick Overview
- 1#1: Open Dental - Open-source dental practice management software with a comprehensive built-in accounting module for billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to dental offices.
- 2#2: Dentrix - Leading dental software suite offering advanced financial tools for patient billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable, and practice profitability analysis.
- 3#3: Eaglesoft - Reliable dental practice management system with integrated accounting features for ledger management, payroll, and customizable financial reports.
- 4#4: Curve Dental - Cloud-based dental software providing seamless accounting integration for real-time billing, payments, and financial dashboards accessible anywhere.
- 5#5: Denticon - Enterprise-level dental practice management platform with robust accounting capabilities for multi-location billing, inventory tracking, and compliance reporting.
- 6#6: Ace Dental Software - Affordable dental PMS with strong accounting features including patient ledgers, insurance tracking, and profit/loss statements for small practices.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Popular cloud accounting software with dental-specific integrations for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
- 8#8: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting platform ideal for dental practices, offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, and integrations with practice management tools.
- 9#9: FreshBooks - Intuitive invoicing and accounting software suited for service-based dental billing, time tracking, and expense management.
- 10#10: Wave - Free online accounting tool for small dental offices handling invoicing, payments, and basic financial reports without subscription costs.
Tools were ranked based on dental-specific feature depth, reliability in managing billing and insurance workflows, ease of use for practice staff, and value, balancing cost-effectiveness with robust performance.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right dental accounting software is key for practice efficiency—this comparison table features top tools like Open Dental, Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Curve Dental, Denticon, and more, guiding practices to identify their best fit. Readers will learn about each solution's key features, pricing, usability, and unique benefits, ensuring informed decisions tailored to their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Dental Open-source dental practice management software with a comprehensive built-in accounting module for billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to dental offices. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | Dentrix Leading dental software suite offering advanced financial tools for patient billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable, and practice profitability analysis. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Eaglesoft Reliable dental practice management system with integrated accounting features for ledger management, payroll, and customizable financial reports. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Curve Dental Cloud-based dental software providing seamless accounting integration for real-time billing, payments, and financial dashboards accessible anywhere. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Denticon Enterprise-level dental practice management platform with robust accounting capabilities for multi-location billing, inventory tracking, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Ace Dental Software Affordable dental PMS with strong accounting features including patient ledgers, insurance tracking, and profit/loss statements for small practices. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Popular cloud accounting software with dental-specific integrations for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting platform ideal for dental practices, offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, and integrations with practice management tools. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | FreshBooks Intuitive invoicing and accounting software suited for service-based dental billing, time tracking, and expense management. | other | 7.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Wave Free online accounting tool for small dental offices handling invoicing, payments, and basic financial reports without subscription costs. | other | 6.2/10 | 4.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
Open-source dental practice management software with a comprehensive built-in accounting module for billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to dental offices.
Leading dental software suite offering advanced financial tools for patient billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable, and practice profitability analysis.
Reliable dental practice management system with integrated accounting features for ledger management, payroll, and customizable financial reports.
Cloud-based dental software providing seamless accounting integration for real-time billing, payments, and financial dashboards accessible anywhere.
Enterprise-level dental practice management platform with robust accounting capabilities for multi-location billing, inventory tracking, and compliance reporting.
Affordable dental PMS with strong accounting features including patient ledgers, insurance tracking, and profit/loss statements for small practices.
Popular cloud accounting software with dental-specific integrations for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
User-friendly cloud accounting platform ideal for dental practices, offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, and integrations with practice management tools.
Intuitive invoicing and accounting software suited for service-based dental billing, time tracking, and expense management.
Free online accounting tool for small dental offices handling invoicing, payments, and basic financial reports without subscription costs.
Open Dental
specializedOpen-source dental practice management software with a comprehensive built-in accounting module for billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to dental offices.
Built-in double-entry general ledger with automatic dental procedure-to-accounting reconciliation
Open Dental is a comprehensive dental practice management software with robust accounting features tailored for dental offices, handling everything from patient billing and insurance claims to accounts receivable/payable, payroll, and general ledger management. It provides detailed financial reporting, profit/loss statements, and tax-ready tools, all integrated seamlessly with clinical workflows for accurate dental-specific accounting. As an on-premises solution with optional hosting, it emphasizes data ownership and customization for long-term financial control.
Pros
- Extensive dental-specific accounting tools including automated insurance tracking and procedure-based billing
- One-time perpetual license model eliminates recurring fees
- Highly customizable with open architecture for tailored financial workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to depth of features
- Outdated interface requires adaptation
- Primarily on-premises setup may need IT support for smaller practices
Best For
Dental practices of any size seeking powerful, ownership-based accounting without subscription costs.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,500 for small practices, scaling to $10,000+ based on providers/users; optional annual support ~20% of license cost; free limited version available.
Dentrix
specializedLeading dental software suite offering advanced financial tools for patient billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable, and practice profitability analysis.
Dentrix Ledger for real-time, automated financial tracking and reconciliation tailored to dental workflows
Dentrix is a leading dental practice management software with integrated accounting capabilities, handling billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting for dental practices. It streamlines financial workflows by linking clinical procedures directly to accounting entries, reducing manual data entry. As a full-suite solution, it provides detailed ledger management and customizable reports to support practice profitability analysis.
Pros
- Seamless integration of clinical billing with accounting ledger
- Robust financial reporting and analytics tools
- Strong support for insurance claims and A/R management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- High subscription costs for smaller practices
- Limited standalone accounting without full PMS commitment
Best For
Mid-to-large dental practices needing integrated practice management and accounting in one platform.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $400-$800 per month per provider, plus one-time setup fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Eaglesoft
specializedReliable dental practice management system with integrated accounting features for ledger management, payroll, and customizable financial reports.
Advanced provider-level production and profitability tracking tied directly to procedure billing.
Eaglesoft, by Patterson Dental, is a comprehensive dental practice management software with robust built-in accounting features tailored for dental offices. It handles patient billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, general ledger, and detailed financial reporting. The system integrates seamlessly with clinical workflows, ensuring accurate tracking of dental-specific transactions like procedure codes and production goals.
Pros
- Seamless integration of accounting with dental practice management
- Powerful dental-specific billing and insurance claims tools
- Comprehensive financial reports and production tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Limited flexibility for non-standard accounting customizations
Best For
Mid-sized dental practices needing integrated accounting within full practice management software.
Pricing
Subscription-based at $250-$600/month per provider, plus one-time setup fees of $5,000+ and training costs.
Curve Dental
specializedCloud-based dental software providing seamless accounting integration for real-time billing, payments, and financial dashboards accessible anywhere.
Real-time unified ledger that automatically syncs clinical procedures with financial transactions for instant profitability insights
Curve Dental is a cloud-based practice management software with integrated accounting tools designed specifically for dental practices. It streamlines patient billing, insurance claims processing, accounts receivable management, and financial reporting, providing real-time insights into practice finances. The system automates payment posting, collections, and ledger reconciliation, reducing manual errors and improving cash flow efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless integration of accounting with clinical workflows
- Real-time financial dashboards and customizable reports
- Cloud-based access for remote financial monitoring
Cons
- Higher cost compared to standalone accounting tools
- Limited advanced payroll and tax modules without integrations
- Custom pricing lacks transparency upfront
Best For
Mid-sized dental practices needing an all-in-one cloud platform with strong built-in accounting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing, typically $450-$650 per provider per month, based on practice size and features.
Denticon
enterpriseEnterprise-level dental practice management platform with robust accounting capabilities for multi-location billing, inventory tracking, and compliance reporting.
Multi-location financial consolidation with real-time dashboards
Denticon is a cloud-based dental practice management software with a comprehensive accounting module designed for dental offices and multi-location groups. It streamlines financial operations including accounts receivable, billing, insurance claims processing, payroll, and general ledger management. The platform provides real-time financial reporting and business intelligence tools to help practices optimize revenue cycles and track performance across locations.
Pros
- Robust AR management and collections tools with aging reports
- Integrated payroll and general ledger for seamless financial tracking
- Scalable multi-practice reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Dated user interface in some modules
- Custom implementation can take several weeks
Best For
Large dental practices or DSOs needing integrated accounting within enterprise-level practice management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $400-$800 per provider/month depending on practice size and features.
Ace Dental Software
specializedAffordable dental PMS with strong accounting features including patient ledgers, insurance tracking, and profit/loss statements for small practices.
Dental production reports that break down revenue by provider, procedure, and adjustment type for precise profitability insights
Ace Dental Software is a comprehensive dental practice management platform with integrated accounting tools designed specifically for dental offices. It handles essential accounting functions like billing, accounts receivable, payroll processing, general ledger management, and dental-specific financial reporting such as production by provider and collection ratios. While not a standalone accounting solution, its seamless integration with practice management makes it efficient for tracking finances alongside patient care and operations.
Pros
- Strong dental-specific accounting reports like production, adjustments, and overhead analysis
- Seamless integration with billing and insurance claims for accurate AR tracking
- Reliable on-premise deployment with robust data security for sensitive financials
Cons
- Outdated interface with a steeper learning curve compared to modern cloud-based tools
- Limited cloud and mobile accessibility, requiring on-site servers
- Customization options are rigid and may require vendor support for advanced needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized dental practices that prefer an all-in-one on-premise solution for practice management and accounting without separate software.
Pricing
Custom pricing typically starts at $300-$600/month per practice based on users and modules, with one-time setup fees and optional annual support contracts.
QuickBooks Online
enterprisePopular cloud accounting software with dental-specific integrations for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
Extensive App Store with 750+ integrations, including connectors for dental practice management systems like Dentrix and Open Dental
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that handles core financial tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and reporting, making it adaptable for dental practices. It supports bank reconciliations, customizable reports, and inventory management for supplies, but requires integrations for dental-specific workflows. While not purpose-built for dentistry, it provides scalable tools for practices managing patient billing and insurance reimbursements.
Pros
- Automated bank feeds and transaction categorization for efficient reconciliation
- Customizable invoicing suitable for patient statements and insurance billing
- Robust reporting tools for P&L, cash flow, and tax preparation
Cons
- Lacks built-in dental features like insurance aging or patient ledger tracking
- Integrations with dental PMS (e.g., Dentrix) often require third-party apps and extra setup
- Higher-tier plans needed for inventory and multi-location support common in dental groups
Best For
Small to mid-sized dental practices needing reliable general accounting with scalability via integrations, rather than specialized dental-only software.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); annual plans offer 50% off first 3 months, payroll add-on extra.
Xero
otherUser-friendly cloud accounting platform ideal for dental practices, offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, and integrations with practice management tools.
Automated bank transaction feeds with AI-powered categorization for effortless reconciliation
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. For dental practices, it excels in general bookkeeping tasks like managing overheads, supplier payments, and tax compliance but lacks native features for patient billing, insurance claims, or procedure-specific ledgers. It supports integrations with dental practice management software such as Dentrix or Open Dental via its extensive app marketplace, making it adaptable for non-specialized accounting needs.
Pros
- Intuitive cloud access with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Automated bank feeds and reconciliation save time on daily tasks
- Unlimited users and strong integrations with dental PM systems
Cons
- No built-in dental-specific tools like insurance tracking or patient invoicing
- Payroll and advanced reporting require costly add-ons
- Limited customization for practice-specific workflows
Best For
Small dental practices needing reliable general accounting that integrates with existing practice management software without dental-specific billing.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Early plan) up to $115+/month (Ultimate); annual billing discounts available, scales with organizations and features.
FreshBooks
otherIntuitive invoicing and accounting software suited for service-based dental billing, time tracking, and expense management.
Beautifully customizable invoices with automated late payment reminders to speed up patient collections
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, excelling in invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and basic bookkeeping. For dental practices, it handles general tasks like patient billing, supply expense management, and financial reporting but lacks specialized features such as insurance claim processing or integration with dental practice management systems. Its mobile app and automated reminders make it suitable for busy dental offices seeking simplicity over comprehensive healthcare accounting.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants in dental offices
- Robust invoicing with online payments and recurring billing for patient services
- Strong expense tracking and reporting for supplies and overhead
Cons
- No dental-specific features like insurance integration or patient ledger management
- Limited scalability for multi-location or large dental practices
- Basic reporting lacks healthcare compliance tools like HIPAA-ready exports
Best For
Solo dentists or small dental practices needing simple, attractive invoicing and basic accounting without complex patient or insurance billing.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients), $33/month (Plus), $60/month (Premium, unlimited clients); annual billing offers 50% off first 3 months.
Wave
otherFree online accounting tool for small dental offices handling invoicing, payments, and basic financial reports without subscription costs.
100% free unlimited accounting and invoicing with no user or transaction limits
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic financial reporting. For dental practices, it handles general bookkeeping like tracking patient payments and vendor expenses but lacks industry-specific tools. It's a budget-friendly starter option but requires integrations or manual workarounds for dental workflows.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
- Automatic bank reconciliation and receipt scanning
Cons
- No dental-specific features like insurance billing or procedure code tracking
- Limited customizable reporting for practice management
- Not HIPAA compliant for handling protected health information
Best For
Budget-conscious solo dental practitioners or startups needing basic invoicing without specialized dental tools.
Pricing
Free for accounting/invoicing; payments at 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; payroll starts at $20/month + $6/employee.
Conclusion
Evaluating dental accounting tools reveals a mix of specialized solutions, with Open Dental leading as the top choice—its comprehensive, built-in accounting module perfectly tailored to dental billing, payroll, and reporting needs. Strong alternatives like Dentrix and Eaglesoft offer advanced financial tools, ensuring there’s a fit for various practice sizes and priorities, from enterprise-level multi-location management to reliable integration for smaller offices.
Don’t miss out on Open Dental—its tailored features make it the ultimate tool to streamline financial tasks, from tracking revenue to analyzing profitability, and is worth exploring first for any dental practice.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
