Oryx vs Archy:
Which Dental Practice Management Software Is Right for You?
Both platforms are modern and cloud-based. The difference is what’s built in — Oryx includes native imaging, guided clinical workflows, and billing transparency tools in one system. Archy is designed around flexibility, with practices assembling their own tools around a core PMS.
Last Updated: April 2026
Comparing Oryx & Archy
Oryx and Archy take fundamentally different approaches to how a dental practice should be set up.
Archy is designed around flexibility — it functions as a core PMS that practices build around, connecting imaging, patient communication, analytics, and other tools through third-party integrations. For tech-forward teams with the time and resources to configure their own stack, that flexibility can be valuable.
Oryx is built around the idea that those tools shouldn’t need to be assembled in the first place. Imaging, charting, billing, patient communication, and audit tools are built into one system — so dental practices spend less time managing vendors and more time focused on patient care.
If you’re evaluating both, the core question is whether you want to configure a system around your practice or adopt one that’s already built for it.
This page was authored by the Oryx team. We’ve built this comparison to be genuinely useful; this is an honest assessment of each platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
Key Differences Between Oryx & Archy
Native Imaging
Oryx has FDA-certified imaging built directly into the platform — X-rays, diagnostics, and treatment planning all live in one place. Archy connects to imaging through third-party software.
Clinical Workflows
Oryx guides providers through clinical workflows with built-in, evidence-based protocols. Archy gives practices more freedom to build and manage their own clinical standards.
Tool Consolidation
Oryx is designed to be the only platform your practice needs. Archy works as a core PMS that practices build around, adding third-party tools for imaging, communication, and analytics.
Platform Stability
Oryx vs Archy: Feature Comparison
| Attribute | Oryx | Archy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Transparency | One bundled price covers everything — no add-ons required | Modular pricing; cost varies greatly depending on which tools and integrations your practice adds |
| Vendor Sprawl | Imaging, charting, billing, and patient communication in one system | Core PMS; most practices add third-party tools for imaging, communication, and analytics |
| Imaging | Imaging is built in — X-rays and diagnostics live alongside charting and treatment planning | Imaging handled through third-party integrations |
| Charting & Treatment Planning | Built-in evidence-based clinical protocols, guided by Kois Center methodology, guide providers through charting and treatment planning | Providers build and manage their own clinical workflows |
| Clinical Risk Assessments | Built-in medical and dental history risk assessments automatically generated from patient forms, plus a patient-friendly Patient Risk Assessment report designed to support treatment acceptance and patient education | No equivalent built-in risk assessment or patient education reporting |
| Claims & Revenue Cycle | Claims are tracked and managed inside the same system your clinical team uses | Core billing tools included; additional setup may be needed depending on your workflows |
| Partial Payments | Supports partial payment acceptance, giving practices flexibility in how patient balances are collected | Does not support partial payments |
| Billing Transparency & Audit Logs | Audit logs and billing history are accessible directly in the platform | Audit logs are not available within the platform — practices must contact support to access them, adding friction when investigating billing discrepancies |
| Integrations & APIs | Connects with a focused set of tools chosen for reliability | Designed to connect with a wide range of third-party tools |
| Support & Onboarding | Hands-on onboarding with guided setup from day one, including in-person training options and phone support available on all plans | Support available via chat, text, and email only — no phone line available, which has been a noted pain point for practices needing immediate assistance |
| Phone Number Portability | Existing practice phone number is preserved during onboarding, maintaining patient communication continuity | Does not port existing phone numbers — practices are assigned a new number, disrupting patient communication continuity |
| Patient Portal | Built-in patient portal covers forms, statements, payments, and personalized clinical reports — all in one place | Patient portal is limited to basic record and treatment plan access |
| AI Features | Native AI tools included across plans — AI voice perio charting, exam charting, imaging AI, and clinical transcription, all built into the platform | AI suite (Archy Intelligence) is partially live — reporting and insurance verification are available, but most announced AI features are still in development |
| Multi-Location & Scalability | Built for DSOs and multi-location groups — realm-based configurations, centralized management, and enterprise analytics support practices of any size | Can support multiple locations but lacks dedicated DSO infrastructure, realm configurations, and enterprise-level multi-location tools |
| Security & Compliance | HIPAA-compliant; cloud-based; security is managed by Oryx | HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based |
| Ideal Customer Fit | Clinically driven practices prioritizing consistency | Tech-forward teams building custom stacks |
Feature Deep-Dive
Imaging Capabilities
How Oryx handles this
Oryx includes native, FDA-certified imaging built directly into the platform and supported by a dedicated imaging team focused on improving acquisition, performance, and clinical workflows. Because imaging is developed and maintained internally, practices benefit from faster improvements, deeper platform integration, and consistent reliability without depending on third-party vendors.
How Archy handles this
Archy relies primarily on third-party imaging integrations rather than a native imaging system. Imaging capabilities depend on external vendors, which can add additional systems to manage and limit how tightly imaging workflows integrate with the core platform.
Why it matters
Imaging is central to diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education. A native imaging platform backed by a dedicated development team enables faster innovation, tighter workflow integration, and a more reliable clinical experience for practices.
Charting & Treatment Planning
How Oryx handles this
Oryx uses evidence-based, preventive-first charting with guided treatment planning. Clinical protocols are embedded to support consistency across providers while still allowing professional judgment.
How Archy handles this
Archy offers flexible charting with fewer built-in clinical guardrails. Providers manually configure workflows and standards based on their preferences.
Why it matters
Guided workflows reduce decision fatigue, improve consistency, and help teams deliver repeatable care—especially important for startups and multi-provider practices.
Clinical Risk Assessments
How Oryx handles this
Oryx includes built-in medical and dental history risk assessments that are automatically generated based on information submitted in patient forms. Within both histories, key details and important considerations are highlighted to help providers understand how a patient’s overall health may influence their approach to care. Oryx also generates a Patient Risk Assessment report, available under Patient Reports, which uses clear, patient-friendly language to help patients better understand their oral health — supporting improved treatment acceptance.
How Archy handles this
Archy does not offer equivalent built-in risk assessments or patient education reporting. Practices looking for this level of clinical guidance would need to manage it outside the platform.
Why it matters
Risk assessments grounded in Kois Center methodology help providers deliver consistent, evidence-based care while giving patients a clearer picture of their oral health. When patients understand their risk profile in plain language, they are more likely to accept recommended treatment — benefiting both clinical outcomes and practice revenue.
Billing Transparency & Audit Logs
How Oryx handles this
Oryx provides built-in audit logs and activity records that allow practice owners and managers to quickly see what changes were made, when they happened, and who made them. Billing activity and system history are accessible directly in the platform, making it easier to investigate discrepancies and resolve issues without contacting support. Oryx also surfaces key compliance and payment-processing resources so practices can access them when needed.
How Archy handles this
Audit logs are not available within Archy’s platform. Practices must contact support to access them, which adds friction when investigating billing discrepancies or resolving internal questions quickly. This additional step can slow down investigations and make it harder for office managers to stay on top of billing accountability.
Why it matters
Billing and claims workflows are one of the most common sources of operational errors in dental practices. Direct access to audit logs and billing activity helps practice leaders quickly identify issues, maintain accountability, and resolve problems faster.
Vendor Consolidation
How Oryx handles this
Oryx replaces many third-party tools by bundling imaging, patient communication, treatment planning, and analytics into one system.
How Archy handles this
Archy is designed to plug into an external ecosystem. Practices often rely on separate vendors for imaging, patient education, analytics, and automation.
Why it matters
Each additional vendor adds cost, training, support risk, and operational complexity. Consolidation simplifies daily operations and long-term scaling.
Onboarding & Daily Usability
How Oryx handles this
Oryx provides white-glove onboarding, guided setup, and in-software workflows designed to match how dentistry is actually practiced. Phone support is available during business hours on all plans, ensuring teams can get immediate help when they need it.
How Archy handles this
Archy emphasizes flexibility and customization, which can require more hands-on configuration and internal decision-making during setup. Support is available via chat, text, and email only — there is no phone line, which has been a noted pain point for practices that need immediate assistance.
Why it matters
Software that looks “simple” in a demo can become complex when teams must design workflows themselves. Guided onboarding and accessible support reduce friction and speed time to value.
Oryx vs Archy: Pricing & Cost Structure
Oryx Pricing:
- You prefer a bundled, all-in-one pricing model that includes core clinical and operational tools
- You want to reduce software overhead by replacing multiple vendors with one platform
- You value predictable pricing without adding separate integrations or external tools
Archy Pricing:
- You prefer a modular platform where you choose and add tools over time
- You already rely on third-party integrations for imaging, communication, or analytics
- You’re comfortable with variable software costs depending on the tools your practice uses
What Dental Practices Say About Oryx
“With Oryx, patients can make appointments online, fill out information ahead of time, and access all their clinical information through their own secure patient portal. Patients have a different experience with their own dental records.”
— Dr. Jeromy Peterson, DDS | Modern Dentistry
“My previous software was really hard to navigate. Oryx is pretty easy to navigate — the flow of it when you’re doing the exam just makes sense.”
— Dr. Elaine Wu, DDS | Solace Wellness Center & Medspa
“The interface is intuitive and easy to learn. Our front office and clinical teams work more efficiently because everything we need lives in one unified platform.”
Should You Choose Oryx or Archy?
Choose Oryx if:
- You want a modern, cloud-native PMS with native imaging and evidence-based clinical workflows
- You prefer one unified system for charting, imaging, billing, claims, and patient communication
- You’re a startup or growing practice looking to reduce vendor sprawl and long-term complexity
Choose Archy if:
- You prefer a lightweight, highly customizable platform with minimal built-in structure
- You already rely on a best-of-breed tech stack and want a PMS that integrates into it
- You have the time and resources to configure workflows and integrations yourself
See Oryx in Action
Schedule a demo to see how Oryx compares in real clinical workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oryx or Archy better for startups?
Oryx is often preferred by startups that want built-in structure, imaging, and guided workflows from day one. Archy may appeal to practices that want maximum flexibility and already have a defined tech stack.
Which platform works better for multi-location practices?
Oryx is designed for consistent workflows across providers and locations. Archy can also support multi-location groups, particularly those with internal teams managing integrations.
How do imaging workflows differ between Oryx and Archy?
Oryx includes native FDA-certified imaging built directly into the platform, while Archy typically relies on third-party imaging integrations.
How do pricing models differ between Oryx and Archy?
Oryx uses a bundled pricing model, while Archy generally follows a modular pricing approach depending on the tools a practice adds.
Does Oryx integrate with tools Archy supports?
Oryx supports select integrations focused on stability and clinical value. During a demo, the Oryx team can help determine whether your current tools are supported or whether built-in features may replace them.