Cloud-based dental practice management software
- Nothing to install
- Updates included
- Several practices, one login
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What is cloud-based dental practice management software?
Cloud-based dental practice management software is run over the internet instead of on a server in your practice. You sign in through a web browser, and the supplier hosts and updates the system. The diary, patient records and everything else are held centrally, so any authorised device can use them.
The alternative is installed or server-based software, where the practice owns a server, installs the program on each computer and arranges its own backups and upgrades. Both can work well. The difference is who carries the technical work, and what happens when something breaks.
Cloud or installed dental software: what changes?
The biggest changes are maintenance, access and cost structure. With a cloud system the supplier looks after the servers and the updates, and your team can sign in from any approved device. With an installed system you control the hardware, but you also carry the upkeep and the risk.
| Cloud system | Installed system | |
|---|---|---|
| Servers and hardware | Supplier hosts | Practice buys and maintains |
| Updates | Applied for you | Scheduled and installed locally |
| Access | Any approved device with a browser | Computers on the practice network |
| Several locations | One system for the group | Needs extra set-up to link sites |
| Internet needed | Yes, for day-to-day use | Less dependent on the connection |
Cloud depends on a working internet connection, so plan for it: a reliable line, and a routine for the rare day it fails. Our UK guide to cloud vs server dental software goes through the trade-offs in more detail.
What you get with DentiPoint in the cloud
- No server to maintain
Nothing to buy, house or back up in the practice. The supplier hosts the system and applies updates.
- Sign in anywhere you are allowed
Staff use a browser, with roles and practice-level permissions deciding what each person can see.
- One system for every site
Several practices can sit under one organisation, with a head-office view and local diaries.
- Online booking and a practice website
Patients book online on your own site and appointments land in the diary.
- Charting and records in the same login
Tooth chart, BPE, perio exams, notes and treatment plans on the patient record.
- Payments and a patient portal
Card payments, pay links and a portal where patients see appointments, balances and documents.
Is cloud dental software secure, and what about patient data?
Security depends on the supplier and on how your practice uses the system, so ask direct questions before you commit. A responsible cloud supplier should be able to explain where data is held, who can access it and how access is controlled and recorded. Your own habits matter too: strong sign-ins, sensible roles and prompt removal of leavers.
DentiPoint lets you set custom roles with practice-level permissions and keeps an audit log of what happened. For the legal side of patient data, including consent and retention, read our guide to dental practice GDPR and patient data and the one on data security and backup.
How do you move to a cloud dental system?
Moving is a project, not a switch. List your treatments and clinicians, decide what history you need to carry across, agree a date with the supplier, and run the old and new systems side by side for a short time if you can. Tell patients about any change to booking or reminders.
Our guide to switching dental practice management software has a step-by-step checklist, and the dental practice management software overview shows what to compare. If you are in the UK, see software for UK practices.
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Cloud dental software: FAQs
What is cloud-based dental software?
It is dental practice software that runs over the internet and is hosted by the supplier. You use it through a browser instead of installing it on a practice server.
Do I need a server for cloud dental software?
No. The supplier hosts the system, so there is no server to buy or maintain in the practice. You do need a reliable internet connection.
Can several practices use one cloud system?
Yes. DentiPoint holds several practices under one organisation, each with its own diary, and gives head office a view across them.
What happens if the internet goes down?
A cloud system needs a connection for normal use, so keep a backup line or a routine for a downtime day, such as a printed schedule from the day before.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. You can start a free trial and use the diary, records and booking before you subscribe.
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Moving to a cloud system
Four steps, and you stay in control of the date.
List your treatments and clinicians
Start from your current price list and working patterns.Set up roles
Decide who sees what in each practice.Turn on online booking
Choose what patients can book and share the link.Go live on a quiet day
Pick a date with a lighter diary and tell patients what to expect.
Try dental software with no server
Start a free trial and see your diary in the browser.
