More and more doctors are now clearly seeing the advantages of the cloud and are abandoning their tired client-server software for the cloud. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is "Andy, how do I get my existing data to Curve Dental?"

We've converted data from nearly almost every known management system. As we speak our data services team is converting data from four different systems just this week. Of course, we come across an obscure system every once in awhile. But we got smart people and we usually figure out a way to make it work. For most doctors, we have experience with the system you're currently using.

Once we convert your data to Curve Dental all that's left for you to do is log in and start managing your practice with Curve Dental. Some data and transactions may need to be added between the time you provided us with your data and the time that you start using Curve Dental to manage your practice. But that can be entered manually. And then you're done.

Three things to remember about data conversions:

I've been in the dental software business for more than 20 years. I know that a data conversion is a tricky thing and never a slam dunk. Why? Not all of your data will convert (and anybody that tells you they can convert all of your data must be a magician). Historical transaction data, generally speaking, is difficult to impossible to convert from your existing database to Curve Dental. I know that sounds like a big challenge, but what does convert will save you oodles of time and money. Which brings me to my second point:

Even though not all of your data will convert, the data that will convert (like patient demographic information, appointments, balances, and/or notes) represents a significant amount of data that doesn't have to be entered manually. Can you imagine how much time it would take for somebody to enter the name, contact information, and appointments for every one of your patients! It would take days and cost you bunches. A data conversion saves you that pain and expense.

We are all unique individuals. Two doctors using the same software are going to have different data conversion experiences because they use the software differently, or have needs unique to the way they practice. The end result is that after a data conversion you may find some data for some patients either missing completely or jumbled. Most of the time this can be fixed manually or we may be able to do another conversion that may fix the problem. The important thing to remembers is data conversions are tricky due to the high number of variables involved. Just keep you eye on point number two!