The typical implementation process for Curve Dental software consists of 4 main steps, as outlined on their website:
Step 1: Welcome and Kickoff
New customers provide Curve Dental with a copy of their data and accounts receivable report for preliminary data conversion testing.
A Curve Project Manager contacts the customer's point person for an introduction and Q&A session.
Step 2: Data Conversion
Curve Dental converts the customer's data, files, and images from their current system into the Curve Hero software, allowing staff to use this converted data during training.
Step 3: Staff Training
Staff training is conducted through 6 live webinar sessions of 1.5 hours each, plus additional sessions for certain features as needed.
Training is done using the customer's converted data to prepare staff for going live.
Step 4: Go Live
Curve Dental performs a final data conversion to ensure the customer's data is up-to-the-minute before going live.
After going live, there is a 3-month "high-touch transition phase" with scheduled check-ins and 3 additional live training sessions from the implementation team.
Then the customer transitions to Curve Dental's customer service team for ongoing support.
While an exact timeframe is not available, the multi-step implementation process involving data conversion, training, and a transition period suggests it likely takes several weeks to a few months to fully implement Curve Dental software for a new customer.
Setup/Implementation Fees
While not explicitly stated, it is implied there are implementation and data conversion fees based on this statement: "Curve believes in supporting burgeoning dental practices. We offer favorable pricing on implementation and license fees while you get your practice started."So there seem to be some upfront setup/implementation costs, which may be discounted for new practices.
Support Costs
The $500/month base pricing for Curve Hero includes "24/7/365 Five-Star support", suggesting support is bundled into the subscription fee and not an extra cost.
Maintenance Fees
There is no mention of separate maintenance fees. The subscription covers Software updates and enhancements, as Curve states they are "reinvesting $60M into our SuperHero™ solution over the next 3 years to continually enhance the features and services we offer."
Premium Module Costs
The base Curve Hero pricing covers the core practice management features. However, Curve SuperHero "includes optional modules for imaging and Curve Benefits Advisor", implying there are additional costs for adding those premium modules.
Setup/Implementation Fees
While not explicitly stated, it is implied there are implementation and data conversion fees based on this statement:"Curve believes in supporting burgeoning dental practices. We offer favorable pricing on implementation and license fees while you get your practice started."So there seem to be some upfront setup/implementation costs, which may be discounted for new practices.
Support Costs
The $500/month base pricing for Curve Hero includes "24/7/365 Five-Star support", suggesting support is bundled into the subscription fee and not an extra cost.
Maintenance Fees
There is no mention of separate maintenance fees. Software updates and enhancements seem to be covered by the subscription, as Curve states they are "reinvesting $60M into our SuperHero™ solution over the next 3 years to continually enhance the features and services we offer."
Premium Module Costs
The base Curve Hero pricing covers the core practice management features. However, Curve SuperHero "includes optional modules for imaging and Curve Benefits Advisor", implying there are additional costs for adding those premium modules.
Staff Training
Training is conducted through 6 live webinar sessions of 1.5 hours each, plus additional sessions for certain features as needed.
Training uses the customer's converted data, so staff can learn on their actual patient information to prepare for going live.
Training covers all core functionality of the Curve Hero software.
Go-Live Sessions
After the initial training, there are additional "Go Live Sessions" to review advanced topics and ensure readiness for the go-live date.
These sessions cover areas like treatment planning, scheduling with procedure codes, using the Sidekick feature, and more.
Transition Support
After going live, there is a 3-month "high-touch transition phase" with scheduled check-ins from the implementation team.
During this phase, the customer receives 3 more live training sessions from the implementation team.
Ongoing Support
24/7/365 support is included with the Curve Hero subscription, with calls answered in under 1 minute on average during business hours.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Curve Dental offers multi-factor authentication as an added layer of security beyond just username and password.MFA requires an additional verification step like a code sent to the user's phone to prevent unauthorized access.
Cloud-Based Data Storage
Patient data is stored securely in the cloud rather than on local office servers.This cloud infrastructure provides enhanced security, backup, and disaster recovery capabilities compared to traditional on-premise setups.
Encryption of Data
All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access or interception.Industry-standard encryption protocols are employed.
Access Controls
Role-based access controls allow practices to specify exactly which staff members can access and modify different types of patient data based on their roles and responsibilities.
Auditing and Monitoring
Curve Dental's system maintains detailed audit logs of all user activity and data access.This allows monitoring for any suspicious behavior or potential breaches.
Secure Data Centers
Patient data is hosted in HIPAA-compliant, SOC 2 audited data centers with robust physical and digital security controls in place.
Employee Training
Curve emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity training for dental practice staff to identify potential threats like phishing, social engineering tactics, and safe internet usage.
Update Frequency
Curve Dental states that their customers "see regular and frequent improvements to the software every three to four weeks without the hassle of installing upgrades."This indicates that Curve pushes out updates and enhancements to their cloud-based software roughly every 3-4 weeks.
Automated Updates
The updates are deployed automatically to all customers without any manual installation required on their end. As mentioned, customers "see regular and frequent improvements...without the hassle of installing upgrades."Whenever users log into the Curve Dental software, they are using the latest updated version.
Continuous Improvement
Curve highlights their commitment to continuously improving the software, stating they are "reinvesting $60M into our SuperHero™ solution over the next 3 years to continually enhance the features and services we offer."This suggests an aggressive roadmap of new features and capabilities being added through frequent updates.
Cloud Delivery Model
The ability to seamlessly and frequently update the software for all users is enabled by Curve Dental's cloud-based delivery model, as opposed to traditional on-premise software.Being cloud-hosted allows updates to be pushed out centrally.
Data Ownership
Curve Dental states that the client (dental practice) retains full ownership of all their data stored or retrieved through the Curve Dental software: "Client shall retain ownership of all Client Data stored or retrieved in connection with use of the Hosted Programs."This means the practice's patient data, treatment plans, images, etc. remain the property of the practice, not Curve Dental.
Data Portability
Curve Dental allows clients to download an export of their data at any time through the application: "Should you ever require a copy of your data for whatever reason, you can download it at any time, right through our application. Your data will be exported in a friendly, compatible and readable way that is compatible with common business software such as Microsoft Excel. "This provides practices with the ability to obtain a copy of their data in a standard format if they need to switch software vendors or for any other purpose.
Data Usage
While clients own their data, Curve states they may use de-identified and aggregated client data for research, analysis and other lawful purposes as long as it is properly de-identified per HIPAA regulations. However, Curve cannot utilize any client's data that may be subject to third-party rights without obtaining prior authorization from the client.
Not available
Contract Term and Renewal
The initial contract term is 12 months from receipt of the first subscription payment ("Initial Term").
After the Initial Term, the contract automatically renews for additional 1-year renewal terms ("Renewal Term"), unless either party gives 90 days advance written notice of intent to terminate before the end of the current term.
If the client cancels the agreement before the end of a term, they must pay the remaining balance for that term on the termination date.
Early Termination by Curve Dental
Curve Dental can terminate the agreement at any time with 30 days prior written notice if the client commits a material breach that remains uncured after 30 days of being notified to correct the breach. Some cases allow for immediate termination:
If Curve has reason to believe the client violated their obligations under the agreement's Section 2 (though specifics of Section 2 are not provided).
For non-payment of fees, Curve can terminate with just 10 days prior notice, at which point fees for the current term become due in full immediately.
Client Termination
Clients can cancel their subscription at any time by contacting Curve, but will not receive a refund for any pre-paid subscription fees.
For Curve Metal monthly subscribers, 1 month's notice is required before being able to close the account.
HIPAA Compliance
Curve Dental states that their cloud infrastructure and the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers where patient data is stored are HIPAA compliant for protecting personal health information (PHI).
ISO 27001 Certification
The AWS data centers used by Curve Dental are certified under ISO 27001, which is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS).This certification validates AWS' security controls and processes.
ISO 9001 Certification
Curve Dental itself is ISO 9001 certified, which is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems.This certification indicates Curve's processes undergo rigorous internal and third-party audits to ensure consistent quality.
SOC 2 Compliance
The AWS data centers are also SOC 2 audited, which is a technical audit that ensures their systems and processes meet the required trust services criteria for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
PIPEDA Compliance
Curve Dental states they collect and store personal information in compliance with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).Additionally, Curve highlights that security is central to their software-as-a-service model, employing measures like data encryption, access controls, and auditing to protect sensitive data.
