A Comparison of Two Practice Management Software Programs

We did a fairly exhaustive study comparing ACE Practice Management Software to Dentrix. We chose it because it is the oldest, most widely installed, most expensive Windows dental software on the market. .

The following is a list of features that ACE offers that Dentrix DOES NOT offer*:
 

1. Assign default provider for procedure codes and multi codes.
   
   
2. Clinical Notes in different colors...each hygienist/doctor could have their own color.
   
   
3. Accurately treatment plan when posterior composites are paid as amalgams.
   
   
4. Tooth numbers on clinical notes.
   
   
5. Charting rejected treatment.
   
   
6. Put patient personal information that can be accessed from patient chart, example: college attended, dog's name.
   
   
7. Root tips (or any other self defined) condition on the chart.
   
   
8. Provide way to show 3-D tooth positioning.
   
   
9. Print preview for Clinical Notes.
   
   
10. Select insurance subscriber outside of family.
    
    
11. Instant messaging between workstations.
    
    
12. Task list reminders.
    
    
13. Prescription templates.
    
    
14. Use SQL queries against the database.
    
    
15. E-mail letters without using Microsoft Word.
    
    
16. Mass email patients directly from program.
    
    
17. Patient's age on chart at header.
    
    
18. Prescription posting to clinical notes.
    
    
19. View clinical notes without opening patient chart.
    
    
20. True Win 7 compatibility - UAC does not need to be disabled.
    
    
21. Tooth numbers on statements.
    
    
22. Option to mark Insurance Benefit Year Max Met from EOB.
    
    
23. Pop-Up alerts attached to insurance plans.
    
    
24. Archive finished Lab Case.
    
    
25. Skip finance charge if claims are pending.
    
    
26. Allow the office to specify which credit cards are accepted.
    
    
27. Edit transactions in History with proper security.
    
    
28. Insurance payments always show date of service.
    
    
29. Automatically enter the D prefix on codes at CheckOut.
    
    
30. Show a running balance on ledger.
    
    
31. Allow an Exam & Prophy to be automatically attributed to correct provider, i.e. Hygienist/Doctor.
    
    
32. If the primary insurance pays a claim in full, don't force a secondary to be created.
    
    
33. Start and end date for printing out statement.
    
    
34. Ledger shows when a statement has been sent.
    
    
35. Resubmit paid claim after month end is done.
    
    
36. List of only unpaid Ins Claims.
    
    
37. Print monthly statement with all transactions from last zero balance.
    
    
38. Pop up calendars for entering dates.
    
    
39. Have Perio Chart automatically load last exam.
    
    
40. Compare recession and mucco gingival junction measurement in Perio Chart.
    
    
41. User defined, customized reports.
     
42. Provide a list of all prescriptions written, not just by patient.
    
    
43. A claims center so that we can see all claims, unpaid claims, unsent claims.
    
    
44. Need to be able to add office specific adjustment types.
    
    
45. Email does not require Microsoft Exchange.
    
    
46. Description field in the Appointment Book to automatically pull in the surfaces as well as the tooth number and procedure description.
    
    
47. Display Operatory Name/Title at Top of Chair and Be Able to Change It.
    
    
48. Color-code appointments by appointment type.
    
    
49. Sign Treatment Plan with Signature Pad.
    
    
50. Included word processing program.

*We compiled this list from information we obtained from people who had formerly used Dentrix. If there is any inaccuracy on this list, please inform us and we will update the list immediately.