Switching your practice management system (PMS) isn’t a small decision. Most teams think through everything that could go wrong long before they picture what the change might actually improve. Data accuracy, downtime, team readiness, the uncertainty of conversion...it’s a lot to navigate, and those concerns are completely valid.
To dig deeper into what truly makes a successful data conversion, I sat down with Kristen Smith, Curve Dental’s® VP of Customer Success. In this conversation, she breaks down the philosophy, structure, and team effort behind Curve’s approach — and why the process matters just as much as the outcome.
Q: Why do practices hesitate to upgrade their PMS software?
A: Many practices worry that switching to a new practice management system will be disruptive, time-consuming, and risky. Curve eliminates that fear with a proven, personalized conversion process that keeps your data intact and your team confident.
Q: Why is Curve the expert in dental practice data conversion?
A: Curve has completed thousands of conversions and works closely with each practice to be sure everything maps correctly. Curve utilizes a fast and accurate process tailored to your practice.
Q: Does Curve convert images and documents?
A: Yes. Curve converts images and documents fully. Many other practice management software providers avoid this step, leaving practices to move files manually or maintain two systems for historical access. Even though the work is labor-intensive, Curve handles it for you so you can have a seamless, complete transition.
Curve converts:
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Patient data
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Chart notes
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Treatment plans
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Insurance information
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Images and X-rays
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Scanned documents
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Referral letters
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…and more
Q: What does Curve’s data conversion process look like?
A: Curve uses a three-phase approach that is typically completed over four to six weeks. Converting a multi-site practice may take longer, depending on the complexity and volume of data to be converted. For multi-site practices, this process results in standardized data stored centrally. Curve’s secure cloud storage provides solo and multi-site practices 24/7 access from any location.
Phase 1: Preliminary Conversion
Phase 2: Review of Converted Data
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A Curve Project Manager reviews the converted data with your team and identifies any needed adjustments.
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Once approved, Curve proceeds to final conversion.
Phase 2: Final Conversion & Go-Live
Q: Who will I work with during the conversion?
A: Curve assigns a Dedicated Project Manager as your single point of contact. Behind the scenes, Data Conversion Specialists retrieve your files and transform patient demographics, charting, treatment plans, insurance data, scanned documents, referral letters, and more into clean, accurate Curve data. These specialists are known for resolving the toughest data challenges and meeting tight deadlines.
Q: What can our practice do to ensure the smoothest possible conversion?
A: Success hinges on collaboration.
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Assign an Office Champion as your main point of contact.
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Communicate any issues or questions early—Curve can usually fix them quickly.
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Actively participate in the data review meeting.
Clear communication and thoughtful follow-up set the stage for a smooth transition.
Q: What makes Curve’s conversions better than anyone else’s?
A: Curve invests deeply at the beginning of every relationship. You are guided through each step with clear expectations, frequent communication, and zero surprises.
Curve’s philosophy mirrors a great kitchen renovation. If the contractor misses deadlines and cuts corners, even a beautiful kitchen feels tainted by the experience. When the process is smooth and predictable, the temporary inconvenience is worth it. Curve delivers the software of your dreams with as little disruption as possible—and a modern, easy-to-learn system that often saves your practice money month after month.
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Switching your PMS doesn’t have to be overwhelming. See how Curve’s guided conversion process supports your team from day one—schedule your demo today.
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