UpDental vs. Dentrix
Dentrix is the most widely used dental PMS — and the most complained-about. Built for Windows desktops in the early 2000s, it costs $600+/mo and gets more expensive every year. UpDental is what a modern dental PMS should look like.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | UpDental | Dentrix |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | From $299/mo | $400–700+/mo |
| Architecture | Cloud-native (any browser) | Desktop-only (Windows) |
| Setup Time | 30-day onboarding | 60–90 days + hardware |
| AI Billing Automation | ✓ Autonomous EDI 837/835 | ✗ Manual claims |
| Real-Time Eligibility | ✓ Instant at booking | Limited, add-on cost |
| Denial Intelligence | ✓ Pattern detection + auto-appeal | ✗ Manual review |
| Voice Charting | ✓ Hands-free dictation | ✗ Not available |
| AI Scheduling | ✓ Waitlist + recall automation | Basic scheduler only |
| Patient Portal | ✓ Modern, mobile-first | eServices add-on, extra cost |
| QR Check-In | ✓ No-clipboard check-in | ✗ Not available |
| 2-Way SMS Texting | ✓ Included | Add-on module required |
| DSO Multi-Location | ✓ Real-time roll-up | Limited, complex licensing |
| Open API | ✓ REST + webhooks | Closed ecosystem |
| DICOM Imaging | ✓ Native support | Third-party integration required |
| Data Ownership | ✓ You own your data | Vendor-controlled export |
| Support | Dedicated CSM + live chat | Phone queue, limited hours |
What Dentrix Users Are Saying
From real reviews on G2, Software Advice, and dental forums.
"We pay $680/month for Dentrix and half the features don't work without buying another add-on. The billing module crashes weekly."
Dr. Lisa M., General Dentist — 2-chair practice, Ohio
"Dentrix was built in 2003 and it shows. We can't access it from home, everything is on one Windows machine, and the patient portal looks like it's from 2008."
Office Manager, Multi-location group practice, Texas
"We had a Dentrix server crash and lost two days of scheduling data. There's no cloud backup unless you pay for another service. Never again."
Dr. Kevin P., Dentist-owner — 4-chair practice, Florida
Switch From Dentrix in 30 Days
Our migration team imports your patient records, appointment history, and financial data. Your staff gets live training. If you're not fully operational in 30 days, we extend your trial — free.
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