Single Database using VPN:

One location hosts a shared database for all offices.

Best for:

• The organization is using Clinics
• Patients routinely see providers at other locations
• Users routinely need access to data for each location
• Each location has high speed internet and there are fewer than *5 locations

Single Database using Middle Tier:

Middle Tier isolates the database, improving speed and security by preventing client workstations from directly accessing the database.

The server program sits between the database and the client machines.

Workstations are ordinary thick clients running the full Windows version of Open Dental.

Best for:

• The organization is using clinics
• There is a large local network that might be shared with non-users of Open Dental (like a college campus or hospital).
• Each location has consistent and high-speed internet

Single Database with Terminal Server:

One location hosts a single database for all locations.

Terminal Servers allow multiple login sessions at the same time for RDS sessions or RemoteApp, but with limitations and restrictions on what the user can do or see within the connection.

Best for:

• The organization is utilizing clinics
• Less overhead and less configuration than a VPN
• Only need to set up one server with secure access to a single IP.
• If the organization expands, only need to set up a load sharing server

Single Database with Load Balancing Server in Terminal Server:

One location hosts a single database for all locations.

Rather than directly connecting to the server at the main location, locations access a load balancing server.

Best for:

• The organization is utilizing clinics
• The organization has a lot of users. Helps relieve slowness due to bandwidth restrictions

Single Database with Direct Connection, using Thick & Thin Clients:

One location hosts the database for all location.

Best for:

• The organization is utilizing clinics
• The organization has a lot of users. Helps relieve slowness due to bandwidth restrictions

Single Database using 1-Way Replication

Utilizing 1-Way Replication.



Best for:

• Organization has many workstations
• Helps resolve slowness when running reports or backups

Single Database using Daisy Chain Replication

The Replication forms a ring.



All the databases together are referred to as a single virtual database.

Best for:

• The organization has 5 or fewer physical servers.
• The organization has multiple locations and is utilizing clinics
• The organization has mobile units that service different areas (nursing homes, students, etc)
• A skilled database administrator is available to monitor replication
• A stable internet connection is not always available. Each location can continue to function normally even if the internet connection is lost.

Single Database with Open Dental Cloud

Utilizing the Open Dental Cloud service.

Best for:

• The organization is using clinics
• Patients routinely see providers at other locations
• Users routinely need access to data at other locations
• The locations have a consistent and high-speed internet connection
• The office wants to eliminate server upkeep

Galera Cluster:

Single Database using Daisy Chain Replication

Best for:

• The organization has large databases.
• The organization has a large number of workstations/clients.
• The organization has a skilled IT team to manage the cluster.

Advantages of a Galera Cluster include:

• Redundancy
• Load Balancing
• Scalability