How to Migrate from Eaglesoft to Open Dental

• Ezra Angelo
• • September 20, 2025
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Some practices move from Eaglesoft to Open Dental for cost reasons. Others prefer Open Dental’s server flexibility or want a cloud option without switching vendors entirely. Whatever is driving the decision, the migration has one critical detail that every practice needs to know before scheduling anything. Here is what to expect.

The Eaglesoft to Open Dental migration is one of the more complex dental software transitions because of a specific imaging compatibility issue that catches many practices off guard. Understanding it before you start saves significant time and cost during the migration.

Open Dental has a dedicated conversions team that regularly handles Eaglesoft migrations. Most patient data transfers reliably. But the imaging situation requires a decision before any migration is scheduled.

The Imaging Decision You Must Make First

Before scheduling an Eaglesoft to Open Dental migration, every practice needs to make a decision about historical imaging. There are three options.

Option 1: Complete an image conversion

Open Dental offers an image conversion service that converts Eaglesoft imaging data into a format Open Dental can display. This is an additional service with its own fee. It allows historical X-rays to be viewed directly inside Open Dental after migration.

Option 2: Keep Eaglesoft for historical image access

Some practices choose not to convert historical images and instead keep Eaglesoft installed and accessible for viewing older X-rays. New images after migration are captured using an Open Dental-compatible imaging system. This is a lower-cost option but requires maintaining Eaglesoft access indefinitely for older patient records.

Option 3: Purchase a new imaging solution

Some practices use the migration as an opportunity to switch imaging platforms entirely. They acquire a new imaging system compatible with Open Dental and leave historical X-rays accessible from Eaglesoft. Over time, as older patients are seen, new X-rays replace the historical ones.

Your IT provider and Open Dental’s conversions team can help you evaluate which option fits your practice’s workflow and budget before the migration begins.

What Transfers from Eaglesoft to Open Dental

Patient demographics

Names, addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, and account information transfer as part of the standard conversion. Provider assignments convert with patient records.

Appointment history

Past appointment data converts. Future appointments require provider and hygienist verification after the final conversion. Open Dental recommends running the Update Provs on Future Appts tool on each operatory immediately after go-live.

Insurance plans and ledger data

Insurance plan information and account balances transfer. Outstanding claims at the time of cutover must be manually entered into Open Dental before billing resumes.

Procedure codes

Eaglesoft procedure codes often begin with a zero rather than the ADA D-code format. Code cleanup is typically required after conversion to ensure codes are properly formatted for billing.

The Migration Process Step by Step

Step 1: Contact Open Dental conversions

Open Dental’s conversions team initiates the process by reviewing your Eaglesoft data. They will confirm what converts, what requires additional services, and provide a timeline and fee structure.

Step 2: Test conversion

A test conversion runs using a copy of your current Eaglesoft data. Review the results carefully with your front desk and billing team before proceeding to the final conversion.

Step 3: IT environment preparation

Your IT provider installs and configures the Open Dental server, sets up imaging software if you are switching platforms, and prepares workstation installations. All of this should be complete and tested before the final migration window.

Step 4: Final conversion and go-live

The final migration is typically scheduled over a weekend. Open Dental runs the final conversion, your IT provider deploys the client to all workstations, and your team verifies data and imaging before the first Monday morning appointment.

What to Expect on Go-Live Day

Go-live day should be scheduled on a Monday following a weekend migration. By that morning, the data is in Open Dental, workstations are running the client, and your imaging solution is configured. Staff will be slower than usual during the first week. That is normal with any platform change and not a sign that something went wrong.

The most common go-live issue with Eaglesoft to Open Dental migrations is imaging. Staff who are used to accessing X-rays directly in Eaglesoft need to know ahead of time whether historical images will be in Open Dental or whether they need to open Eaglesoft for older patient records. Communicate this clearly before day one so it does not create confusion during patient appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Eaglesoft to Open Dental migration take?

Most migrations take three to six weeks from first contact to go-live. The imaging decision adds time if an image conversion is included. Practices that need new imaging hardware installed before go-live should plan for additional lead time to source and install equipment.

Does Open Dental work with our existing X-ray sensors?

Open Dental supports a wide range of imaging platforms and sensors. If your sensors use TWAIN drivers, Open Dental can capture and store new radiographs directly. Confirm your specific sensor compatibility with Open Dental or your IT provider before scheduling the migration.

What happens to our Patterson support contract when we leave Eaglesoft?

Your Patterson support relationship is separate from your IT support. Leaving Eaglesoft does not automatically cancel other Patterson services. Review your Patterson agreements before the migration to understand any contract obligations.

Does Ekim support Eaglesoft to Open Dental migrations?

Yes. As a certified Open Dental vendor partner, Ekim IT Solutions has direct experience with Open Dental’s technical environment. We support Eaglesoft to Open Dental migrations for practices across all 50 states remotely, with on-site support available in New England and New York. We handle server setup, imaging integration, workstation deployment, and go-live verification.

Planning an Eaglesoft to Open Dental migration?

Ekim IT Solutions works exclusively with dental practices. We serve New England and New York with on-site support and dental practices nationwide with remote support. Security, compliance, and everything in between so you can focus on patients.

Schedule a Fit Call: Find out in 15 minutes if we are the right fit for your practice.

• Ezra Angelo
• • September 20, 2025
Share: