Does Dental Ark work without internet?
Yes. 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.
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.
Backup and restore
How to create backups of your Dental Ark data, store them safely, and restore from a backup if needed.
Billing and payments
How to create itemized dental bills, record payments, track unpaid balances, and export billing summaries.
Daily clinic workflows
Daily workflow guide: opening the clinic, patient check-in, treatment documentation, billing, closing, and end-of-day backup.
Getting started with Dental Ark
Set up a local clinic database, add the first patient, and run the first visit workflow.
Quickstart: set up your clinic
Set up Dental Ark for your clinic: add your clinic name, register your first patient, schedule an appointment, start a visit, write a record, and generate a bill.
Common Dental Ark questions
Is Dental Ark a cloud/SaaS system?
No. Dental Ark installs on your Windows, macOS, 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?
No. 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?
Dental Ark Community is free (up to 50 patients, 200 visits). Dental Ark Professional is $119 lifetime — one payment, no monthly fees, no annual renewals. Dental Ark Team is $249 for three seats in one clinic. There is no subscription.
What happens if I don't renew? Does my data get locked?
There is no renewal. $119 is a lifetime license. The software continues working indefinitely. Your data is in local SQLite and image files on your computer — even if you uninstall the software, the data files remain.
How do I back up my patient data?
Settings → 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?
Yes. 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?
Cloud systems charge monthly (¥200-500/month), require internet, and store your data on their servers. Dental Ark costs once ($119), works offline, and stores data locally. Over 3 years, the cost difference is approximately ¥10,000. Dental Ark does not include AI features or online patient booking.