Let’s be honest, your IT probably works great...until it doesn’t.
And when it doesn’t, it’s never at 4 p.m. on an admin day.
It’s at 8 a.m. on crown prep day, with three operatories booked solid and zero time to spare.
Every dental practice has that moment where technology decides to test its limits and your patience. Maybe your server’s crawling. Maybe the sensors won’t connect. Maybe your IT company’s still “looking into it.”
After supporting dental practices for more than two decades, we’ve seen the most common tech frustrations that hold teams back and identified the strategies that help prevent them from happening.
Here are the top five IT headaches we hear from dentists and office managers...and what it takes to fix them for good.
1. Consistent Technology Issues and Unreliable Tech Support
The headache: You know that feeling when you’ve been on hold for 45 minutes—again—and the “fix” doesn’t actually fix anything? It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out.
The cure: Reliable, responsive support that understands dental-specific technology. In most cases, the key is working with a team that knows your environment—practice management systems, imaging software, digital sensors, the layout of your operatories and office—and can respond quickly when an issue arises.
How Pact-One assists: We help eliminate day-to-day tech stress and keep your systems running at peak by providing same-day dental IT support, 24/7 system monitoring, and technicians trained specifically in dental software like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, DEXIS, and more. That means less downtime and fewer repeat calls for the same problem.
“Great service. I sent ticket in at 6am and they called me within the hour with problem having been addressed & corrected. We were contacted and advised on what to do in future if problem arises again. We would recommend highly.” - Carla G.
Explore how we support practices like yours: Dental IT Support Services
2. Systems that Feel Like Puzzle Pieces that Don't Quite Fit
The headache: Your imaging software doesn’t sync with your PMS. Your digital X-rays freeze. Files don’t sync. Updates conflict. Every computer seems to have its own quirks. It’s like trying to piece together a 1,000-piece puzzle with half the pieces missing.
The cure: An proactive IT management approach. Rather than constantly reacting to tech issues, a proactive approach ensures your systems are maintained, updated, and configured to work together seamlessly.
How Pact-One assists: We take a holistic approach to your dental technology to align your software, hardware, and network into one smooth-running ecosystem. Our goal is to make sure all your tools play nicely together.
“Our previous IT guy had our office down for several weeks because he didn’t have the dental networking knowledge and tried to fix things by trial and error. On top of that the inferior backup solution he provided put my data recovery at risk. Thanks to Pact-One, they quickly stepped in and got me back to work! Things are working better now than they ever have before. I know with their backup solution, I’ll never have to worry about down time again. Great team that knows what they are doing and specialize in the Dental Field.” - Mark C.
3. Unexpected Hits that Affect Business Continuity
The headache: A flood, fire, power outage, hardware failure, or ransomware attack can halt operations and put patient data at risk.
The cure: A rock-solid backup and disaster recovery solution. A true continuity plan includes both onsite and offsite backups that are encrypted, monitored, and routinely tested for reliability.
How Pact-One assists: We help dental practices implement automated backup solutions that are verified daily and tested quarterly. For example, when one California client’s server was destroyed by a flood, an encrypted offsite backup allowed us to have them operational again within hours.
Learn how to stay resilient: Best-in-Class Backup & Recovery Strategies for Dental Offices
4. Lack of Security for Evolving Threats
The headache: Standard antivirus and firewalls are no longer enough. From phishing emails to malware and ransomware, cybercriminals are constantly evolving (and bolder than ever). Healthcare data is a prime target specifically because of its high value.
The cure: A multi-layered cybersecurity strategy. Combining multiple defenses—like endpoint detection, real-time threat monitoring and response, and employee awareness training—provides comprehensive protection from ransomware and phishing attacks.
How Pact-One assists: Our team builds layered cybersecurity frameworks for dental practices. This includes 24/7/365 threat monitoring and response, HIPAA-compliant protections, and real-time alerts for suspicious activity; all designed to keep patient data safe and accessible. Because cybersecurity isn’t a one-time setup...it’s an ongoing partnership to stay one step ahead.
“At Pact-One, cybersecurity isn’t an add-on—it’s foundational. Every IT package we deliver includes advanced protection like MDR, because safeguarding your practice’s data, revenue, and reputation isn’t optional. Just recently, our MDR platform detected and stopped an active threat targeting a client’s network before it could cause damage. That’s the level of vigilance every dental practice deserves."- Dan Edwards, CEO of Pact-One Solutions
5. A Growing Practice That's Become a Tangled Web
The headache: Every new location, software, and vendor adds another layer of complexity. Suddenly, your “simple setup” looks like a plate of spaghetti.
The cure: Scale-ready systems and strategic IT partnership. Standardized technology and unified vendor management allow your practice to expand without adding unnecessary IT headaches.
How Pact-One assists: Growth shouldn’t come with growing pains. We help multi-location practices and DSOs design scale-ready systems—standardizing hardware and streamlining software—so their infrastructure supports growth instead of stalling it.
Learn how to scale with confidence: The Hidden Hero of Dental Expansion? Your IT Infrastructure
IT Should Empower Your Practice, Not Complicate It
Every dental office has unique systems and challenges, but the underlying goal is the same: keep your technology reliable, secure, and future-ready.
Whether you manage one location or several, the right IT approach gives your team confidence that everything will work when you need it most.
At Pact-One Solutions, we’ve helped dental professionals achieve that peace of mind through proactive management, reliable support, and secure technology design...so they can focus on brighter smiles, not IT headaches.
Let’s cure your IT migraines once and for all.
Schedule a free IT consultation today.
FAQs: Questions Dental Teams Ask Us About Tech Issues
Why does my dental software keep crashing or running slow?
If your practice management or imaging software crashes frequently, it’s often a sign of outdated hardware, conflicting updates, or weak network infrastructure. A dental-specific IT partner can optimize your setup, so your tools work together smoothly and stay that way.
At Pact-One, we keep dental professionals informed of potential software issues in the following ways:
- Current Pact-One Clients: Receive technical alert emails, ongoing IT support, and timely updates posted on our Technical Alerts page.
- Other Growth-Minded Dental Professionals: Can stay informed through alerts on our Technical Alerts page or by subscribing to our technical alert emails for industry-wide updates.
When you know what’s coming, you can prepare—and avoid those frustrating “why isn’t this working?” moments altogether.
How do I know if my IT provider is truly dental-focused?
Ask your IT provided the following 5 questions:
- What dental software and hardware do you have experience with (Dentrix, Open Dental, Eaglesoft, DEXIS, Rayface, Itero, etc.)?
- How often do you work with tools such as the ones in my office?
- Can you provide testimonials or examples from other dental practices you work with?
- Do you have a team that works 24/7/365 to actively monitor and isolate cyber threats in real-time?
- How quickly can you get my practice up and running if a disaster occurs?
A traditional IT company might be great at fixing computers, but only a dental IT support partner understands the urgency of a broken sensor, frozen imaging station, or slow charting system.
What's the most common cause of downtime in a dental office?
Outdated equipment or failed updates. A proactive IT management plan prevents most of these issues from interrupting your schedule. Pact-One's network management plans include IT maintenance such as hardware and software management, 24/7 system monitoring, system upgrades, and a continual outlook of your system.
We're opening another office; how can we keep our IT consistent across locations?
Plan ahead. A strategic IT roadmap ensures all your offices run on consistent, scalable systems. That’s where a partner like Pact-One can help. With IT consulting built into our dental IT service plans, you get a dedicated Client Success Manager who serves not only your technology consultant, but also an advocate to ensure your needs are met and help you plan for the future.
How often should my practice's technology be reviewed and upgraded?
Your practice's technology should be reviewed at least once a year...ideally more often if your practice is adding new equipment, software, or locations.
Timing for upgrades to your practice's technology depends on several factors such as age of hardware, amount of storage available, compatibility with existing dental software and hardware, regulatory compliance, and security risks.
Wondering if it’s time to upgrade your system? Check out Upgrading Your Dental IT Infrastructure: Is It Time?
Dental IT. Remove the Burden. Embrace the Use.
Quality patient care – it's ultimately why you became a dental professional. But, some business operations can get in the way (such as pesky computer issues or lack of IT support). That’s where Pact-One Solutions can help! Our passion lies in supplying reliable, responsive dental IT support and security that practices can count on.
Whether you’re looking for dental IT services for your startup or searching for more responsive dental IT support – our team of dental IT specialists have you covered. With team members throughout the United States, we offer nationwide support to dental practices of all sizes, specialties, and stages of growth. Our wide range of dental IT services ensure your data is secure, accessible, and protected.
Don't let technology challenges hinder your ability to deliver exceptional dental care. Contact us at info@pact-one.com or 866-722-8663 to join over 3,000 dental professionals thriving with the support of a dedicated dental IT team.
