Does Dental Ark work without internet?
Product scopeYes. Dental Ark is a local desktop application. All patient data, appointments, records, images, and billing are stored on your computer. No internet connection is required for any core function.
Help
Dental Ark clinic workflow notes.
Step-by-step guides for patient registration, appointment scheduling, visit workflows, dental record keeping, tooth charting, billing, image management, backups, and licensing.
dental practice management software
appointment scheduling
offline dental software
- Dental Ark Backup and Recovery Create, store, validate, and test Dental Ark clinic backups while distinguishing manifest validation from a controlled database recovery. Open guide
- Dental Ark Clinic Setup Quickstart Set up a local Dental Ark clinic workspace, verify backup, add staff and charge items, register a patient, schedule and complete a visit, then close billing safely. Open guide
- Dental Ark Getting Started: First Patient and Backup Acceptance Test Run a safe first-patient rehearsal in Dental Ark, move the case from appointment to checkout, create a backup, and validate the recovery package. Open guide
- Dental Billing and Payment Workflow Create itemized Dental Ark bills, apply discounts and prepayments, record partial or full payments, manage receivables, refunds, adjustments, and finance exports. Open guide
- Dental Clinic Daily Workflow Run a controlled Dental Ark clinic day from opening checks and patient arrival through clinical records, checkout, receivables, follow-up, daily close, and backup. Open guide
Common Dental Ark questions
Is Dental Ark a cloud/SaaS system?
Product scopeNo. Dental Ark installs on your Windows or Linux desktop. There is no cloud server, no monthly subscription, and no vendor access to your patient data. You own and control everything.
Does Dental Ark include AI diagnosis?
Product scopeNo. Dental Ark is an administrative tool for patient records, appointments, billing, and documentation. It does not attempt to diagnose patients or recommend treatments. Clinical decisions remain entirely with the dentist.
How much does Dental Ark cost? Is there a monthly fee?
PricingThe Community edition is free for up to 50 patients and 200 visits. Optional paid editions add advanced workflows under the current product or store terms. There are no monthly fees, annual renewals, or Team tier.
What happens if I don't renew? Does my data get locked?
PricingThere is no subscription to renew. The Community edition remains free, and any optional paid unlock is permanent. Your data remains in local SQLite and image files on your computer even if you uninstall the software.
How do I back up my patient data?
Data and backupSettings → Backup → Create Backup generates a complete zip file with your database, images, configuration, and manifest. Copy this file to an external drive, USB stick, or network location. Restore from any backup file on any computer.
Can I export my patient records if I switch to another system?
Data and backupYes. Patient records can be exported as PDF. Billing data can be exported as CSV. There is no vendor lock-in — your data is in standard formats on your computer.
How does Dental Ark compare to cloud dental systems like ABC?
ComparisonThe Community edition is free, while the competing service uses a paid subscription; consult the vendor for current terms. Dental Ark does not include AI features or online patient booking.