See Advanced Topics

Database Documentation

The database schema for each version of Open Dental can be found on the Database Documentation page.

Unit Testing

See Unit Testing.

SQLyog

MySQL does not include a way to view and edit the data in your database. We recommend SQLyog. It has a variety of useful tools for working with your raw database. You should never use it to change the data in your database since that will cause corruption.

Interacting with Open Dental

Queries
Simple read-only operations can be performed with queries. This is useful for reports. Any third party is welcome to query the database as long as no writes are involved. We have security measures in place to prevent writing to the database, so don't even think about it. Make sure your queries are optimized. One frequent problem is that an unoptimized query can take 20 seconds to run, and all the workstations in office lock up during that time. If you need to run long queries, maybe try doing that in the middle of the night or on a slave database.

API
This is the only way of interacting with Open Dental for any action that requires a write to the database. Direct writes to the database are never allowed other than by going through the API. See API Specification.

Plug-ins
Plug-ins are a way for certain large organizations to add custom fuctionality for internal use. We strongly encourage using the API instead, but certain organization have critical requirements that require a tighter integration, so we sometimes allow it after negotiation.

If you have reviewed the information on this page and the forum, but need additional assistance, email vendor.relations@opendental.com.