How to export data from Dentrix G4

[mr-cracker]

Hello,
I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or tools they can share on how to extract data from Dentrix G4...

Dentrix G4 uses multiple .dat files as the database, and they also use .ZED files to store documents (I believe)... Has anyone dealt with a scenario like this before? Help is greatly appreciated

 

[seashore]

@mr-cracker No offense, but most of your posts so far have just been to welcome other new members despite being a brand new member yourself. This may be interpreted as a way to reach minimum post counts for full access. It would be a better idea to contribute useful answers to members' questions instead if you wish to receive help with your own problems. Just sayin'.

 

[mr-cracker]

@seashore to be honest, I would have appreciated your feedback privately much more. But point received.

 

[Markverhyden]

Dentrix, like many apps similar to it, runs off of SQL. So you'll need a proper database programmer to get anything out of it if you don't have access to the original app.

 

[mr-cracker]

@Markverhyden Dentrix G5+ started using an SQL database... prior to those version, they were using file based c-tree plus...

 

[nlinecomputers]

I assume that you are trying to migrate the data over to a new program? If my assumption is correct wouldn't the new program have the ability to import the data?

Does Dentrix have an export function? Even crappy CSV excel files?

 

[Markverhyden]

@Markverhyden Dentrix G5+ started using an SQL database... prior to those version, they were using file based c-tree plus...

It's still a database.

 

[mikeroq]

I assume they are trying to move to a different dental software? Best bet is maybe the new software will have some kind of conversion/import ability or service the provider offers. For instance I'm most familiar with EagleSoft and they can convert data from many practice management packages.

 

[HCHTech]

Best bet is maybe the new software will have some kind of conversion/import ability

Yes - always push the new vendor to do the migration. They have the biggest interest in making sure it happens quickly and correctly. If you are lucky enough to get involved at the beginning of the process, make sure this job is included in the sales contract. Press them to get their migration folks involved at the beginning by asking pointed questions as early in the process as possible. This lets them know you won't let them off the hook, and it lets your client know you've been down this road before and have their best interests at heart.

We just helped a attorney client move from TimeMatters to a web-based product called "Filevine". I'd never heard of them but we pushed hard in our multiple zoom calls between the client, us and the vendor. They spent a ton of time (some not very happily), and the client ended up with a good result.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yes - always push the new vendor to do the migration. They have the biggest interest in making sure it happens quickly and correctly.

Bingo!
Plus, being a dental office, healthcare....HIPAA. So the environment used to do the "migration"...every computer, storage device, tool, office done in, transport of data, etc...has to be wrapped up under HIPAA compliance.