Curve Dental vs Open Dental

Curve Dental is cloud-based practice management and patient engagement software for dental practices of all sizes. Its tools cover scheduling, clinical records, imaging, online forms, and patient communication. Patients can self-schedule, see statements, and pay online; practices can send automated reminders by email or text and provide a secure patient portal. Customizable Smart Forms send submitted information into the practice database. Clinical capabilities include charting, treatment plans, historical imaging, graphical tooth status, and voice perio charting. Native imaging integrates with most image-capturing devices, stores images in the cloud, and supports sharing or attachment. Curve Mobile includes schedule controls, patient profiles, secure two-way texting, MMS management, and click-to-call. Listed integrations span payments and financing, patient engagement, reputation management, eSolutions, VoIP, and business intelligence. Curve was founded in 2004 and serves dental professionals in the United States and Canada. Supported platforms are Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Curve Hero requires an internet-connected PC or Mac and the latest Google Chrome; pricing is on request.

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.