NextGen Healthcare vs Open Dental: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between NextGen Healthcare and Open Dental comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
NextGen Healthcare
Intelligent EHR, PM, Patient Experience, and RCMS for specialty practices.
Best for you if:
- • AI-powered EHR and Practice Management for specialty healthcare practices.
- • Automates documentation and patient engagement with tools like Ambient Assist and Intelligent Agent.
Open Dental
Comprehensive, customizable, and affordable practice management software for dental offices of any size.
Best for you if:
- • Comprehensive dental practice management software.
- • Highly customizable with extensive features for clinical and administrative tasks.
| At a Glance |  NextGen Healthcare |  Open Dental |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Practice Management | Practice Management |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | NextGen Healthcare | Open Dental |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Practice ManagementEHR/EMR | Practice ManagementEHR/EMR |
How NextGen Healthcare and Open Dental Compare
NextGen Healthcare
Intelligent EHR, PM, Patient Experience, and RCMS for specialty practices.
Paid
Open Dental
Comprehensive, customizable, and affordable practice management software for dental offices of any size.
Paid
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: NextGen Healthcare
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: NextGen Healthcare
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: NextGen Healthcare
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are practice management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
NextGen Healthcare
- Our pick for this comparison
Open Dental
The Bottom Line
NextGen Healthcare is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NextGen Healthcare or Open Dental better?
NextGen Healthcare scores high/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are NextGen Healthcare and Open Dental used for?
NextGen Healthcare: Intelligent EHR, PM, Patient Experience, and RCMS for specialty practices.. Open Dental: Comprehensive, customizable, and affordable practice management software for dental offices of any size..
What does NextGen Healthcare cost vs Open Dental?
NextGen Healthcare is a paid tool. Open Dental is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.