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How to Switch from Dentrix to Open Dental: Keep Your Data
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Ezra Angelo
- • June 16, 2026
Most Dentrix to Open Dental migrations do not fail because of the data conversion itself. They fail because the IT environment was not ready when the conversion window opened: the server was undersized, the imaging bridge was not pre-configured, or the Windows environment had compatibility issues that surfaced on go-live day rather than during preparation.
Ekim IT Solutions is a certified Open Dental vendor partner and the dental-exclusive IT provider that handles Dentrix to Open Dental migrations for practices across Maine, New England, Tampa Bay, and nationally.
Here is the IT-specific preparation checklist Ekim IT Solutions runs for every Dentrix to Open Dental migration.
Open Dental’s official Dentrix conversion documentation states that primary insurance claims convert, but that future appointments, claims with assigned benefits, and certain report histories do not transfer and must be handled manually.
What the Dentrix to Open Dental Data Conversion Covers
Open Dental’s conversion team handles the data transfer from Dentrix to Open Dental directly. Patient demographics, addresses, phone numbers, account information, provider assignments, and treatment history transfer as part of the standard Dentrix conversion. Primary insurance claims convert for Dentrix migrations. Future appointments do not convert and must be manually re-entered in Open Dental after go-live. Scanned images may not retain their category organization from Dentrix and require reorganization in Open Dental’s document module after conversion.
Open Dental requires server access at the time of the final conversion. Ekim IT Solutions coordinates server access timing with the practice and with Open Dental’s conversions team to ensure the conversion window does not create an unplanned gap in server availability.
The IT Preparation Checklist Before Conversion
Ekim IT Solutions completes these IT steps before any Dentrix to Open Dental conversion.
Server assessed and upgraded or replaced if needed to meet Open Dental’s Windows Server and SQL Server requirements
Imaging bridge pre-configured and tested, confirming X-rays route correctly into Open Dental patient records
Open Dental installed and configured on every operatory and front desk workstation, with server connection confirmed
Running a Test Conversion Before Go-Live
Open Dental offers a test conversion run before the final conversion. This is not optional. The test conversion creates a copy of the Open Dental database populated with the practice’s Dentrix data, allowing the practice to verify patient records, confirm that historical data transferred correctly, and identify any cleanup needed before the final cutover. Ekim IT Solutions uses the test conversion period to verify imaging bridge connections, confirm workstation access, and walk the front desk team through the key workflow differences between Dentrix and Open Dental before go-live pressure is present.
HIPAA Requirements During the Migration
The Dentrix to Open Dental migration involves transferring patient data between systems, which requires that both the IT provider and Open Dental’s conversions team have signed Business Associate Agreements with the practice before any data transfer begins. Open Dental provides a BAA as part of their conversion agreement. Ekim IT Solutions maintains a BAA with every practice we support. Ekim IT Solutions confirms both BAAs are in place before the conversion window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ekim IT Solutions is a certified Open Dental vendor partner handling Dentrix to Open Dental migrations for practices across Maine, New England, Tampa Bay, and nationally. We run the IT preparation checklist that catches server, imaging bridge, and Windows compatibility issues before go-live, not on it.
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- • June 16, 2026
