Head-to-head · Dental Charting Software
MacPractice vs Open Dental
MacPractice leads on 0 checks, Open Dental on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMacPractice · 8.3/10
- Free planonly Open Dental
MacPractice scores higher on our rubric for dental charting software: 8.3 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
MacPractice is the better fit for mac-based practices needing periodontal charting. Open Dental is the better fit for cost-conscious practices wanting configurable charting.
- MacPractice fits best
Mac-based practices needing periodontal charting
- Open Dental fits best
Cost-conscious practices wanting configurable charting
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Side by side
| Feature | MacPractice 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | Open Dental 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Dental Charting Software | #8 in Dental Charting Software |
| Best for | Mac-based practices needing periodontal charting | Cost-conscious practices wanting configurable charting |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $20/site/mo |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, iOS | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs | Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs |
| Compliance | HIPAA | HIPAA |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features MacPractice 0/4 · Open Dental 0/4 | ||
| Tooth charting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Surface charting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Periodontal charting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Chart history | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Dentition charts | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | MacPractice combines practice management and clinical tools for dental practices using Apple devices. Its capabilities span appointment scheduling, patient records, dental and periodontal charting, digital radiography support, patient… Read the review → |
Open Dental is dental practice management software for dental offices and multi-location organizations. Its scope covers provider and operatory calendars, patient records, treatment planning, billing, insurance, imaging, reporting, online… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
MacPractice — where it wins
- Combines dental and periodontal charting with digital radiography support
- Premium adds a patient portal, online scheduling, and online payments
- Supports browser access, iPad workflows, forms, and patient reminders
Where it doesn't
- Plan prices are not public; prospects must request a demo
- The product is oriented around Mac and iOS workflows
- Integration breadth is less clear than its charting and patient features
Open Dental — where it wins
- Graphical tooth charting, imaging, treatment, billing, and insurance workflows
- Online booking, reminders, registration, and medical-history forms
- Cloud, self-hosted, desktop, and mobile deployment for multi-location clinics
Where it doesn't
- Open Dental Cloud is limited-release and available only to US customers
- The $89 rate requires a 12-month contract and is listed for other countries
- Web Sched modules and cloud hosting add separate monthly costs
- MacPractice8.3/10 · Pricing on request
Mac-focused practice software with periodontal charting, radiography, and patient workflows.
Visit MacPracticeFull verdict → - Open Dental7.9/10 · Free plan
Configurable dental charting and practice management with a free option and broad workflows.
Visit Open DentalFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update