Find the Right Fit for Your Practice
Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend are two powerful practice management systems from Henry Schein One, each designed to help dental teams run smoother, engage patients better, and grow their business. Whether you prefer the control of an on-premises system or the flexibility of the cloud, we have a proven solution used by thousands of practices that will meet your needs
On-premises power for practices that want local access
Dentrix is the most widely adopted dental software in the world. It’s ideal for practices that want local installation and access to their data and systems. Dentrix centralizes your clinical, financial, and administrative workflows in one robust platform — trusted by tens of thousands of practices for decades.
Cloud-based simplicity for modern practices
Dentrix Ascend is a cloud-native PMS designed for growth-focused practices and DSOs. It’s secure, scalable, and accessible from anywhere, making it perfect for multi-location practices and tech-forward offices that want to simplify their operations and reduce IT overhead.
Dentrix vs Dentrix Ascend
| Feature Category | Dentrix (On-Premise) | Dentrix Ascend (Cloud-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Installed locally on office computers | Accessed via web browser from anywhere |
| Ideal for | Solo and small group practices | All practice types, including multi-location and DSOs |
| Data storage | Local servers (practice-managed) | Cloud-based (secure, backed-up) |
| Training & onboarding | On-site, online, and self-paced options | Guided onboarding, intuitive UI, fast adoption |
| Imaging integration | Integrated imaging with Smart Image | Built-in imaging tools with AI diagnostics |
| Reporting & analytics | Advanced reports, Daily Huddle, Jarvis add-on | Real-time dashboards, analytics, open API |
| Patient engagement | Add-on tools available | Built-in SMS/email, online scheduling, reminders |
| Security & compliance | Practice-managed IT and backups | SOC 2 Type II, TLS encryption, HIPAA-ready |
| Scalability | Limited multi-location support | Designed for multi-location growth |
| RCM tools | Integrated eClaims, Smart Image auto-coding | Auto-coding, payment automation, RCM dashboards |
Dentrix vs Dentrix Ascend
Frequently asked questions
What’s the biggest difference between Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend?
Dentrix is installed locally and gives you full control over your systems. Ascend is cloud-based, offering flexibility, scalability, and easier access from anywhere.
Is Dentrix Ascend secure?
Yes. Ascend meets enterprise-grade security standards including SOC 2 Type II compliance, TLS encryption, and HIPAA readiness.
Can I migrate my data from Dentrix to Ascend?
Yes. Henry Schein One offers guided migration services to help you move your patient data, images, and history with minimal disruption.
Which system is better for multi-location practices?
Dentrix Ascend is built for multi-location workflows, with centralized access and reporting across all sites.
Do both systems support imaging?
Yes. Dentrix has built-in Dentrix Imaging and Ascend includes built-in imaging tools – both include AI diagnostics capabilities.
What kind of training is available?
Dentrix offers on-site, online, and self-paced training. Ascend provides guided onboarding and intuitive workflows that are easy to learn.
Can I access Dentrix remotely?
Not natively. Dentrix requires local installation and remote access setups. Ascend is cloud-based and accessible from any device with internet.
Which system is easier to maintain?
Ascend requires no local servers or IT maintenance. Dentrix needs regular updates and IT support for backups and security.
How do the systems handle patient communication?
Ascend includes built-in tools for SMS, email, and online scheduling. Dentrix offers add-ons for patient engagement.
What kind of support is available during and after switching systems?
Henry Schein One provides onboarding assistance, training resources, and ongoing customer support for both Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend. Whether you're migrating data or learning new workflows, our team is here to help your transition go smoothly.