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How to Migrate from Eaglesoft to Dentrix: What to Know
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Ezra Angelo
- • November 18, 2025
Practices move from Eaglesoft to Dentrix for a variety of reasons including DSO standardization, a change in equipment supplier relationships, or a preference for Dentrix’s integration ecosystem. The migration path is well established. Here is what the process involves and what your IT environment needs before the cutover.
The migration path from Eaglesoft to Dentrix is well-established. Patterson has completed data conversions from over 250 software programs, and Dentrix has its own migration tooling for receiving converted data. Understanding what transfers, what requires manual work, and what your IT environment needs before cutover is what separates a smooth migration from a disruptive one.
Eaglesoft’s imaging data is proprietary and does not automatically convert to other platforms.
This is the most important technical detail in any Eaglesoft migration. X-rays and clinical images stored in Eaglesoft require a separate conversion process. Without it, historical images are only accessible from Eaglesoft.
What Transfers from Eaglesoft to Dentrix
Patient demographics
Patient names, addresses, contact information, birthdates, and account data transfer as part of the standard conversion. Provider assignments and patient account balances convert into the Dentrix ledger.
Appointment history
Past appointment records convert. Future appointments transfer but require verification after the migration is complete. Provider and operatory assignments should be confirmed before the first scheduled day on Dentrix.
Insurance plans
Insurance plan data transfers as part of the standard conversion. Outstanding claims at the time of cutover do not automatically transfer and must be manually entered into Dentrix before billing resumes.
Procedure codes
Procedure code data transfers, but Eaglesoft procedure codes often begin with a zero rather than the standard ADA D-code format. Some cleanup of procedure codes after conversion is typical.
What Requires Extra Attention
Imaging data
Eaglesoft’s X-ray and imaging data is stored in a proprietary format. Without a separate image conversion, historical X-rays can only be viewed from Eaglesoft after the migration. If your practice needs historical images accessible in Dentrix, an image conversion must be completed as part of the migration scope. Your IT provider needs to confirm which imaging platform you are moving to and how the conversion will be handled.
Outstanding claims
Any insurance claims that are outstanding at the time of cutover must be manually entered into Dentrix. This is a billing team responsibility that needs to be planned and resourced before go-live.
Historical reports
Run all historical reports you need from Eaglesoft before the cutover date. Reports should not be run in Dentrix for activity that occurred before the migration. Keep Eaglesoft accessible for reference after go-live.
Four IT tasks before an Eaglesoft to Dentrix migration
Server confirmed.
Dentrix requires a dedicated Windows Server with SQL Server.
Encryption disabled.
Patterson Support handles this. Skip it and the database fails on the new machine.
Full backup verified.
Complete Eaglesoft data folder confirmed restorable.
Workstations ready.
Dentrix client installed and tested on every machine.
The Migration Process Step by Step
Data evaluation
Patterson or a third-party conversion service evaluates your Eaglesoft data to confirm what will and will not convert. This evaluation should happen before training is scheduled so any gaps are known in advance.
Server preparation
Your IT provider prepares the new or existing server to meet Dentrix hardware requirements. This includes Windows Server configuration, SQL Server installation, and network setup so workstations can reach the server.
Data transfer
The data is extracted from Eaglesoft and converted into a format Dentrix can receive. The Dentrix Installation and Migration Tool then handles the final import onto the new server. Migration duration depends on data volume. For most practices, including Document Center files, the process takes two to three hours.
Workstation setup and go-live
The Dentrix client is installed on each workstation. Your IT provider verifies that all operatories can connect to the server and that imaging integrations are functional. Billing staff verify outstanding claims are entered before the first billing run.
What to Expect on Go-Live Day
By go-live morning, the data is in Dentrix, workstations are configured, and your team has completed training. The day itself should run as close to normal as possible. Staff will be slower than usual while they adjust to Dentrix’s interface and workflows. That is expected and temporary.
Have your IT provider available by phone throughout the first day. Most go-live issues are minor configuration problems that get resolved quickly when the right person is reachable. Keep Eaglesoft accessible for at least 30 days after cutover so staff can reference historical reports and older patient records while they build familiarity with Dentrix.
Are You Ready to Migrate?
Check every item your team has completed or confirmed. See how close you are to cutover-ready.
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 handle the infrastructure side of your migration, server compatibility, data integrity, network configuration, and go-live support, so the switch does not take your practice offline.
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- • November 18, 2025
