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Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental — the IT differences

Same profession, three failure modes.

Journal · Academy · C·01 | Last reviewed: October 1, 2026 | 3 min read | By CyberDental Group LLC, Hialeah, Florida

Short answer: Dentrix, Eaglesoft and Open Dental all run a dental practice, but they fail differently. Traditional Dentrix installations use a server and shared data paths; Eaglesoft uses a server-side database service; Open Dental uses a MySQL/MariaDB database and may use a shared image folder. Cloud offerings change those dependencies. Each needs a backup, patch and monitoring approach matched to its actual version and hosting arrangement.

At a glance
Dentrix Commonly Advantage Database Server (ADS) behind client-server installs; Dentrix Ascend is cloud-based
Eaglesoft Commonly a SQL Anywhere database service on the server; workstation versions must match
Open Dental MySQL/MariaDB database; shared image folder in many installations; coordinate upgrades across workstations
Curve Dental Cloud-based; depends on internet, browser and local bridges
Common thread The database and the image store must be backed up and restorable together

Why do the IT differences between practice-management systems matter?

Because the software your practice runs decides what breaks, how it breaks, and what a safe backup looks like. An MSP that treats every PMS as "an application on a server" will eventually restore a database without its images, update a workstation out of version, or restart the wrong service during clinic hours. The details below are typical patterns; always confirm specifics against your publisher's current documentation, since versions and hosting options change.

What are the IT characteristics of Dentrix?

Dentrix, published by Henry Schein One, has traditionally run as a client-server system in which workstations connect to a database service on a server and to shared data and image locations. Typical IT concerns:

  • Database service health. If the database service on the server stops or stalls, every workstation feels it at once.
  • Shared paths and permissions. Workstations depend on consistent mapped paths to data and image folders; a rename or permission change breaks them.
  • Maintenance. Index and database maintenance and version consistency across workstations matter.
  • Cloud option. Dentrix Ascend is browser-based, shifting the risk profile toward internet quality and local peripherals.

What are the IT characteristics of Eaglesoft?

Eaglesoft, published by Patterson Dental, typically uses a database service (SQL Anywhere) on the server with workstations connecting to it.

  • Version matching. After a server-side update, workstations that were not updated can misbehave or refuse to connect.
  • Service dependency. The database service must start cleanly after reboots and power events, which matters in Florida storm season (see Hurricane season IT).
  • Imaging integration. Imaging bridges (Patterson Imaging and third-party) add their own dependencies.

What are the IT characteristics of Open Dental?

Open Dental uses a MySQL/MariaDB database, can be run on a local server or hosted, and stores images in a shared folder.

  • Coordinated updates. Close Open Dental on all workstations before an update. Other computers normally update when the program next opens; Open Dental also documents Dynamic Mode for connecting a client whose installed version differs from the database version.
  • Image folder permissions. The shared image folder is both essential and a common source of "image won't save" tickets.
  • Backups. Database dumps and the image folder must be captured consistently and restore-tested.
  • Flexibility cuts both ways. Open Dental is highly configurable, so environments vary more office to office.

What changes with a cloud PMS like Curve Dental?

Failure shifts from the closet to the connection. Slow internet, DNS trouble, browser updates, and local bridges to sensors and printers become the common causes. Servers disappear; HIPAA obligations do not. See Server in the closet vs cloud PMS.

What do all of them share?

  1. Data and images must restore together. A database backed up on Monday and an image store from Friday is not a consistent practice. See Cloud backup that is actually HIPAA-shaped.
  2. Updates are clinical events. Patch them on a schedule, test them, and never during clinic. See Patching without killing the sensors.
  3. Vendor support is part of the stack. The MSP should coordinate with the publisher, not compete with it. See Is CyberDental a PMS vendor?

Frequently asked questions

Which dental software does CyberDental support?

CyberDental supports Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental and Curve Dental environments, including the imaging systems that connect to them.

Does Open Dental need all workstations on the same version?

Coordinate updates across the office. Open Dental says to close the program on all workstations before updating; it normally updates other computers when they next open, and Dynamic Mode can handle certain version differences.

Is cloud PMS safer than a server in the closet?

Neither removes HIPAA obligations. Cloud shifts risk toward internet quality and local devices; a server shifts it toward hardware, backups and power. See the server vs cloud comparison.

Sources and further reading

Related in the Journal

About CyberDental

CyberDental Group LLC is a dental-exclusive managed IT and cybersecurity provider headquartered in Hialeah, Florida. Founded in 2016 by Mr. Dimitri Lopez, it supports 1,000+ licensed dental practices, has completed 250+ dental office IT build-outs, and operates a dental-only HelpDesk. Plans are priced per location: Remote $350/month, Priority $650/month, Ultimate $1,200/month; Concierge is quoted for multi-location groups and DSOs. CyberDental signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with every practice it serves.

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