What is OpenDentistry Project?
The OpenDentistry Project is an open-source electronic medical records and patient management system designed specifically for dental clinics and practices. It aims to provide a comprehensive and secure platform for managing patient data, clinical workflows, and administrative tasks. With its modular design and customizable features, the OpenDentistry Project offers a flexible solution for dental professionals to streamline their operations and improve patient care.
Main Features and Benefits
The OpenDentistry Project boasts an array of features that cater to the unique needs of dental clinics. Some of its key features include:
- Patient management: Comprehensive patient profiles, appointment scheduling, and reminders.
- Clinical documentation: Electronic charting, treatment planning, and progress tracking.
- Image management: Import, store, and manage dental images, including radiographs and photographs.
- Reporting and analytics: Generate reports and insights on patient data, treatment outcomes, and practice performance.
- Security and compliance: Robust security measures, including data encryption, access controls, and audit trails, to ensure HIPAA compliance.
Installation Guide
System Requirements
Before installing the OpenDentistry Project, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Linux (Ubuntu or CentOS)
- Processor: 2 GHz dual-core processor or higher
- Memory: 4 GB RAM or higher
- Storage: 10 GB free disk space or higher
- Database: MySQL 5.7 or higher
Step-by-Step Installation
Follow these steps to install the OpenDentistry Project:
- Download the installation package from the official website.
- Extract the contents to a directory on your server or local machine.
- Create a new database and user in MySQL.
- Configure the database connection settings in the OpenDentistry Project.
- Run the installation script to set up the system.
Technical Specifications
Database Schema
| Table Name | Description |
|---|---|
| patients | Patient demographic information |
| appointments | Appointment schedules and reminders |
| charts | Clinical documentation and treatment plans |
| images | Dental images and radiographs |
Pros and Cons
Advantages
The OpenDentistry Project offers several advantages, including:
- Customizable and modular design
- Comprehensive patient management and clinical documentation
- Robust security and compliance features
- Scalable and flexible architecture
Disadvantages
Some potential drawbacks of the OpenDentistry Project include:
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with open-source software
- Limited support and resources compared to commercial alternatives
- Requires technical expertise for customization and integration
FAQ
How to Export DICOM from OpenDentistry Project
To export DICOM images from the OpenDentistry Project, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the image management module.
- Select the images to export.
- Choose the DICOM export option.
- Configure the export settings as desired.
- Save the exported images to a local directory or external storage device.
Image Import Guide with Restore Points for Safe Edits
To import images into the OpenDentistry Project and create restore points for safe edits, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the image management module.
- Select the import option.
- Choose the image files to import.
- Create a new restore point before making any edits.
- Make desired edits to the images.
- Save the changes and create a new restore point.
Comparison with OpenEMR
Key Differences
The OpenDentistry Project and OpenEMR are both open-source electronic medical records systems, but they have distinct differences:
- Focus: OpenDentistry Project is specifically designed for dental clinics, while OpenEMR is geared towards general medical practices.
- Features: OpenDentistry Project includes features tailored to dental workflows, such as dental image management and treatment planning.
- Customization: OpenDentistry Project offers more flexibility in customization and integration due to its modular design.

