Software
Dental Studio NX (Community Edition)
Dental Studio NX (Community Edition) — Free CAD/CAM Entry Point for Dentistry Context and Background Dental Studio NX (Community Edition) is a stripped-down release of a commercial dental CAD platform. It was made available so that students, researchers, and smaller clinics could explore digital workflows without paying for the full package. The community build keeps the essentials — scan handling, basic model design, and export for 3D printing or milling — while advanced automation and premium
PolyDentia CAD Tools
PolyDentia CAD Tools — Focused Utilities for Dental CAD/CAM Workflows Context and Background PolyDentia CAD Tools is not a monolithic CAD suite but rather a collection of small, task-oriented programs built to handle everyday adjustments in digital dentistry. Dental labs and clinics often rely on big commercial CAD/CAM platforms, but those can be overkill for simple fixes. PolyDentia’s approach is lighter: tools for refining a scan, modifying a template, or preparing a file for milling or printi
Meshmixer
Meshmixer — Free Mesh Editing Tool Still Useful in Dental Labs Context and Background Meshmixer started as a side project at Autodesk, more like a playground for 3D shapes than a serious design suite. Over time it ended up in unexpected places, including dental schools and labs, simply because it was free and did a few things really well. Need to patch a broken scan? Hollow a model so it prints faster? Smooth out rough surfaces on a study cast? Meshmixer became the quick fix. Even though Autodes
Skanect Free
Skanect Free — Entry-Level 3D Scanning for Dental Labs Context and Background Skanect Free is the no-cost release of the Skanect scanning software. It was never built specifically for dentistry, but because it works with consumer depth cameras, many schools and small clinics started using it to capture basic 3D dental models. With a Kinect or Structure Sensor, staff can generate usable meshes of impressions or plaster casts. The free version has export limits, yet it remains a convenient way to
Insight3D
Insight3D — Open-Source Photogrammetry for Dental Applications Context and Background Insight3D started as a general-purpose photogrammetry project, aimed at building 3D models from sets of regular photographs. Over time, it found a place in dental education and research, especially where budgets don’t allow for expensive scanners. By piecing together photos of dental arches or study casts, the program can produce usable 3D meshes. For teaching labs and experimental projects, this approach gives
OrthoCAD Lite
OrthoCAD Lite — Free Orthodontic Analysis and Treatment Planning Tool Context and Background OrthoCAD Lite is a reduced version of OrthoCAD, designed to provide basic orthodontic functionality without the licensing costs of the full suite. It was intended for clinics and teaching environments that need to review patient models, analyze occlusion, and prepare simple treatment plans. While the Lite edition lacks some advanced features, it remains a valuable entry point into digital orthodontics fo
Care2x Dental Fork
Care2x Dental Fork — Open-Source Dental Extension of Care2x Context and Background Care2x was originally built as an open hospital information system covering multiple clinical domains. The Dental Fork is a community-driven adaptation that focuses specifically on dentistry, adding charting modules, treatment history, and integration with dental imaging workflows. It is typically used in universities, NGOs, and mid-size clinics that want a free and modifiable EMR platform with dental functionalit
ClinicCases Dental Fork
ClinicCases Dental Fork — Open-Source Dental Practice Records Context and Background ClinicCases Dental Fork grew out of the general ClinicCases project, which was originally a simple web EMR. The fork was adjusted for dental use, with charting and patient-focused modules that fit the daily work of clinics and training labs. The idea is not to compete with large commercial platforms but to give smaller practices and universities something practical, open, and easy to adapt. Many administrators u
ToothChart Open
ToothChart Open — Open-Source Dental Charting System Context and Background ToothChart Open is an open-source platform focused on digital dental charting. It was developed to provide smaller clinics, universities, and research environments with a cost-free alternative to commercial charting solutions. By offering structured recording of dental conditions, treatments, and progress over time, the system serves as a foundation for electronic dental records in settings where budgets or licensing res
ClearDent Lite
ClearDent Lite — Free Practice Management for Small Clinics Context and Background ClearDent Lite is the stripped-down release of the ClearDent practice management system. It was made for small offices and training setups that only need the basics. The program handles appointments, patient charts, and billing in a simple way. It does not include the full set of modules, but for a small team or classroom it is enough to keep work organized.
ToothZone
ToothZone — Free Platform for Dental Education and Case Review Context and Background ToothZone is an open educational tool designed for dental students and training labs. It focuses on interactive learning, offering case reviews, images, and quizzes to help learners connect theory with practice. Unlike clinical EMRs, it is built mainly for classrooms, where students can study dental anatomy, treatment planning, and patient scenarios in a safe digital format. Because it is free, many universitie
OpenClinic GA
OpenClinic GA — Open Hospital Information System with Dental Support Context and Background OpenClinic GA is an open-source hospital information system. It manages patient records, billing, scheduling, and reporting. While it was built for general healthcare, it can also be used in dental departments as part of a larger hospital setup. Because it is modular, administrators can extend it for dental workflows and integrate it with imaging tools. Its open license makes it attractive for universitie
TeachMe Dental Lite
TeachMe Dental Lite — Free Tool for Dental Learning Context and Background TeachMe Dental Lite is a free version of a training platform for students. It is not a clinic system, but a study aid. The program combines images, lessons, and quizzes in a simple package. Schools use it in early courses so students can prepare before clinical practice. Being lightweight, it runs on common computers and does not need complex setup.
OpenAnatomy Dental Atlas
OpenAnatomy Dental Atlas — Free 3D Atlas for Teaching Dentistry Context and Background OpenAnatomy Dental Atlas is part of the open-source OpenAnatomy project. The dental edition shows teeth, jaws, nerves, and bone structures in 3D. It is made for teaching, not for clinical work. Dental schools often use it in pre-clinical courses so students can study anatomy interactively instead of looking only at pictures in books. Being open and free, it is easy to adapt for local training needs.
Virtual Patient Dental
Virtual Patient Dental — Training Platform for Case-Based Learning Context and Background Virtual Patient Dental is an open educational tool built to simulate dental cases for students. Instead of reading only from textbooks, learners can interact with digital patients: view charts, study images, and make treatment choices. The aim is to bring case-based learning into classrooms without the risks or costs of real patients. Universities often use it before sending students into clinics, as it pro
DentiLab 3D (Academic)
DentiLab 3D (Academic) — Free Academic Platform for Dental 3D Visualization Context and Background DentiLab 3D (Academic) is a free version of the DentiLab platform, built for universities and research labs. It is designed to handle 3D imaging in dental education, giving students access to CBCT scans, jaw models, and implant planning tools. While the full commercial edition includes clinical features, the academic version focuses on teaching and research. Its purpose is to provide affordable acc
Smile Design Lite
Smile Design Lite — Free Software for Digital Smile Planning Context and Background Smile Design Lite is a free program aimed at cosmetic and restorative dentistry. It helps clinicians visualize treatment outcomes by creating digital smile designs based on patient photos and scans. The tool is lighter than full commercial suites but still offers the basic functions needed for case planning. Many small clinics and teaching programs use it to show patients possible results of orthodontic, implant,
Open Dental Trainer
Open Dental Trainer — Free Training Platform for Dental Students Context and Background Open Dental Trainer is an educational project designed for dental schools and training centers. The program simulates common dental procedures and lets students practice in a digital environment before moving to clinical work. It is not an EMR or PACS but a teaching tool that combines patient charts, imaging, and treatment exercises. Because it is free and open, universities often use it to give students earl
OpenOrtho
OpenOrtho — Free Software for Orthodontic Imaging Context and Background OpenOrtho is an open-source project built for orthodontics. The program handles panoramic images, cephalometric studies, and CBCT data. It is not a large imaging suite but a practical tool for tracing, measuring, and planning treatments. Many universities use it in training, while small practices install it as a free side tool for orthodontic cases.
Dental3D Viewer
Dental3D Viewer — Free CBCT Viewer for Everyday Dental Use Context and Background Dental3D Viewer is a small program made for CBCT and dental images. It is not a hospital PACS but a fast way to open and look at 3D scans. Dentists use it to check jaw structure before implants, and students use it to study anatomy. The focus is on simple tools — load, rotate, measure, export. Because it is free, many clinics add it as a side viewer without extra costs.
CustusX
CustusX — Open Platform for Image-Guided Surgery and Dental Planning Context and Background CustusX is an open-source navigation and visualization platform created for image-guided surgery. It was first used in neurosurgery, but the framework also supports dental and maxillofacial procedures. By combining DICOM data with 3D navigation, it helps surgeons prepare and follow operations more accurately. In dentistry, it is mainly applied in implant planning and jaw reconstruction, especially in acad
Voreen
Voreen — Open Visualization Framework for Dental Imaging Context and Background Voreen (Volume Rendering Engine) is an open-source framework for interactive 3D visualization. It was originally built for research in volume rendering but later found use in clinical fields, including dentistry. With it, CBCT and CT data can be turned into detailed 3D views of jaw structures, making it useful for implant planning, orthodontic studies, or teaching. Because it is open-source, universities and hospital
MITK (Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit)
MITK (Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit) — Open Imaging Platform for Dental Use Context and Background MITK is an open-source toolkit for working with medical images. It was created for interactive analysis and 3D visualization. In dentistry, it is often used with CBCT scans to study jaw structures, plan implants, or support orthodontic research. The system is modular, so researchers can add plugins and adapt it for specific clinical tasks.
SlicerCMF
SlicerCMF — Open 3D Tool for Dental Planning Context and Background SlicerCMF is built on 3D Slicer but shaped for dentistry and craniofacial work. It is not just a viewer. The software lets doctors cut through scans, build 3D models, and prepare cases before surgery. Universities often use it in classrooms, while hospitals run it for complex jaw reconstructions or implant planning. Its main point — advanced planning without the cost of commercial platforms.
Aeskulap DICOM Viewer
Aeskulap DICOM Viewer — Open-Source Imaging for Linux Environments Context and Background Aeskulap DICOM Viewer is an open-source project built mainly for Linux, filling a gap where most free imaging tools are either Windows- or macOS-oriented. It provides clinicians with the ability to browse, view, and analyze DICOM datasets without the need for commercial PACS solutions. In dentistry, Aeskulap has been adopted in university labs and clinics that rely on Linux infrastructure to review panorami
OsiriX Lite (macOS)
OsiriX Lite (macOS) — Free Viewer for Dental Imaging on Apple Devices Context and Background OsiriX Lite is the free edition of the OsiriX platform, long known in medical imaging circles. It was originally built for radiology on macOS, but the stripped-down version still handles DICOM scans well enough for everyday dental use. Many clinics and schools turn to it when they already rely on Apple hardware and need a simple way to check CBCT or panoramic images. It is not meant to replace enterprise
Jivex DICOM Viewer (Free edition)
Jivex DICOM Viewer (Free Edition) — Entry-Level Tool for Clinical Imaging Context and Background Jivex DICOM Viewer, in its free edition, is part of the Jivex Healthcare Platform developed by VISUS. While the full system is a complete PACS and enterprise imaging solution, the free viewer acts as a lightweight entry point. It allows clinicians, including dental professionals, to open, review, and share DICOM images without installing a full hospital infrastructure. For dental practices, the free
3DimViewer
3DimViewer — Free 3D Viewer for Dental CT and CBCT Context and Background 3DimViewer was built as an open-source project to let doctors and researchers work with 3D imaging data without the cost of commercial suites. It runs on all the main operating systems and focuses on CT and CBCT scans. In dentistry, this means dentists and surgeons can look at jaw structures in three dimensions, rotate models, or cut through slices to prepare for treatment. Instead of heavy setup or licensing fees, the sof
MicroDicom
MicroDicom — Simple DICOM Viewer for Everyday Dental Work Context and Background MicroDicom is a small Windows-based viewer that was never meant to compete with heavy radiology suites. Its role is different: to give clinicians a quick, reliable way to open and look at DICOM files. In dentistry, it often shows up in clinics that need to check panoramic X-rays or cone-beam CT scans without going through a full PACS setup. Because it installs fast and runs on standard PCs, it has become popular in
AMIDE
AMIDE — Open-Source 3D Imaging for Dental and Clinical Use Context and Background AMIDE, short for Amide’s Medical Imaging Data Examiner, was created as a research tool for handling PET, MRI, and CT scans. Over time it also found a place in dentistry, mainly where 3D views of the jaw or bone structure are important. Instead of being a polished commercial suite, AMIDE offers a straightforward way to open DICOM data, rotate it, slice it, and inspect details in three dimensions. Because it is open-
MedKey Dental
MedKey Dental — Modular Record System for Dental Practices Context and Background MedKey Dental is a branch of the broader MedKey medical information system, developed as a modular open-source platform. While the main system covers general healthcare, the dental module was designed to handle patient charts, odontograms, and daily clinical workflows specific to dentistry. Its strength lies in flexibility: administrators can tailor the setup to match the scale of a private office or a university c
VistA Dental
VistA Dental — Dental Module of the Veterans Health Information Systems Context and Background VistA Dental is not a standalone product but a part of the well-known VistA EHR, the system created decades ago by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It grew out of the need to cover almost every medical workflow inside government hospitals, and dentistry became one of those areas. The dental piece adds charting, imaging connections, and treatment notes on top of the broader patient record. Becau
GaiaEHR (Dental Module)
GaiaEHR (Dental Module) — Web-Based Dental Records for Small Clinics Context and Background GaiaEHR started as a general electronic health record project but gradually found its way into dentistry through community-driven extensions. Because it runs entirely in a web browser and sits on a familiar LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), the system appeals to clinics that need something practical without high licensing fees. With dental chart templates, odontograms, and procedure tracking, it has
OneTouch EMR (Free version)
OneTouch EMR (Free Version) — Cloud Records for Small Clinics Context and Background OneTouch EMR is a web-based medical record system built with accessibility in mind. The free edition is often used in small clinics and training programs where cost matters as much as functionality. Although it was created for general practice, many dental teams rely on it for managing visits, prescriptions, and patient notes. Its main draw is convenience: it works through a browser or mobile app, so data is ava
Clinica
Clinica — Free Dental Clinic Management Software Context and Background Clinica is an open-source system developed to support dental clinics in managing day-to-day operations. It was built with the idea of simplifying patient administration, scheduling, and treatment tracking for smaller practices and teaching clinics. Unlike large commercial suites that require heavy infrastructure, Clinica focuses on straightforward record management and usability, making it accessible to community health cent
FreeMedForms Dental
FreeMedForms Dental — Open-Source Dental Record Management Context and Background FreeMedForms Dental is part of the larger FreeMedForms project, an open-source medical record system designed for flexibility. While the main framework covers general practice, the dental edition narrows its focus to treatment notes, patient histories, and everyday record management for dentists. It was created with smaller practices and training environments in mind, where budgets are limited but the need for stru