Dentrix Ascend: A Guide for Dental Practices [2025]

At Zeroed-In Dental Solutions, we work with dental practices across the country, and one question we get often is: “Should I use Dentrix Ascend?”

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Whether you’re exploring new dental software or trying to get the most out of your current tools, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through what Dentrix Ascend is, how to use it, key differences from Dentrix, how to print route slips, pricing info, and more.

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Let’s dive in.

What Is Dentrix Ascend?

Dentrix Ascend is a cloud-based dental practice management software built by Henry Schein One. Unlike traditional Dentrix, which is desktop-based, Dentrix Ascend allows your team to access the platform securely from anywhere, making it ideal for modern practices and multi-location clinics.

It handles everything from scheduling and patient records to clinical charting, imaging, e-claims, and billing. At Zeroed-In Dental, we often recommend Dentrix Ascend for teams looking for flexibility, mobility, and a more modern interface.

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Dentrix vs Dentrix Ascend: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two products compare:

Here’s your key takeaway: Dentrix Ascend is ideal for growing, tech-forward practices that want remote access, simplified IT, and real-time updates.

How Much Does Dentrix Ascend Cost?

Pricing for Dentrix Ascend is subscription-based and typically depends on:

1. The number of providers and users
2. Practice size and locations
3. Add-ons (e.g., eClaims, imaging, patient communications)

While Henry Schein doesn’t list public pricing, most practices can expect to pay $500 to $1,200/month, depending on configuration.

This pricing structure offers several cost benefits:

• Lower Upfront Costs: No need for significant initial investments in hardware or software licenses.
• Reduced IT Expenses: Eliminates the need for on-site servers and associated maintenance costs.
• Automatic Updates: Ensures the software is always up-to-date without additional charges.
• Scalability: Easily adapts to the growing needs of dental practices, including multi-location support. 

Pro Tip from Zeroed-In: Always ask about bundled features, support fees, and scaling discounts if you’re a multi-location practice.

How To Use Dentrix Ascend (Overview for Staff)

At Zeroed-In, we work closely with practices using Dentrix Ascend, so we’ve put together a simple workflow overview:

1. Logging In

Just head to www.dentrixascend.com, enter your login, and you’re in. No installation required.

2. Scheduling

Use the Calendar tab to view operatories and appointments. You can drag and drop appointments, color-code providers, and block out hours easily.

3. Patient Management

Each patient profile includes demographics, insurance, treatment history, documents, and billing info in one view. You can attach forms and upload images.

4. Clinical Notes and Charting

Charting is intuitive with drag-and-drop tools, customizable progress notes, and visual indicators for completed or pending procedures.

5. Billing and Claims

Dentrix Ascend integrates directly with clearinghouses, allowing eClaim submission, real-time claim tracking, and automatic payment posting.

6. Reports and Analytics

Use dashboards to track production, A/R, appointment trends, and case acceptance. They are all available in real-time, from anywhere.

How To Print Route Slips in Dentrix Ascend

Route slips are a critical part of many front-desk workflows—used to give providers a physical summary of the patient’s visit, including treatment plans, balances, and notes.

Here’s how to print them in Dentrix Ascend:

1. Go to the Appointments tab
2. Select the patient’s appointment
3. Click on the Actions drop-down menu
4. Choose Print Route Slip
5. Customize the layout (if needed) and print

You can also bulk-print route slips for the entire day or a specific provider, making daily prep a breeze.

Note: Since this is cloud-based, you can print from any connected device or send a digital version via internal messaging.

Is Dentrix Ascend Right for My Practice?

Dentrix Ascend might be a good fit if:

• You want access to your system from multiple locations or at home
• You’re tired of managing servers, backups, and software updates
• You want real-time visibility into practice performance
• Your team is comfortable using browser-based tools

On the other hand, if your current system is highly customized and desktop-based, you might want to explore hybrid options first.

At Zeroed-In, we’ve helped dozens of practices transition from Dentrix to Ascend smoothly, while ensuring no billing data or insurance workflows get lost in the shuffle.

Is the Dentrix Ascend Training Worth It?

One Reddit user recently asked: “Has anyone made the switch to Ascend? Is it worth the $2,200/12-hr fee?” The responses were mixed. While some users called switching from Eaglesoft to Ascend “the worst mistake ever,” citing slowness, bugs, and too many clicks to access radiographs, others noted that internet speed is a huge factor in performance. Another user said the startup fees felt excessive, especially since Curve (a competing software) waived theirs.

‍At Zeroed-In, we’ve seen both sides. Some practices thrive with Ascend’s features, while others struggle with performance if their network isn’t optimized. Our advice? Get a demo, try a sandbox version, and bring in billing support early, especially if you’re migrating from Eaglesoft or Open Dental.

Final Thoughts

Dentrix Ascend offers a comprehensive, cloud-based solution for dental practice management, combining flexibility, scalability, and modern features. Its subscription-based model provides cost-effective access to essential tools, making it a compelling choice for contemporary dental practices.

‍At Zeroed-In Dental Solutions, we specialize in helping dental practices optimize their operations through effective use of practice management software like Dentrix Ascend. Our expertise ensures that your transition to or utilization of Dentrix Ascend is seamless and tailored to your practice’s unique needs.

Chat with Linda Kane today to uncover hidden revenue, reduce stress, and get your practice’s finances back on track!