Software of Excellence Alternative for UK Dental Clinics

Many UK dental clinics rely on Software of Excellence, but its limitations are becoming clear. Practices face inefficiencies like 10 minutes lost per patient searching for notes and 30% of clinician time spent on documentation. Meanwhile, maintaining on-site servers adds financial strain.

Cloud-based alternatives now offer modern solutions with AI tools, patient portals, and cost-effective subscription models. Here’s a quick overview of four options:

• Software of Excellence: Known for its analytics and NHS tools but uses older, server-based infrastructure.
• Remedico: Fully cloud-based with AI for admin tasks, £99/month per doctor, and no long-term contracts.
• Bridge-IT: Affordable hybrid system with basic AI but lacks advanced multi-branch tools.
• Dentally: Cloud-native, works on low bandwidth, £49/user/month, ideal for multi-location practices.

Remedico stands out for its straightforward pricing, modern tech, and AI-driven features, making it a strong alternative for clinics wanting to reduce admin time and IT costs.

What’s the best dental practice management software? How to make the right choice!

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1. Software of Excellence

With over 30 years of experience, Software of Excellence has established itself as a key player in UK dental practices. Its EXACT platform remains a popular choice, now enhanced with MyPractice Cloud for remote access to performance data and business reports [1][2].

Cloud Accessibility

The EXACT platform takes a hybrid approach. While the main database is typically hosted on local servers, MyPractice Cloud acts as a web-based layer, providing real-time insights remotely [1][2]. This setup allows users to monitor KPIs from virtually anywhere, but it doesn’t offer the full flexibility of a completely cloud-native system [6]. Practices needing seamless remote access might find this somewhat limiting compared to platforms designed entirely for the cloud [6].

AI Features

Software of Excellence focuses on streamlining workflows with automation tools. For instance, the Predictive UDA Manager monitors NHS contract performance and predicts whether targets will be met [2]. The Recall Manager automates patient appointment reminders, reportedly boosting recall effectiveness by 33% in one clinic [2]. Additionally, the Short Notice List helps fill last-minute cancellations by matching them with patients eager for earlier appointments [2]. However, these tools focus on operational efficiency rather than advanced AI for documentation or clinical processes.

“Following recommendations from our SOE consultant we started to use the Recall Manager module within EXACT - it resulted in an improvement to our recall effectiveness of 33%.” - Janet Jones, Practice Manager and Dental Nurse, Inspire Dental [2]

Multi-Branch Management

For practices managing multiple locations, MyPractice Cloud offers a centralised reporting dashboard. This tool uses a traffic-light system to display KPIs across branches [5][6]. Clinics can also run unified marketing campaigns and track ROI for individual sites with features like Campaign+ [5]. However, the platform’s legacy infrastructure may feel less user-friendly compared to newer cloud-native systems designed for multi-clinic management [6].

Pricing and Contracts

Pricing details for Software of Excellence aren’t publicly available. The platform operates on a contract basis and includes consultant support through its Customer Success Programme [5]. Many practices report impressive results, such as private revenue growth averaging 48% within a year and chair utilisation rates reaching 97% [1][5]. That said, the lack of transparent pricing and the commitment to long-term contracts may deter practices looking for more flexible, pay-as-you-go options.

Next, we’ll explore alternative platforms that could better align with the needs of digitally focused practices.

2. Remedico

Remedico is a cloud-based dental practice management platform designed to streamline operations and improve accessibility. Entirely cloud-native, it allows you to access patient records, treatment plans, and business data from any device with an internet connection.

Cloud Accessibility

Remedico uses AWS servers to store all data, offering a level of physical security that on-site hardware can’t match, especially in cases of local disasters like fires or floods. This setup ensures clinicians can instantly retrieve patient histories and prescriptions. By eliminating the need for physical servers - which typically cost between £9,000 and £12,000 upfront, plus £1,500 to £3,000 in annual maintenance - Remedico replaces these expenses with a subscription fee of £99 per doctor per month [7].

AI Features

The platform includes advanced AI tools to simplify administrative tasks. RemedicoGPT™, its AI assistant, handles report generation, form completion, and other paperwork. Meanwhile, Retention AI™ automates appointment reminders via WhatsApp, helping to reduce no-shows by providing 1,000 free messages each month [8]. These features free up dental professionals to spend more time focusing on their patients.

Multi-Branch Management

Remedico makes managing multiple locations straightforward. With a single subscription, you can oversee unlimited branches. The Owner’s Dashboard provides a clear summary of key metrics, such as revenue, visit counts, and doctor performance, making it easy to compare the efficiency of different branches.

Pricing and Contracts

The pricing model is straightforward: £99 per doctor per month, with a 15% discount for annual payments. The subscription includes unlimited patients, branches, and doctors, along with free setup, training, and data migration. There are no long-term contracts, and you retain full ownership of your data, which can be exported at any time. Clinics with three or more doctors also receive a complimentary VR headset for the Dentaverse® feature [8].

This pricing structure, combined with its features, positions Remedico as a modern alternative to traditional systems. The next section will delve deeper into how it stacks up in terms of strengths and limitations.

3. Bridge-IT

Bridge-IT is a dental practice management system offering both local and cloud deployment options, giving users the freedom to choose based on their infrastructure needs [10]. Let’s dive into what makes this hybrid solution stand out and where it might fall short compared to fully cloud-based platforms.

Cloud Accessibility

While local installations depend on on-site hardware, the cloud version opens up access across various devices. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, or even a Chromebook, the cloud option ensures you can manage your practice from almost anywhere [10].

Now, let’s look at how Bridge-IT leverages artificial intelligence to streamline workflows.

AI Features

The standout AI feature of Bridge-IT is Bridge-IT Transcribe Enhanced, a speech recognition tool designed to transcribe conversations between dentists and patients in real time. It’s tailored to understand dental-specific terminology and uses clinical note templates to organise these conversations into structured records automatically [9]. According to the S4D Administrator, this system helps create detailed and actionable records with minimal manual input [9]. However, its AI capabilities are somewhat limited when compared to other platforms that extend automation to tasks like report generation or appointment scheduling.

Multi-Branch Management

Bridge-IT appears to cater to busy dental practices, but the documentation doesn’t provide much detail about features for managing multiple locations. While it includes essential tools like appointment scheduling, clinical charting, and treatment planning, there’s no mention of centralised dashboards or tools for overseeing multiple branches [10].

Pricing and Contracts

Bridge-IT is priced at $33.49 per month (around £26), and it offers a free trial so you can test it before making a commitment [10]. The pricing applies per practice rather than per individual doctor, but the specifics of how costs scale with additional users or locations aren’t clear. This pricing structure adds flexibility compared to systems with more rigid contracts, but it makes direct cost comparisons tricky without more detailed licensing information.

4. Dentally

Dentally stands out as a cloud-based platform specifically designed for dental practices in the UK. Unlike systems that rely on local servers, Dentally operates entirely through a web browser, allowing clinics to reduce IT overheads and access patient records, schedules, and clinical data from anywhere through digital dentistry integrations with an internet connection [3].

Cloud Accessibility

One of Dentally’s strengths is its ability to function smoothly even on low-bandwidth networks like 3G, 4G, or 5G. This ensures that clinics can continue accessing essential data, even during internet disruptions [3].

“You can carry out important tasks from anywhere, helping you build a better work-life balance, and with no outlay on complex on-premises IT you also reduce your overheads.” – Dentally [3]

Additionally, Dentally prioritises security, adhering to standards such as ISO 9001, PCI DSS Level 1, and SOC1, SOC2, and SOC3 certifications [3].

AI Features

Dentally integrates Vision AI to enhance patient education and streamline image management. It also offers mixed dentition AI notes, which simplify clinical charting and reduce administrative workload. These tools allow dental professionals to dedicate more time to patient care [3].

Multi-Branch Management

For practices operating across multiple locations, Dentally provides a unified database. This enables centralised reporting and resource sharing while still allowing each branch to maintain its independence [3].

Pricing and Contracts

Dentally operates on a subscription model. For specific pricing details, clinics are encouraged to contact the team or schedule a demo [3].

Pros and Cons

@figure {UK Dental Practice Management Software Comparison: Features, Pricing & Best Use Cases} :::

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each system to help you determine which one fits your clinic’s needs best.

When comparing these systems, consider factors like ease of use, AI features, and multi-location management.

Software of Excellence shines in business analytics and AI integration, particularly with Pearl’s Second Opinion, which provides real-time x-ray condition detection [13]. However, users often face a steep learning curve due to its legacy interface, which hasn’t seen much change in over 15 years [12]. Additionally, the responsiveness of its support team has been criticised, especially when compared to smaller competitors [12].

Remedico is priced at £99 per doctor per month with no hidden fees. It includes features like AI-powered scheduling, Patient Flow™ for monitoring patient journeys, and Dentaverse® for VR treatment presentations. Clinics also benefit from 1,000 free WhatsApp reminders monthly and free migration support. This system is ideal for clinics seeking modern tools without the complexity of older platforms.

Bridge-IT is praised for its simplicity and top-notch customer support. Many practices found the transition to Bridge-IT a relief after struggling with Software of Excellence [12]. However, some users feel the interface could benefit from a modern refresh to keep up with newer systems [6].

Dentally operates seamlessly even on low-bandwidth networks, making it highly accessible [3]. Pricing starts at around £49 per user per month (approximately $65.83 USD) [11].

“Dentally was the perfect solution, because it was cloud based and has multi-site functionality. The reporting capability of the software was also a big factor in our decision to move” – Dr Shushil Dattani, Kent Smile Studio [4]

The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of each system’s strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

This comparison provides a solid foundation for making an informed decision about the best software for your dental practice.

Key Takeaways

Software of Excellence continues to be a suitable choice for larger practices that rely on detailed analytics. However, its older interface might not align with the changing demands of modern clinics.

For dental clinics in the UK seeking an alternative, Remedico offers a compelling option. At £99 per doctor per month, it includes AI-powered scheduling, multi-branch management through a single login, innovative tools like Dentaverse® for VR treatment presentations, 1,000 free WhatsApp reminders each month, and free migration support - making the switch straightforward and hassle-free.

These features reflect a growing shift in dental software towards cloud-based solutions. Modern cloud systems can reduce administrative tasks by over 50% and eliminate the need for on-site servers [4][14]. For practices with multiple locations, centralised databases allow resource sharing, customisable group reports, and seamless oversight across branches - all without the frustration of managing multiple logins [4][15]. By tackling challenges like outdated interfaces and high IT expenses, Remedico presents itself as a practical choice for today’s dental clinics.

With these benefits, Remedico stands out as a strong alternative to Software of Excellence for UK practices looking to modernise. Curious to see the difference? Try Remedico for free. Book a demo today to explore how AI tools, straightforward pricing, and streamlined multi-branch support can reshape your practice management.