Henry Schein One has announced three additions to its Dentrix Ascend cloud-based practice management platform: an orthodontics module integrated within the platform, a voice-enabled periodontal charting tool, and expanded insurance eligibility verification capabilities.
The company said the new features are intended to address operational and clinical workflow challenges facing dental support organizations (DSOs) and multi-site dental practices.
The announcements coincide with continued adoption of the Ascend platform among DSOs. According to Henry Schein One, several organizations, including Smile Brands, 42 North, MB2, and Tend, have expanded their use of the system.
“DSO leaders are dealing with real pressure: rising costs, fixed reimbursement, time to cash. Every product decision we make is shaped by that,” said Brian Weatherly, CEO, Henry Schein One. “Native orthodontic workflows, hands-free perio charting, and smarter eligibility verification are how DSOs scale and control their revenue cycle without adding systems or staff.”
Orthodontics Module Integrated Into Dentrix Ascend
Henry Schein One has introduced Orthodontics in Ascend, an orthodontics-specific clinical and financial module designed to operate within the existing Dentrix Ascend platform.
The module includes:
An Orthodontic Treatment Manager for documenting diagnoses, treatment progress, and treatment status within the patient record
Future Payment Plans that automatically post charges according to treatment timelines
Centralized orthodontic imaging integrated into the patient record
Referral workflows designed to facilitate communication and tracking between general practitioners and orthodontic providers
The company noted that orthodontic treatment often requires documentation, imaging, and financial management over an extended treatment period.
“Ortho is a long-game specialty. Treatment spans months, records follow the patient through every visit, and payment timelines have to match,” said Dr. Ryan Hungate, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer, Henry Schein One. “When that whole workflow lives inside the platform practices already run on, the complexity DSOs fear about adding ortho largely goes away.”
Voice-Enabled Periodontal Charting
The company also announced Voice Perio, a voice-based periodontal charting application developed within Dentrix Ascend and co-developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
According to Henry Schein One, the system enables hygienists to complete periodontal charting by speaking findings directly into the patient record, eliminating the need for a second team member to enter data.
Features include:
Voice entry of pocket depths, bleeding points, and recession measurements
Full-mouth six-point periodontal charting in less than five minutes
Speech recognition designed for use in clinical environments
Reduced administrative and documentation time for hygienists
The company stated that the tool is intended to support practices facing staffing constraints while helping maintain comprehensive periodontal documentation.
Expanded Insurance Eligibility Verification
Henry Schein One also expanded eligibility verification capabilities through Eligibility Pro.
The platform combines data from multiple eligibility sources, including Tuuthfairy, Zuub, and DentalXchange, and presents information through a Single Appointment View intended to help teams review coverage details before patient visits.
For situations in which digital eligibility information is incomplete, the company has partnered with SuperDial. Through the integration, AI-powered voice agents can contact payers to obtain additional eligibility information and automatically return data to the platform.
Reported benefits include:
Reduced administrative time spent obtaining eligibility information
More comprehensive coverage data from multiple sources
Structured eligibility information intended to support billing accuracy and reimbursement workflows
“SuperDial was built so teams do not have to spend their day dialing and waiting on hold,” said Sam Schwager, Co-Founder and CEO, SuperDial. “Together with Ascend, we can help practices get more complete eligibility information with significantly less manual effort.”
Demonstration at ADSO Summit
Henry Schein One plans to showcase the new orthodontics, periodontal charting, and eligibility verification capabilities at the ADSO Summit, taking place June 15–17 in Chicago. The company also indicated that attendees will be able to preview additional products, including Orchestrate Ascend and Ask Ascend.
