The verdict in three sentences
A custom dental practice management platform costs 30,000 to 75,000 EUR in Dublin in 2026, whereas a packaged dental licence bills 40 to 90 EUR/month. Custom is justified for multi-chair practices needing fine practitioner scheduling, prosthesis tracking and integrated DICOM imaging. For a solo practitioner, the licence remains unbeatable; the maths tips from 3 to 4 chairs.
Custom vs licence: the 2026 comparison
The two models suit different practice sizes. Here is the 2026 costed comparison.
| Criterion | Custom | Dental licence |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 30,000 to 75,000 EUR | 0 to 500 EUR (setup) |
| Recurring cost | Maintenance 15 to 20 %/yr | 40 to 90 EUR/month |
| Multi-chair scheduling | Unlimited custom | Standardised |
| Prosthesis & lab tracking | Integrated | Often absent |
| DICOM imaging | Included in quote | Paid module |
| Data ownership | You | Vendor |
| Timeline | 12 to 18 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
A licence at 80 EUR/month is 960 EUR/year; over five years, 4,800 EUR. A 4-chair practice with 3 licence seats exceeds 2,880 EUR/year, i.e. 14,400 EUR over five years.
Custom budget per module
The price depends mainly on scheduling, the billing module and imaging. 2026 order of magnitude.
| Module | Indicative effort | 2026 cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping & practice UX | 6 to 10 days | 4,000 to 9,000 |
| Chair & practitioner scheduling | 14 to 22 days | 9,000 to 19,000 |
| Quotes & billing | 12 to 20 days | 8,000 to 17,000 |
| Prosthesis & lab tracking | 10 to 16 days | 7,000 to 14,000 |
| DICOM imaging | 12 to 20 days | 8,000 to 17,000 |
| Encrypted backup & hosting | — | 200 to 550 EUR/month |
| Annual maintenance | — | 15 to 20 % of build |
A developer day rate able to integrate DICOM and billing sits between 550 and 750 EUR in 2026 in Dublin.
Mini case study
Dr Yassine Doyle, dental surgeon running a 4-chair practice in Dublin, uses 3 licences at 80 EUR/month, i.e. 2,880 EUR/year and 14,400 EUR over five years. A custom build at 48,000 EUR with scheduling, billing and DICOM, maintenance at 18 % (8,640 EUR/year), costs 48,000 + 5 × 8,640 = 91,200 EUR over five years. Custom is not justified on pure TCO here, but it removes manual quote-handling costs estimated at 1,500 EUR/year and secures prosthesis tracking, a source of lab disputes.
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FAQ
How much does custom dental software cost in Dublin in 2026?
Between 30,000 and 75,000 EUR depending on modules. A multi-chair practice with scheduling, billing and DICOM lands around 45,000 to 55,000 EUR.
From how many chairs is custom justified?
Generally from 3 to 4 chairs, when scheduling and prosthesis tracking exceed what a standard licence offers. Below that, the licence stays cheaper.
Is the DICOM module essential?
For a practice doing imaging, yes: it avoids juggling between software. Budget 8,000 to 17,000 EUR for full DICOM integration.
How is billing handled?
The quotes/billing module handles conventions and coverage rates. It represents 8,000 to 17,000 EUR and secures patient reimbursements.
What delivery timeline should I plan?
Between 12 and 18 weeks for a full dental platform, scoping included. DICOM imaging adds 2 to 3 weeks of development and testing.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your chair count, your needs (scheduling, billing, DICOM, prosthesis tracking) and a target budget, and we will scope the perimeter. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
