Curve Dental is cloud-based dental practice management software for practices in the US and Canada: charting, scheduling, billing, insurance, imaging and patient communication, used in the Chrome browser with no server in the office. Anyone researching Curve Dental software should know it is sold as a hosted service, so there is nothing to install for the main program; only a small capture tool is needed at computers that take X-rays.
Curve is commercial software with no free version. The vendor offers a demo (booked with its team), so we list it as shareware (conditionally free). Curve says it was founded in Canada in 2004 as the first cloud-based dental practice management software; its product is also known as Curve Hero, and the all-in-one platform is marketed as Curve SuperHero.
Curve Dental at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest version | Continuously updated cloud service; Curve does not publish version numbers |
| Licence | Shareware (conditionally free): commercial cloud software with a demo; no free edition |
| Platforms | Web (latest Google Chrome) on Windows 10/11 and macOS 11–14; Curve Capture on Windows and macOS; Curve Go app for iOS and Android |
| Developer | Curve Dental (headquartered in Calgary, Alberta) |
| Official website | curvedental.com |
| Best for | Single and multi-location practices in the US and Canada that want no on-site server and can use PCs or Macs |
What it does
- Scheduling, including access to the schedule on the go.
- Charting, perio charting with an anatomically drawn tooth chart, and treatment planning with insurance estimates and eSignature.
- Insurance billing and Eligibility+ insurance verification; in Canada, CDAnet-certified claims and pre-authorisations through the ITRANS network.
- Patient billing and Curve Pay integrated payment processing.
- Native imaging stored in the cloud, TWAIN device support and bridges to other imaging programs, with Pearl Second Opinion AI integrated into the imaging screen.
- e-Prescribe, smart forms, files and letters.
- Curve GRO patient engagement (reminders and messaging) and membership plans.
- Standard reports and business analytics dashboards, plus Curve Care+, a voice-driven AI suite for notes and charting.
How dental teams use it
Run a practice without a server
- Check each front-desk and operatory computer against Curve’s requirements (Chrome, 8 GB RAM or more, a 1920 x 1080 screen recommended).
- Make sure the internet line is suitable: at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up for 1–10 users, over DSL, cable or fibre. Satellite and wireless internet are not recommended.
- Staff sign in through Chrome; updates arrive automatically because the software is hosted by Curve.
Connect X-ray sensors and imaging software
- Install Curve Capture on the Windows or Mac computer the sensor plugs into; it needs direct local access to the device.
- Use a supported sensor or a TWAIN driver to capture straight into the patient record.
- If you keep existing imaging software, use one of Curve’s bridges, such as DEXIS, Sidexis, Romexis, Dimaxis, Vixwin, XDR, CDR-DICOM, Apteryx XrayVision/XVlite, Kodak Dental Imaging or Patterson Imaging. Curve says 3D images can be captured through a bridge.
Canadian claims
Canadian offices send claims and pre-authorisations through CDAnet from inside Curve. Note that Curve states some features and services are currently US-only, so confirm the list for your province during the demo.
Install and first run
- Browser: the latest Google Chrome is the only browser Curve fully supports.
- Operating systems: Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 11 Big Sur to 14 Sonoma for the main application.
- Curve Capture: Windows 10/11 or macOS 12–14. It is not supported on terminal servers (RDP or Citrix), and ARM processors may have driver issues with some devices.
- Mobile: Curve Go supports the latest two iOS versions and the latest three Android versions.
- Hardware: 8 GB RAM minimum (16 GB recommended), 1280 x 1024 minimum screen resolution.
- Getting started: there is no public installer or trial sign-up; access is set up by Curve for customer practices, and staff then sign in through Chrome.
Limitations
- No free version or self-service trial; evaluation is through a demo.
- Needs a reliable internet connection all day; plan a backup line.
- Only Chrome is fully supported.
- Curve Capture does not work over RDP or Citrix sessions.
- Some features and services are US-only; only the US and Canada are served.
- No public version history, so it is hard to track exactly what changed and when.
Curve Dental vs alternatives
| Product | Deployment | Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Curve Dental | Cloud, Chrome on Windows or Mac | US, Canada |
| Dentrix (Ascend) | Installed Windows system; Ascend is cloud | US, Canada |
| Denticon | Cloud, Chrome or Edge on Windows | US, focus on groups and DSOs |
| Open Dental | Installed Windows system | Mainly US, also Canada |
| ClearDent | Cloud, on-premises or hybrid | Canada |
Curve’s clearest difference from Denticon is Mac support; its difference from Open Dental and installed Dentrix is that there is no server to maintain.
FAQ
Is Curve Dental cloud-based?
Yes. It runs in Chrome and is hosted by Curve, so there is no server in the office. Only Curve Capture is installed locally for imaging devices.
Is Curve Dental free?
No. It is commercial software; Curve offers a demo but no free edition. We do not list prices.
Does Curve Dental have an app?
Yes, Curve Go is the mobile app for iOS and Android. The full program is used in a desktop browser.
Does Curve Dental work on a Mac?
Yes. The main application supports macOS 11 to 14 in Chrome, and Curve Capture supports macOS 12 to 14.
Curve Dental vs Dentrix Ascend?
Both are cloud systems for US and Canadian practices from established vendors. Compare imaging device support, Canadian feature coverage and the integrations you rely on in a side-by-side demo.
Curve Dental vs Open Dental?
Open Dental is normally installed on your own Windows server and has a free trial you can run yourself; Curve is hosted, works on Macs and is evaluated through a demo.
Is Curve Dental available in Canada?
Yes. It is certified by CDAnet for claims through ITRANS, and the company is headquartered in Calgary. Some features are US-only.
Where can I find Curve Dental tutorials?
Curve provides guides for customers in its online community and help resources; prospective buyers see the software in the demo.
Last checked against official sources: 28 September 2026 (developer website: curvedental.com). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in a clinic.
