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Cloud-Based Dental Software: Top Picks for 2026
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Ezra Angelo
- • March 24, 2026
More dental practices are moving to cloud-based software. Less hardware, automatic updates, and access from anywhere. The appeal is real.
But cloud software does not eliminate your IT needs. It changes them. Each platform has different demands on your network, your internet connection, and your HIPAA documentation. Here is a plain-language look at the top options and what each one means for your IT setup.
An internet outage at a cloud-dependent practice means no access to patient records, scheduling, or imaging.
Cloud software shifts IT risk from your server to your network. Both need to be managed.
Side by Side
| Software | Deployment | PMS | Best For | IT Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curve Dental | Cloud-only | Curve | Any size | Needs reliable internet and backup connection |
| Dentrix Ascend | Cloud-only | Dentrix | Multi-location | High bandwidth needed for imaging |
| Open Dental | Cloud or Server | Open Dental | Any size | Private cloud gives most IT control |
| Carestream | Cloud or Server | Carestream | Imaging-heavy | Large files require robust network |
| Eaglesoft | Hybrid | Eaglesoft | Established | Migration planning needed for cloud move |
Before switching to any cloud dental platform, your IT setup needs three things
A backup internet connection so one outage does not stop your practice.
Enough bandwidth for every operatory running simultaneously.
HIPAA-compliant firewall, encryption, and access controls in place.
Curve Dental
Curve Dental is fully cloud-based and browser-driven. There is no software to install or update locally, which keeps on-site IT overhead low. It works well for single-location and multi-location practices.
The IT requirement with Curve is a reliable internet connection at all times. Every function depends on it. Practices using Curve should have a primary connection and a failover backup as standard infrastructure.
Dentrix Ascend
Dentrix Ascend is the cloud version of the widely used Dentrix platform. It is common in multi-location and DSO environments where centralized data access matters.
Dentrix Ascend is bandwidth-intensive, especially with imaging. Practices with multiple operatories running at the same time need to plan their network capacity before going live, not after.
Open Dental
Open Dental is open-source and supports both local server and private cloud deployment. This makes it one of the most flexible options available. A private cloud deployment means your data lives on a dedicated server, not a shared vendor environment, giving your practice more control over where your data lives.
Ekim IT Solutions is a certified Open Dental vendor partner. We help practices set up and manage Open Dental in a private cloud environment for practices that want cloud flexibility without giving up data control.
Carestream Dental
Carestream offers cloud and on-premise options and is common in imaging-heavy practices. Dental imaging files are large. Practices using Carestream for digital X-rays or 3D imaging need a network built to handle that data volume without slowing down operatories.
Eaglesoft
Eaglesoft has traditionally been an on-premise system. Patterson Dental has been expanding cloud and hybrid options for practices looking to move away from local servers.
Practices currently running Eaglesoft on-premise and considering a transition need to plan carefully. Data migration, staff retraining, and potential downtime are all factors. Your IT provider should be involved well before the move begins.
What All Cloud Platforms Have in Common
Regardless of which platform you choose, cloud dental software places real demands on your network. Every option on this list requires:
Internet redundancy.
A primary and a backup connection.
Adequate bandwidth.
For all operatories and imaging software running at once.
A signed Business Associate Agreement.
With your software vendor.
HIPAA-compliant firewall, encryption, and user access controls.
On your end, not just the vendor’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. We assess your network infrastructure and make sure your internet speed, firewall configuration, and hardware are ready before you commit to any cloud platform.
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- • March 24, 2026
