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How to Migrate from Dentrix to Open Dental
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Ezra Angelo
- • October 16, 2025
Most Dentrix migrations don’t fail because of the software. They fail because the IT wasn’t ready. Getting from Dentrix to Open Dental is straightforward when your environment is prepared. Here is what actually needs to happen before, during, and after your cutover.
Transfers without issue
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Patient demographics and records
Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, and account information. Provider assignments and treatment history transfer as part of the patient record.
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Appointment history
Past records convert into Open Dental. Future appointments require verification after conversion to confirm provider and operatory assignments transferred correctly.
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Treatment plans and clinical notes
Procedure codes and treatment plan data convert. Clinical notes transfer in most cases, though formatting differences mean staff should expect to review note layouts during training.
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Insurance plans and billing data
Plan information and ledger balances convert. Run historical reports in Dentrix through the date of conversion. Open Dental reports will only accurately reflect activity entered after the final cutover.
Does not transfer automatically
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Imaging data
Dentrix stores imaging in a separate folder structure completely outside the SQL database. This requires a separate image conversion process. Confirm with Open Dental’s conversions team whether image conversion is included or billed separately. This is one of the most common budget surprises.
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Outstanding claims
Claims at the time of conversion must be manually re-entered into Open Dental before billing resumes. This is the most labor-intensive part of any Dentrix migration. Coordinate your billing staff around the cutover timeline before you commit to a date.
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Custom forms and auto notes
Treatment plan templates, recall intervals, and auto notes do not convert. Plan to recreate these inside Open Dental before or shortly after go-live.
What IT Must Handle Before This Migration
Most migration problems are IT problems that surface on go-live day. As a certified Open Dental vendor partner, we handle these before cutover so your team is not troubleshooting while patients are in the chair.
Server specs confirmed
Open Dental runs on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Your server needs to meet current specs before conversion begins.
Full backup verified
Database and image path both need to be backed up and confirmed restorable. Not just scheduled. Actually tested.
Cutover window planned
Weekend migrations are standard. Your IT provider needs to be available throughout, not on standby.
Workstations ready
Open Dental client installed and tested on every operatory. Before Monday morning.
We handle the IT side of Open Dental migrations across all 50 states. On-site in New England and New York, remote everywhere else.
The Migration Process Step by Step
Test conversion
Open Dental runs a test conversion using a copy of your current Dentrix data. Review this carefully with your front desk and billing team. This is where most data issues surface before they become real problems.
Staff training
Your team should be familiar with Open Dental’s core workflows before go-live. Practices that skip or rush training are the ones calling us at 8am Monday because their front desk cannot check patients in.
Final conversion
The final data transfer runs over your planned cutover window. Your IT provider installs the software, configures workstations, and verifies server connectivity.
Go-live verification
Before the first patient appointment, confirm patient records are accessible, imaging integrations are working, and every operatory connects to the server. Run the provider update tool to confirm future appointment assignments are correct.
What to Expect on Go-Live Day
It will feel slower than normal
Staff will be slower than usual for the first few days. That is expected. The front desk will take longer to schedule. Clinical staff will need to find their rhythm with charting. Give your team grace.
Keep IT reachable all day
Make sure your IT provider is reachable by phone throughout the first day. Not on standby. Actually available. Issues will come up and response time matters when a patient is in the chair.
Keep Dentrix accessible for 30 days
Keep Dentrix accessible for at least 30 days post go-live. Staff will reference it for historical reports and older patient records while they build familiarity with Open Dental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Dentrix to Open Dental migration?
Most IT providers figure out Open Dental during your migration. We already know it.
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- • October 16, 2025
