Open Dental
Open Dental is a highly customizable practice management software providing dental offices with open-source database access to manage clinical charting, electronic prescriptions, and patient billing efficiently.
Sowingo
Sowingo is a specialized dental inventory management software that helps you track clinical supplies, manage procurement, and ensure regulatory compliance through automated tracking and integrated marketplace ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Open Dental | Sowingo |
|---|---|---|
| Website | opendental.com | sowingo.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $175/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2003 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Salem, USA | Toronto, Canada |
Overview
Open Dental
Open Dental gives you full control over your practice management with its unique open-source database structure. You can customize the software to fit your specific clinical workflows, whether you run a solo general practice or a large multi-specialty mobile clinic. It handles everything from complex treatment planning and 3D charting to appointment scheduling and automated text reminders, ensuring your front and back office stay synchronized.
You own your data completely, allowing you to run custom queries and reports that most locked-down platforms don't permit. The software is designed to reduce your overhead costs by offering a scalable monthly subscription that includes comprehensive technical support and regular updates. It solves the common frustration of rigid software by letting you choose your own hardware and third-party integrations.
Sowingo
Sowingo is a cloud-based inventory and compliance platform designed specifically for dental practices and healthcare clinics. You can eliminate the manual headache of tracking supplies by using barcode scanning and automated alerts that notify you when stock levels are low or items are nearing their expiration dates. The platform centralizes your entire supply chain, allowing you to compare prices across multiple vendors and place orders directly from a single dashboard.
Beyond simple stock tracking, you can manage critical office compliance requirements like SDS sheets, equipment maintenance logs, and sterilization records. By digitizing these workflows, you reduce waste from over-ordering and ensure your practice stays audit-ready at all times. Whether you run a single-doctor office or a multi-location dental group, the software provides the visibility you need to control overhead costs and focus more on patient care.
Overview
Open Dental Features
- Graphical Tooth Charting Visualize patient oral health with 3D charting that tracks restorative work, periodontal measurements, and existing conditions.
- Treatment Planning Create multi-phased treatment plans for your patients and present clear cost estimates to improve case acceptance rates.
- e-Prescribing Send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies directly from the patient's chart to save time and improve clinical accuracy.
- Appointment Module Manage your daily schedule with color-coded blocks, drag-and-drop rescheduling, and real-time views of provider availability.
- Custom Reporting Run deep-dive queries on your practice data to track production, collections, and patient demographics without technical restrictions.
- Mobile Web Tools Access your schedule and patient contact information from your smartphone or tablet when you are away from the office.
Sowingo Features
- Inventory Tracking. Scan barcodes to track stock levels in real-time and receive automated alerts before you run out of essential clinical supplies.
- Integrated Marketplace. Compare prices from multiple dental suppliers and place all your orders through one centralized dashboard to save on overhead.
- Expiration Management. Monitor expiration dates automatically to reduce costly waste and ensure you never use outdated materials on your patients.
- Compliance Documentation. Access and manage your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) digitally to stay compliant with OSHA and provincial health regulations.
- Sterilization Logs. Record and track your sterilization cycles digitally to maintain accurate records and ensure the highest safety standards for your clinic.
- Multi-Location Support. Manage inventory across several office locations from one account to standardize purchasing and track transfers between clinics.
Pricing Comparison
Open Dental Pricing
- Full software access
- Unlimited technical support
- Software updates
- Initial setup assistance
- Conversion support available
- Everything in initial tier, plus:
- Ongoing phone support
- Update downloads
- Bug fixes
- Access to e-services
Sowingo Pricing
- Marketplace access
- Basic order tracking
- Price comparison tools
- Order history
- Single user access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Full inventory management
- Barcode scanning
- Expiration date tracking
- SDS management
- Sterilization logs
Pros & Cons
Open Dental
Pros
- Unmatched customization options for clinical workflows
- Direct access to your own database
- Affordable flat-rate pricing for the entire office
- Highly responsive and knowledgeable technical support
Cons
- Initial setup requires a steeper learning curve
- Interface looks dated compared to modern web apps
- Requires manual server management for on-premise installs
Sowingo
Pros
- Significantly reduces time spent on weekly supply ordering
- Intuitive mobile app makes barcode scanning quick and easy
- Consolidates multiple vendor invoices into one clear view
- Helps identify and eliminate thousands in expired product waste
Cons
- Initial setup of inventory database requires significant time investment
- Mobile scanning performance depends heavily on your device hardware
- Advanced reporting features are restricted to higher-priced tiers