Quick Overview
- 1#1: Dentrix - Comprehensive dental practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient charting, and integrated billing.
- 2#2: Open Dental - Affordable, full-featured open-source dental software offering robust scheduling, recalls, and practice management tools.
- 3#3: Curve Dental - Cloud-based dental practice management system providing seamless online appointment booking and mobile accessibility.
- 4#4: Denticon - Enterprise-level dental software designed for multi-location practices with scalable scheduling and analytics.
- 5#5: Eaglesoft - Customizable dental practice management solution featuring flexible appointment scheduling and workflow automation.
- 6#6: tab32 - All-in-one cloud dental platform integrating scheduling, imaging, and patient engagement features.
- 7#7: Carestream Dental - Integrated dental software suite with efficient appointment management and imaging interoperability.
- 8#8: Weave - Patient communication and scheduling platform with text reminders, online booking, and call handling for dentists.
- 9#9: NexHealth - Modern patient experience platform enabling online scheduling, digital forms, and automated confirmations.
- 10#10: Solutionreach - Patient engagement tool focused on appointment reminders, online scheduling, and retention strategies.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key factors including feature depth (scheduling, billing, imaging, and communication), ease of use for both staff and patients, reliability, and value relative to practice size—ensuring a balanced overview of top-performing options.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right dental appointment software is critical for practice efficiency, and this comparison table breaks down key tools like Dentrix, Open Dental, Curve Dental, Denticon, Eaglesoft, and more. Readers will discover each platform’s standout features, pros, and cons, enabling informed decisions tailored to their practice’s specific needs and workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dentrix Comprehensive dental practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient charting, and integrated billing. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Open Dental Affordable, full-featured open-source dental software offering robust scheduling, recalls, and practice management tools. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | Curve Dental Cloud-based dental practice management system providing seamless online appointment booking and mobile accessibility. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Denticon Enterprise-level dental software designed for multi-location practices with scalable scheduling and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Eaglesoft Customizable dental practice management solution featuring flexible appointment scheduling and workflow automation. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | tab32 All-in-one cloud dental platform integrating scheduling, imaging, and patient engagement features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Carestream Dental Integrated dental software suite with efficient appointment management and imaging interoperability. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Weave Patient communication and scheduling platform with text reminders, online booking, and call handling for dentists. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | NexHealth Modern patient experience platform enabling online scheduling, digital forms, and automated confirmations. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Solutionreach Patient engagement tool focused on appointment reminders, online scheduling, and retention strategies. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive dental practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient charting, and integrated billing.
Affordable, full-featured open-source dental software offering robust scheduling, recalls, and practice management tools.
Cloud-based dental practice management system providing seamless online appointment booking and mobile accessibility.
Enterprise-level dental software designed for multi-location practices with scalable scheduling and analytics.
Customizable dental practice management solution featuring flexible appointment scheduling and workflow automation.
All-in-one cloud dental platform integrating scheduling, imaging, and patient engagement features.
Integrated dental software suite with efficient appointment management and imaging interoperability.
Patient communication and scheduling platform with text reminders, online booking, and call handling for dentists.
Modern patient experience platform enabling online scheduling, digital forms, and automated confirmations.
Patient engagement tool focused on appointment reminders, online scheduling, and retention strategies.
Dentrix
enterpriseComprehensive dental practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient charting, and integrated billing.
Dentrix G7's intelligent scheduling with AI-driven provider matching and dynamic waitlists that minimize gaps and maximize productivity
Dentrix is a leading dental practice management software designed to streamline appointment scheduling, patient records, billing, and clinical workflows for dental offices. It features a powerful scheduling module with visual timelines, drag-and-drop functionality, and automated reminders to optimize chair utilization and reduce no-shows. Beyond scheduling, it integrates seamlessly with digital imaging, perio charting, and reporting tools, making it a comprehensive solution for modern dental practices.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with multi-provider views, color-coding, and online patient booking
- Deep integration with dental imaging, EHR, and third-party tools like insurance verification
- Strong reporting and analytics for practice efficiency and revenue tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High upfront and ongoing costs compared to simpler alternatives
- Desktop version feels dated; cloud transition (Dentrix Ascend) not universal
Best For
Established mid-to-large dental practices needing a full-featured, scalable appointment and practice management system.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Dentrix Ascend starts at ~$400/month per provider; traditional on-premise licensing from $10,000+ upfront with annual maintenance fees.
Open Dental
specializedAffordable, full-featured open-source dental software offering robust scheduling, recalls, and practice management tools.
Visual pinboard scheduling with drag-and-drop multi-provider conflict detection and recurring appointment automation
Open Dental is a comprehensive dental practice management software designed specifically for dental offices, offering robust tools for appointment scheduling, patient charting, billing, insurance processing, and imaging integration. It supports multi-practice environments and provides extensive customization options through its modular architecture and SQL database access. With a focus on on-premises deployment, it ensures data control and scalability for practices of all sizes.
Pros
- Exceptionally feature-rich with advanced scheduling, perio charting, and treatment planning
- Highly customizable with open database access for reports and integrations
- Cost-effective perpetual licensing model with strong long-term value
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface and extensive options
- Primarily on-premises deployment limits remote access flexibility
- Dated user interface compared to modern cloud-based competitors
Best For
Dental practices prioritizing customization, data ownership, and comprehensive on-premises functionality over ease of cloud access.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$6,000 for single provider + 20% annual support (~$1,200/year); subscription options from $179/provider/month; free single-user version available.
Curve Dental
enterpriseCloud-based dental practice management system providing seamless online appointment booking and mobile accessibility.
HeroX intelligent charting system that combines clinical documentation, imaging, and treatment planning in a single, touch-enabled interface
Curve Dental is a fully cloud-based practice management software designed specifically for dental practices, offering seamless appointment scheduling, patient records, charting, billing, and imaging integration. It enables paperless workflows with real-time access from any device, eliminating the need for on-premise servers or installations. The platform emphasizes efficiency through automated reminders, drag-and-drop scheduling, and comprehensive reporting tools tailored to dental workflows.
Pros
- Fully cloud-based with no hardware requirements, enabling access from anywhere
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and automated patient reminders
- Integrated dental-specific tools like charting and imaging in one platform
Cons
- Higher pricing that may strain smaller practices
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large dental practices or multi-location groups seeking a modern, all-in-one cloud solution without IT overhead.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $425 per provider per month, scaling with additional users and features; custom quotes available.
Denticon
enterpriseEnterprise-level dental software designed for multi-location practices with scalable scheduling and analytics.
Centralized enterprise dashboard for real-time multi-location visibility and management
Denticon is a cloud-based dental practice management software designed for comprehensive operations, including advanced appointment scheduling, patient communication, billing, and clinical charting. It excels in handling multi-location practices with centralized dashboards, automated reminders, online booking, and robust reporting tools. Ideal for scaling dental service organizations (DSOs), it integrates imaging, revenue cycle management, and analytics to optimize workflows across enterprises.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for multi-location practices
- Advanced analytics and reporting via Denticon Insights
- Seamless integration of scheduling, billing, and clinical tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost with custom enterprise pricing
- Overly complex for solo or small practices
Best For
Large dental service organizations (DSOs) and multi-location groups needing centralized oversight and advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on practice size; typically $400-$700 per provider/month plus implementation fees.
Eaglesoft
enterpriseCustomizable dental practice management solution featuring flexible appointment scheduling and workflow automation.
EagleWeb patient portal enabling online appointment booking and secure communication
Eaglesoft by Patterson Dental is a longstanding dental practice management software that excels in appointment scheduling, patient records, billing, and clinical charting for dental offices. It provides a centralized platform for managing daily operations, including multi-provider calendars, automated recalls, and integration with imaging systems. While robust for established practices, its desktop-focused design limits remote access compared to modern cloud alternatives.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars and conflict alerts
- Deep dental-specific features like procedure codes and insurance verification
- Strong integration with Patterson supplies and EagleWeb patient portal
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface with steep learning curve
- Limited mobile and cloud accessibility
- High upfront costs and ongoing support fees
Best For
Multi-location dental practices needing reliable, feature-rich desktop scheduling integrated with full PMS.
Pricing
Custom quotes required; typically $300-$600/month per provider plus implementation fees.
tab32
specializedAll-in-one cloud dental platform integrating scheduling, imaging, and patient engagement features.
Integrated two-way SMS texting directly within patient charts for seamless communication without switching apps
tab32 is a cloud-based dental practice management software tailored for dental offices, offering robust appointment scheduling, patient communication, and administrative tools. It includes features like an intuitive drag-and-drop calendar, automated SMS/email reminders, online patient booking, integrated charting, billing, and imaging support. The platform emphasizes efficiency with mobile access, two-way texting, and reporting dashboards to streamline daily operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
- Strong patient engagement via two-way SMS and online portal
- Excellent customer support and quick implementation
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for solo practices compared to basic schedulers
- Limited third-party integrations beyond core dental tools
- Advanced imaging features require add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized dental practices seeking an all-in-one platform with superior patient communication and ease of use.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for Essentials plan (1 provider), up to $499+/month for Premium/Enterprise with unlimited providers and advanced features; annual discounts available.
Carestream Dental
enterpriseIntegrated dental software suite with efficient appointment management and imaging interoperability.
Integrated imaging workflow that links scheduled appointments directly to patient X-rays and scans in real-time
Carestream Dental offers CS R4 and CS PracticeWorks, comprehensive practice management software suites with integrated appointment scheduling tailored for dental practices. It enables efficient booking, reminders, and rescheduling through a centralized calendar that syncs with patient records and imaging systems. The platform supports multi-provider scheduling, online patient portals, and automated confirmations to streamline front-office operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Carestream's dental imaging hardware and software
- Customizable scheduling templates for multi-provider practices
- Robust patient communication tools including SMS reminders and online booking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Higher pricing compared to standalone scheduling apps
- Limited mobile app functionality for on-the-go scheduling
Best For
Established dental practices seeking an all-in-one solution with strong imaging integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $500-$1,500/month per practice or perpetual licenses from $10,000+ with annual maintenance fees.
Weave
specializedPatient communication and scheduling platform with text reminders, online booking, and call handling for dentists.
Unified Inbox that consolidates texts, calls, emails, voicemails, and reviews into a single, searchable dashboard.
Weave is an all-in-one patient communication and engagement platform tailored for dental practices, enabling online appointment scheduling, automated reminders via text, email, and voice, and seamless integration with leading dental PMS like Dentrix and Eaglesoft. It streamlines front-office workflows with features like two-way texting, payment collection, online forms, and reputation management tools. While not a full practice management system, it excels at boosting patient retention and no-show reduction through personalized communication.
Pros
- Robust patient communication tools including unified inbox and automated reminders
- Strong integrations with major dental PMS for easy scheduling sync
- Excellent customer support with 24/7 availability
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller practices with add-on fees
- Not a complete replacement for dedicated scheduling software
- Occasional glitches in integrations reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized dental practices seeking to enhance patient engagement and online booking alongside their existing practice management system.
Pricing
Starts at $499/month per location for core features, plus per-user fees and add-ons for payments or advanced calling (~$20-50/user/month).
NexHealth
specializedModern patient experience platform enabling online scheduling, digital forms, and automated confirmations.
Direct, real-time PMS integrations that eliminate double-entry and enable frictionless online scheduling
NexHealth is a patient engagement platform designed for dental practices, offering online appointment booking, automated reminders, two-way texting, digital forms, and payments. It integrates directly with major practice management systems like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, and Open Dental for real-time syncing of schedules and patient data. The software focuses on improving patient acquisition, retention, and front-office efficiency through a unified dashboard.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integrations with dental PMS
- Robust patient communication via SMS and portal
- Strong online booking and automation tools
Cons
- Higher pricing for small practices
- Some features locked behind premium tiers
- Occasional support delays reported
Best For
Mid-sized dental practices aiming to modernize patient scheduling and engagement without heavy IT involvement.
Pricing
Starts at ~$300/month per provider; scales with practice size and features, custom quotes for enterprises.
Solutionreach
specializedPatient engagement tool focused on appointment reminders, online scheduling, and retention strategies.
Intelligent multi-channel reminders with AI-driven personalization and escalation for unconfirmed appointments
Solutionreach is a patient engagement platform tailored for dental and medical practices, focusing on automating communications to improve appointment adherence. It offers features like multi-channel reminders (text, email, voice), online scheduling, two-way texting, and patient surveys to reduce no-shows and enhance retention. The software integrates with popular dental PMS systems such as Dentrix and Eaglesoft, streamlining workflows without replacing core scheduling tools.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel patient reminders significantly reduce no-shows
- Seamless integrations with major dental practice management systems
- Two-way texting and online scheduling improve patient convenience
Cons
- Limited native scheduling capabilities, relies on PMS integrations
- Pricing can be high for small practices with per-patient fees
- Occasional reports of clunky interface and slow support response
Best For
Mid-sized dental practices seeking to boost patient engagement and retention through automated communications rather than full scheduling overhauls.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $299–$600/month base plus $0.99–$1.99 per active patient/month.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top dental appointment tools, Dentrix emerges as the standout choice, offering a robust blend of comprehensive management features. Open Dental provides a strong, affordable open-source alternative for practices seeking full functionality, while Curve Dental excels with cloud-based flexibility and mobile accessibility, catering to different operational needs. Each top tool delivers value, though Dentrix leads in overall integration and advanced capabilities.
Ready to elevate your practice? Begin with Dentrix, the leading option, to simplify scheduling, boost efficiency, and enhance patient care.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison