Dentally vs Dentrix Ascend

Which one is cloud-based?

Dentally: Cloud-hosted — 'cloud enabled' dental practice management software.

Dentrix Ascend: Cloud. Vendor describes it as “the cloud-based, all-in-one dental practice management system” and “100% cloud-based, giving you secure, anytime access from any device.”

Where the software runs and data lives, as the vendor describes it. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

How does day-to-day access differ?

Dentally: Browser-based; work 'from anywhere.' Specific browser requirements not detailed on the homepage.

Dentrix Ascend: Browser-based, no installed client described: “100% cloud-based, giving you secure, anytime access from any device.”

How staff reach it day to day (browser vs installed client). Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Do they run on the same operating systems?

Dentally: No specific OS/device list stated on the homepage.

Dentrix Ascend: The product site states only that Ascend gives “anytime access from any device” and does not list operating systems. Specific browser/OS requirements are published in the vendor's separate support knowledge base, which did not serve a readable response at the read date — confirm with the vendor.

OS support the vendor documents. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Which one includes imaging?

Dentally: Built-in — 'Dentally Vision,' integrated digital imaging with AI-powered detection.

Dentrix Ascend: Built-in. Vendor lists “cloud imaging … and real-time x-ray quality checks”, and describes “Dentrix Ascend Chart: Clinical charting and imaging together in one consolidated view.”

Whether the vendor states built-in or integrated imaging. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Do both submit e-claims?

Dentally: UK-headquartered product: the API documents NHS claims resources, but US-style clearinghouse workflows are not stated. Confirm for the US.

Dentrix Ascend: Yes. Vendor states the product can “Automate eligibility checks, claims, ERAs and payment posting.”

Insurance claim submission the vendor documents. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Which one has a public API?

Dentally: Yes — a public REST API ('organized around REST') with a developer hub and partner marketplace; supports read and write across patients, appointments, invoices, treatment plans and NHS claims.

Dentrix Ascend: Yes — the Henry Schein One API Exchange, which the vendor says “is open to all and is simple to join” and which explicitly covers “Dentrix and Dentrix Ascend practice management software.”

Whether the vendor publishes an API or partner/developer program. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Which one documents a way to get your data out?

Dentally: No explicit 'export your database' statement, but the documented REST API provides programmatic read/write access to your records.

Dentrix Ascend: Vendor lists “Full data ownership and access” as an API Exchange benefit, but documents no self-serve full-data export path on the public site. Ask the vendor directly what a full extract looks like on exit.

What the vendor states about getting YOUR data out — the interoperability question that matters most on a switch. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Is either one open source?

Dentally: No public source-code licence page identified as of the read date; this is a commercially licensed product whose terms sit in the customer agreement rather than a published licence. Not open source.

Dentrix Ascend: No public source-code licence page identified as of the read date; this is a commercially licensed product whose terms sit in the customer agreement rather than a published licence. Not open source.

Whether the vendor publishes a software licence for the source code — the 'is it open source?' question, answered from the vendor's own licence page. Dentally read 2026-07-26 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Which one publishes pricing?

Dentally: Publicly listed (indicative, GBP, ex-VAT) via an on-page slider by number of surgeries — e.g. at 3 surgeries roughly £125/mo (Starter), £220/mo (Essentials), £320/mo (Pro), scaling higher with more surgeries; 9+ surgeries is 'contact us.' UK pricing.

Dentrix Ascend: No dollar figures published. The vendor's own “how to purchase” page lists package contents but no price, directing buyers to “Contact Us” and “Request a Demo” for a quote.

What the vendor PUBLICLY lists on its own site, if anything. Unlisted pricing is covered by the community layer. Dentally read 2026-07-22 (source); Dentrix Ascend read 2026-07-26 (source).

Turning this into a decision

A feature table cannot tell you which system fits your practice — your requirements do. Build those first with the PMS Evaluation Pack, then use this page to check which vendor’s published facts actually satisfy them. If migration is the real question, start at migration planning; if you run more than one site, multi-location changes the answer.

Full profiles: Dentally · Dentrix Ascend · all five systems in one grid in the Dental Software Comparison.