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How Dental Practices Can Benefit from Open-Architecture Imaging Software

By Planet DDS
January 19, 2022

Having open-architecture software is like having a master key that can unlock multiple doors. In dental imaging software, that means dentists can choose what imaging sensors, devices, and practice management solution they want to use. Anytime a practice wants to expand or switch to a new sensor, having an imaging software that can communicate with virtually all devices can help save a lot of money and headaches.  

The Limitations of Not Having Open-Architecture Imaging 

Without open-architecture, if your practice ever decided to open or acquire a new location, switch imaging sensors or devices to a different brand, your current imaging software would likely be incompatible. To make the switch possible, you and your team may have to buy and learn new software, and you might also have to complete an expensive conversion process if the images were previously saved in a proprietary format.   

3 Advantages of open-architecture  

1) Freedom to choose   

As with any investment for your practice, it’s important that the imaging software you choose works well with the current technology that you have at your practice. Even better is knowing that your software will also work with any technology you might purchase in the future.   

One significant advantage of XVWeb being open-architecture is it gives dental practices freedom to choose virtually any imaging hardware without being locked in a proprietary system. That means practices can more easily switch to XVWeb regardless of what imaging devices they’re currently using, and it also means any devices that the practice might purchase down the line will also work with XVWeb. XVWeb has a reputation for supporting more devices than any other dental imaging software on the market. View our list of supported hardware 

With imaging hardware being a costly investment for dental practices (see our blog on sensor costs), XVWeb provides enduring value as a universally compatible imaging solution. Practices have the option to choose more affordable sensors without being locked into expensive proprietary software. Or, if a new sensor comes on the market that you’re interested in for your practice, you can rest assured that your XVWeb won’t restrict your ability to invest in new technology.  

By choosing XVWeb, dental practices can confidently make investment decisions for imaging hardware without the constraints of closed architecture software to go with it.   

2) Flexibility through acquisitions   

Not only is it beneficial for your imaging software to work with different technologies, but there are other ways an open-architecture imaging solution can provide value. Open-architecture imaging can provide significant flexibility as you expand your practice through acquisitions. Because it’s unlikely that the practice you’re acquiring uses the exact same software and imaging devices, you’ll most likely run into the roadblock of dealing with implementing new software and possibly costly conversions.  

And if your patients were to go begin going to appointments at your newly acquired location, dentists, hygienists, and any other staff could easily view images for upcoming appointments. Not only does this help improve the imaging workflow for the newly acquired location, but it also improves the patient experience, too.  

XVWeb’s open-architecture design offers practices far more flexibility through major changes to your business. Our software is universally compatible with all major brands of imaging hardware, so it’s far easier to implement if your practice were to acquire another practice. For a small growing practice or DSOs, this presents a significant benefit that helps solve potential compatibility issues down the line. In most cases, the practice you choose to acquire can continue to use the current imaging sensors or hardware that they’re already using.   

Even if you don’t currently have any immediate plans to expand your practice, XVWeb gives you the peace of mind of knowing that if that time comes, your imaging software will work with virtually any device or practice management solution.   

3) Time and cost savings   

Another area where imaging software can make a big impact is how much time and money your practice either saves or spends due to the software being either closed or open-architecture. Envisioning how the software will fit in with your practice goals and strategies will help you determine whether the software will help your practice stay productive.   

On the one hand, with closed-architecture, you and your team will spend time and energy becoming well-versed in using one company’s proprietary software. In the short run, this may have no impact on your practice. But as your practice evolves, the limitations of proprietary closed software may begin to limit your practice.  

Conversely, with XVWeb, you invest time learning software that can adapt with your practice. XVWeb is compatible with more devices than any other imaging software, meaning you’ll never have to waste time and productivity as your practice grows. Should your practice consider investing in a CBCT scanner, you aren’t locked into any proprietary software that would prevent you from making that switch. XVWeb helps keep the costs of switching low from a productivity and financial standpoint.  

Apteryx XVWeb: Supporting more devices than any other imaging software  

Apteryx XVWeb offers compatibility with more devices than any other dental imaging software on the market. With more flexibility, dental practices can use the devices they want, more easily grow their practice, and stay productive. To learn more about the benefits of open-architecture and the many other benefits of Apteryx XVWeb, read Why Apteryx XVWeb Infographic. Schedule a free demo today to learn how open-architecture Apteryx XVWeb can deliver more flexibility for your practice.