Archy vs Dentrix (2026)
Archy and Dentrix sit at opposite ends of the dental software spectrum. Dentrix has dominated the market for 35 years with the largest integration ecosystem in dentistry. Archy launched in 2019 with a vision to bundle everything — practice management, VoIP, payments, patient communication — into one modern cloud platform at a fraction of the price. This comparison helps you weigh legacy stability against modern convenience.
Quick Summary — Archy Wins Overall
Archy wins on price, modern architecture, and bundled features (VoIP, payments). Dentrix retains its edge in integration breadth and market familiarity.
At a Glance
| Detail | Archy | Dentrix |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $299/mo per location | $500+/mo per operatory |
| Founded | 2019 | 1989 |
| User Base | ~1,500 practices | ~35,000 practices |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Archy | Dentrix |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud (browser-based)(winner) | Server (Windows) |
| Starting Price | $299/mo per location(winner) | $500+/mo + server costs |
| Server Required | ✕(winner) | ✓ |
| Built-in VoIP Phone | ✓(winner) | ✕ |
| Built-in Payment Processing | ✓(winner) | Via third-party |
| Third-Party Integrations | Growing (50+) | 400+(winner) |
| Imaging Integration | Basic bridge | Wide third-party support(winner) |
| Medicaid/Gov Programs | Basic support | Strong(winner) |
| Online Scheduling | ✓(winner) | Via add-on |
| Remote Access | Any browser(winner) | Requires VPN/RDP |
| Automatic Updates | Automatic(winner) | Manual |
| User Base | ~1,500 practices | ~35,000 practices(winner) |
| ERA Auto-Posting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Treatment Planning | ✓ | ✓(winner) |
Choose Archy If...
- ✓You want a modern cloud platform with no server to manage
- ✓Built-in VoIP and payment processing appeal to your all-in-one preference
- ✓You are starting a new practice and want the lowest total monthly cost
- ✓Remote access from any device is important to you
Choose Dentrix If...
- ✓You need access to 400+ third-party integrations specific to Dentrix
- ✓Your staff is trained on Dentrix and retraining would be disruptive
- ✓You participate in complex Medicaid or government dental programs
- ✓You are acquiring a practice already running Dentrix
Our Verdict
Dentrix is the established market leader with unmatched integrations and industry presence. Archy is the ambitious newcomer offering a modern all-in-one cloud platform at nearly half the total cost. For practices starting fresh or tired of server management, Archy is a compelling alternative. For practices deeply embedded in the Dentrix ecosystem, the switching cost may outweigh the savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Archy really replace Dentrix?▼
For most private practices doing general, cosmetic, or family dentistry, yes. Archy covers scheduling, charting, billing, claims, patient communication, and adds VoIP and payment processing that Dentrix does not include. Where Archy falls short is in the breadth of third-party integrations (50+ vs Dentrix's 400+) and support for complex government dental programs.
How much cheaper is Archy than Dentrix?▼
Archy at $299/month with no server costs versus Dentrix at $700-$1,100/month (including server and IT) means most practices save $400-$800/month, or $4,800-$9,600 per year. Over a typical 5-year software lifecycle, that is $24,000-$48,000 in savings.
Is Archy HIPAA compliant?▼
Yes. Archy uses HIPAA-compliant cloud infrastructure with encryption at rest and in transit, access controls, audit logging, and BAA agreements. Cloud-based HIPAA compliance is generally more consistent than server-based systems, which depend on each practice's IT security setup.
Does Archy work with my imaging sensors?▼
Archy supports most major imaging sensors through bridge software. The integration is functional but not as deep as Dentrix's direct partnerships with manufacturers like Dexis and Schick. Check Archy's compatibility list for your specific sensor before making a decision.
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