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Open Dental Software is an open-source dental practice management and EHR system founded in 2003 that serves general dental practices, orthodontic offices, oral surgery centers, and specialty dental clinics. The software distinguishes itself in the dental software market through its open-source architecture, allowing practices complete access to source code and database structures, enabling unlimited customization without vendor lock-in. This approach appeals to technically sophisticated practices and developers who want to tailor workflows or build custom integrations. The platform offers comprehensive dental-specific functionality including interactive dental charting with graphical tooth charts, treatment planning with presentation tools, imaging integration with major dental imaging systems, insurance claim processing with electronic attachments, appointment scheduling with automated reminders, and patient communications. The system supports both traditional dental workflows and specialized procedures for orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Open Dental is available in multiple deployment models: on-premises installations for practices wanting complete data control, private cloud hosting through Open Dental's infrastructure, or self-managed cloud deployments. The Windows-based application uses MySQL database backend and can run on terminal server/Citrix environments for multi-location practices. The architecture supports unlimited users and workstations without per-seat licensing restrictions. The vendor targets small to mid-sized dental practices (1-20+ providers) and dental service organizations managing multiple locations. Market positioning emphasizes total cost of ownership advantages, with pricing based on either perpetual licenses ($1,500-$1,800 per workstation one-time fee) or monthly subscription models ($249-$349 per provider), both significantly below proprietary competitors. Annual support fees for perpetual licenses run approximately $590 per year for updates and technical support. Key differentiators include the open-source codebase (available on GitHub), active user community contributing plugins and modifications, strong API for third-party integrations, and no artificial limitations on features across pricing tiers. The system achieved ONC 2015 Edition certification for meaningful use requirements, though dental-specific EHR certification requirements differ from medical EMRs. Integration capabilities span major dental imaging platforms (Dexis, Schick, Planmeca, Carestream), patient engagement tools (Podium, Weave, Solutionreach), electronic claims clearinghouses (DentalXChange, NEA), and e-prescribing through DoseSpot. Open Dental maintains a loyal user base attracted to transparency, configurability, and lower long-term costs compared to proprietary alternatives like Dentrix or Eaglesoft. The learning curve can be steeper than more streamlined commercial products, but practices gain flexibility and avoid vendor dependency. The company provides direct technical support, extensive documentation, and maintains an active online community forum where users share customizations and troubleshooting advice.
Official site: www.opendental.com
Open Dental clinical charting / dental practice-management system (local/self-hosted version and Open Dental Cloud): United States self-hosted license and support: current initial rate is $199 USD per month per location/office, 12-month contract, covering all computers at that location for up to 3 providers; after 12 consecutive months it reduces to the currently published $149/month/location, month-to-month. Support fee includes the software, updates, telephone/chat/email technical support, and access to specified included features (including imaging-module features, Web Forms, Patient Portal, emailed eReminders, Automated Thank-You Messages, and General Messages). Mobile treatment units count as physical locations. Open Dental Cloud (US only; limited release): $430/month/location or office including one provider, 15 concurrent sessions, and 50GB OpenDentImages storage; additional provider $150/month/provider (10 sessions and 50GB); additional session $18/month/session; extra OpenDentImages storage $0.40/GB over allotment per billing cycle; migration $400 one-time per signup. Cloud has a 12-month contract, with switch to self-hosted allowed without penalty. Prices are USD; listed fees exclude applicable sales tax. The official fees page notes offices that began before February 2, 2026 may retain the prior $179 initial rate for that initial 12-month period, but the current published initial rate is $199. Pricing research supplied to MedicalRecords.com, with linked sources, billing terms, and limitations. Add-on, implementation, API, and historical amounts are not interchangeable with a current EHR subscription price. Confirm a written quote for your configuration. Ask the provider to confirm current pricing and terms for your practice.
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