Open Dental vs tab32 (2026)
Open Dental and tab32 appeal to budget-conscious dental practices but from different directions. Open Dental is free, open-source software that requires a server. tab32 is a $299/month cloud platform with built-in teledentistry and zero infrastructure requirements. This comparison reveals the true total cost of each and helps you decide which model fits your practice.
Quick Summary — tab32 Wins Overall
For most private practices, tab32's cloud convenience and built-in teledentistry at $299/mo outweigh Open Dental's cost advantage once server and IT expenses are factored in.
At a Glance
| Detail | Open Dental | tab32 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free + ~$200/mo support | $299/mo flat rate |
| Founded | 2003 | 2014 |
| User Base | ~6,000 practices | ~2,500 practices |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Open Dental | tab32 |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Server (self-hosted) | Cloud (browser-based)(winner) |
| Software License | Free (open-source)(winner) | $299/mo flat rate |
| Server Required | ✓ | ✕(winner) |
| IT Maintenance | Required | None(winner) |
| Teledentistry | ✕ | Built-in (included)(winner) |
| Data Ownership | Full (MySQL access)(winner) | Vendor-hosted |
| Customization | High (source code available)(winner) | Limited to settings |
| Online Scheduling | Via eServices | Built-in(winner) |
| Patient Portal | Via eServices | Built-in(winner) |
| ERA Auto-Posting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Access | Requires VPN/RDP | Any browser(winner) |
| Community & Forums | Active open-source community(winner) | tab32 support |
| Automatic Updates | Manual installation | Automatic(winner) |
| Multi-Location | Possible with setup | Native support(winner) |
Choose Open Dental If...
- ✓Full data ownership with MySQL database access is a hard requirement
- ✓You have IT resources to manage a server and software updates
- ✓You want to write custom queries, reports, or integrations
- ✓You work in a dental school or community health setting with IT staff
Choose tab32 If...
- ✓You want zero server costs, zero IT maintenance, and automatic updates
- ✓Built-in teledentistry for virtual consultations is part of your practice model
- ✓Remote access from any device is important to your daily workflow
- ✓You are starting a new practice and want the simplest setup possible
Our Verdict
Open Dental wins on raw software cost and data ownership. tab32 wins on convenience, zero infrastructure, and built-in teledentistry. When you add server and IT costs, tab32 is often the same price or cheaper than Open Dental. The deciding factor is whether you value data control and customization (Open Dental) or infrastructure-free simplicity (tab32).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tab32 more expensive than Open Dental?▼
On software cost alone, Open Dental is cheaper (free license + ~$200/mo support vs $299/mo for tab32). But when you add server hardware ($100-$200/mo amortized) and IT maintenance ($75-$150/mo), Open Dental totals $375-$550/mo versus tab32 at $299/mo. For most practices, tab32 is actually the cheaper option all-in.
Does Open Dental have teledentistry?▼
No. Open Dental does not have built-in teledentistry. You would need a third-party video platform (like Doxy.me or Teledent) at additional cost. tab32 includes teledentistry at no extra charge, which is a significant advantage for practices offering virtual consultations.
Can I access Open Dental remotely like tab32?▼
Open Dental can be accessed remotely through VPN or Remote Desktop (RDP), but it requires additional setup and IT configuration. tab32 runs in any web browser natively — just log in from any device with internet access. For practices that value mobility, tab32 is significantly more convenient.
Which has better support, Open Dental or tab32?▼
Both offer good support. Open Dental has an active community forum plus paid phone/email support through their eServices subscription. tab32 offers direct support via phone, email, and chat. Open Dental's community forum can be invaluable for troubleshooting, while tab32's support is more traditional vendor-style.
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