Cloud-Based Dental Software: Top Picks for 2026

• Ezra Angelo
• • March 24, 2026
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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.

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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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cloud dental software automatically HIPAA compliant?

No. Your vendor covers their side through a Business Associate Agreement. Your practice is still responsible for your network, your devices, and your access controls. Choosing a cloud platform does not replace your HIPAA documentation.

What happens if my internet goes down and I use cloud software?

Most cloud platforms become inaccessible without an active connection. This is why a backup internet connection is one of the most important IT steps before switching to any cloud-based dental platform.

Can I switch from an on-premise server to cloud without losing data?

Yes, but data migration needs to be planned carefully. Most vendors offer data conversion services. Your IT provider should verify the integrity of your records before and after the move, especially for imaging data.

Which platform gives the most IT control?

Open Dental’s private cloud option gives practices the most control over where their data lives and how their IT is configured. It is the only major platform that supports true private cloud deployment alongside standard on-premise installation.

Not sure if your network can support cloud dental software?

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

• Ezra Angelo
• • March 24, 2026
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