ABELDent vs Open Dental

ABELDent is dental practice management software for scheduling, charting, billing, imaging and patient communication. It is available as a cloud service and as Local Plus, which stores practice data on local infrastructure. ABELDent Cloud stores and manages data in Microsoft Azure and describes encryption in storage and transit, role-based access, activity monitoring and automated backups. Its built-in patient communication includes two-way texting and broadcast messages. Insurance tools cover electronic claims, ITRANS attachments, automated benefit estimates and RAMQ submission automation for Quebec. ABELDent Scribe creates structured clinical note suggestions from provider–patient conversations for review, editing and approval. Listed imaging integrations include Dexis, Sidexis, VixWin and TigerView. The Freemium plan is free and is presented for evaluation and learning, smaller or new practices, hygiene practices and dental education programs. It uses a free Microsoft database, but telephone support, one-on-one training, ongoing updates, data migration and premium options are chargeable. Learning management system access is limited to 90 days, with month-to-month renewal available. Support is available at any time, including holidays, with clients able to select a support level.

Open Dental is dental practice software sold with a software license and support plan. Its listed eServices include a patient portal, web forms, automated messaging, texting, eClipboard, mobile access, and online scheduling. Practice features include patient self-booking, provider calendars, appointment reminders, online intake forms, and support for multiple locations. A free trial does not expire, but it is limited to 30 patients and does not include API or eServices access. The trial provides a blank database and a demo database with fictional patients, but not copyrighted CDT content. The client program cannot run on Linux or Mac workstations, though Linux or macOS can be used as a server alternative. Monthly support includes updates and phone, chat, and email technical assistance, with up to two specific issues per call. The listed Other Countries plan is $89/month/location or office under a 12-month contract; US pricing is $199/month/location or office for the initial 12 months, then a reduced rate of $149/month/location after 12 consecutive months. Fees vary by location, provider count, and added functionality; data conversion is extra.