How to Choose Practice Management Software for a DSO

• Ezra Angelo
• • May 1, 2026
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Choosing practice management software for a single dental practice is a meaningful decision. Choosing it for a DSO or multi-location group is a significantly more complex one. The wrong choice creates reporting limitations, support complexity, and training inconsistencies that compound as the organization grows.

This post covers what multi-location dental groups need to evaluate when selecting or standardizing a practice management platform. It is not a ranking of which software is better. Every major platform can run a dental practice effectively. The question is which one fits the operational structure and growth plans of your specific organization.

Single Platform vs Multiple Platforms

The first decision for any multi-location group is whether to standardize on one practice management platform across all locations or to allow locations to run different platforms.

Running multiple platforms is common when locations are acquired with existing systems in place. It is manageable short-term but creates ongoing costs. Reporting across platforms requires data aggregation tools. Staff cannot move between locations without retraining on different software. IT support requires expertise in multiple systems.

Most DSOs work toward a single platform standard even if the timeline spans two to three years. The question is which platform to standardize on and in what order to migrate existing locations.

Cloud-Based vs On-Premise

This is one of the most consequential decisions for a multi-location group. Cloud-based platforms like Dentrix Ascend and Curve Dental store data in the vendor’s cloud infrastructure. Each location needs a reliable internet connection but does not need a dedicated server. This simplifies infrastructure significantly when opening new locations.

On-premise platforms like Dentrix and Eaglesoft require a server at each location. This gives the practice more control over data and reduces dependency on internet connectivity for daily operations. However, it also requires consistent server maintenance, backup management, and hardware refresh cycles at every location.

Neither model is universally better. The right choice depends on your organization’s internet reliability, your IT provider’s capabilities, and how quickly you plan to open new locations.

Multi-Location Reporting Capability

For a DSO, the ability to see performance data across all locations in a single view is critical. Before selecting a platform, confirm what enterprise reporting looks like. Can you pull production and collection reports across all locations simultaneously? Is there a centralized dashboard for executives and regional managers? How does the system handle patient records when a patient visits multiple locations in your network?

Some platforms handle multi-location reporting natively. Others require third-party analytics tools to aggregate data across locations. Understanding this before you commit saves significant frustration later.

Integration With Imaging Platforms

Your practice management software needs to integrate with your imaging platform. In a multi-location environment, this integration requirement multiplies. If different locations use different imaging systems, you need to confirm that your chosen PMS is compatible with all of them.

Imaging integration failures are the most common source of go-live problems when DSOs deploy new practice management systems. Confirm compatibility between your PMS and every imaging platform in your network before committing. Get that confirmation in writing from the vendors, not just from a sales representative.

Vendor Support at Scale

Single-practice users and DSOs have different support needs. A DSO needs a vendor who can handle enterprise-level licensing, multi-location deployments, and data migrations at scale. Ask potential vendors how many DSOs they currently support and what their support model looks like for multi-location clients.

Your IT provider also needs to have experience with the platform you choose. A dental IT provider who works with your PMS every day will resolve issues faster and manage updates more effectively than one who is learning the platform for the first time at your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a DSO always standardize on one practice management platform?

It is the goal most DSOs work toward, but not always the immediate reality. Acquired practices with existing systems, active contracts, and staff trained on specific platforms cannot always transition immediately. A realistic standardization timeline that sequences migrations strategically is more effective than forcing simultaneous transitions across all locations.

Is cloud-based software more secure for a multi-location group?

Neither cloud nor on-premise is inherently more secure. Cloud platforms handle infrastructure-level security but workstation and network security remain the DSO’s responsibility at every location. On-premise gives more direct control but requires consistent maintenance across all servers. In both cases, endpoint security, staff training, and access controls are non-negotiable at every location.

How does HIPAA apply when patients visit multiple locations in a DSO network?

HIPAA permits the sharing of patient information within a DSO for treatment purposes without additional patient authorization, provided the locations operate as a single covered entity or have appropriate agreements in place. Your compliance counsel and IT provider should confirm your organizational structure and the technical setup that supports compliant data sharing.

Does Ekim support DSOs choosing and implementing practice management software?

Yes. Ekim IT Solutions helps DSOs evaluate the IT infrastructure requirements of different practice management platforms, manage migrations, and configure the network and server environment each platform requires. We support practices across all 50 states remotely and provide on-site support in New England and New York.

Choosing PMS for your growing dental group? We can help.

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
• • May 1, 2026
Share: