Choosing a dental practice management system isn’t just about features; it’s about how a platform fits into the way your practice operates day to day. Eaglesoft® and Curve Dental® are both well-known solutions used by practices across North America, but they take meaningfully different approaches to technology, workflows, and long-term scalability.
This overview outlines key similarities and differences between Eaglesoft and Curve Dental, focusing on infrastructure, functionality, automation, security, and operational impact, to help practices better understand which approach aligns with their needs.
1. System Architecture: Server-Based vs. Cloud-Native
One of the most important distinctions between Eaglesoft and Curve Dental is how each system is hosted and maintained.
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Category
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Eaglesoft
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Curve Dental
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Hosting
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On-premise, server-based
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100% cloud-based
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Maintenance
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Practice-managed servers and updates
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Fully managed by Curve
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Accessibility
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In-office; remote access requires setup
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Access from any internet-connected device
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Updates
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Manual or scheduled updates
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Automatic, continuous updates
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Backup & Security
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Locally managed
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Encrypted cloud backups
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Takeaway:
Server-based systems like Eaglesoft can offer familiarity and control, but they require ongoing IT involvement. Cloud-native platforms shift infrastructure management away from the practice.
2. Core Features and Integrations
Both Eaglesoft and Curve Dental support the essential functions needed to run a modern dental practice. The difference lies in how those capabilities are delivered.
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Feature Category
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Eaglesoft
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Curve Dental
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Scheduling
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✔️
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✔️
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Clinical charting
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✔️
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✔️
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Billing & payments
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✔️(third-party integration)
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✔️ (embedded in the platform)
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Patient communications
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Often add-on based
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Built-in
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Imaging & AI tools
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Partner integrations
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Native + embedded partners
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Reporting
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Standard reports
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Real-time dashboards
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Online booking
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Limited / add-on
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Built-in
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Takeaway:
Eaglesoft supports a wide range of features, often through partner tools. Curve centralizes more functionality directly within the platform.
3. Workflow Automation & Daily Efficiency
Workflow efficiency often determines how much time staff spend managing software versus caring for patients.
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Workflow Area
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Eaglesoft
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Curve Dental
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Insurance eligibility
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Manual or third-party
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Automated with Eligibility+
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Payment posting
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Manual steps
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Option to automate for an additional fee
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Recall & reminders
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Add-on solutions
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Built-in
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Treatment follow-ups
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Manual or external
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Built-in
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Reporting
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Export-based
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Live dashboards
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Takeaway:
Both platforms can support similar outcomes, but the level of automation differs, impacting staff workload and consistency.
4. Security & Compliance
Security and compliance are essential for protecting patient data and maintaining trust.
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Security Category
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Eaglesoft
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Curve Dental
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Infrastructure
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Local servers
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AWS cloud
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Security management
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Practice-managed
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Platform-managed
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Data encryption
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Configurable
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Native end-to-end
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Takeaway:
Server-based environments can be secure but rely heavily on local oversight. Cloud platforms centralize security management and monitoring.
5. Cost Structure & Total Ownership
Initial pricing is only one part of the cost equation.
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Cost Factor
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Eaglesoft
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Curve Dental
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Licensing
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Software + support
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Subscription
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IT infrastructure
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Required
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None
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Add-on tools
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Common
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Less frequent
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Upgrades
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Practice-managed
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Included
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Support
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Included
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Included
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Takeaway:
Eaglesoft may appeal to practices comfortable managing IT resources. Curve offers a predictable cost model with fewer external dependencies.
6. Migration, Change Management, and Long-Term Flexibility
For many practices, the decision to change or modernize software is less about features and more about disruption. Data migration, staff retraining, and downtime all factor into the perceived risk of switching systems.
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Eaglesoft environments often depend on local IT resources and partner coordination to manage upgrades, migrations, or system changes.
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Curve Dental migrations are handled by a dedicated team that transfers patient records, financial data, and images directly into its cloud-based platform, minimizing disruption and reducing technical lift for the practice. Upgrades and system changes are delivered in real time and happen automatically without practice disruption.
Over time, the ability to adapt, whether to new regulations, new tools, or new patient expectations, becomes just as important as the initial setup.
Bringing It All Together: How Practices Decide
Eaglesoft and Curve Dental both support the core needs of dental practices, but they reflect different assumptions about how technology should be managed.
Some practices value:
Others prioritize:
Neither model is inherently right or wrong, but they create very different day-to-day experiences for teams and administrators.
As practices grow, add locations, or adapt to changing patient expectations, these differences tend to become more noticeable. Understanding not just what a system does, but how it delivers those capabilities, can help practices choose a platform that supports both current operations and future goals.
If you’re evaluating how your practice technology fits into long-term plans — whether that’s growth, simplification, or modernization — understanding these operational differences is a useful place to start.
