Ortho2 is a comprehensive cloud practice management solution designed for orthodontists. Originally founded in 1982, this software provider has evolved over the years to keep pace with technology trends and industry demands.
Our team at MCC has extensive experience with Ortho2 through our relationship with clients in the orthodontic space.
While our speciality and expertise are on the payments side of what the software offers, this review will cover everything you need to know about Ortho2, including its benefits, drawbacks, pricing, and an in-depth look at your integrated payment processing options.
So whether you’re thinking about using Ortho2 or your practice is currently using Ortho2 and wondering if you’re getting a good rate on payment acceptance, this review will help you make sense of your specific situation.
Our Quick Take on Ortho2
One standout of Ortho2 compared to similar tools is the way it caters to new orthodontists and established practices alike. They have exceptional customer service and tailor the onboarding experience based on your needs.
As for integrated payment processing, I love that Ortho2 supports multiple integrations from different providers (and processors who aren’t all owned by the same parent company).
Having multiple options increases your chances of getting competitive rates, which isn’t always the case compared to other practice management systems.
Pros
- Cloud-based software simplifies deployment and doesn’t require on-premises servers.
- Special pricing for new customers, and even steeper discounts for ortho startups.
- Supports multiple integrated payment processors that offer interchange-plus rates.
- Established software provider with 40+ years of industry expertise.
- Knowledgeable support with direct access to your regional manager.
Cons
- Mobile version isn’t quite as robust or responsive as the desktop interface.
- There’s definitely a bit of a learning curve for admins and front desk staff alike.
- Customer support is only available 12 hours, 5 days per week.
- Some of the integrated processors are notorious for bogus fees and inflated rates (although this isn’t Ortho2’s fault).
Ortho2 Software Overview and Key Features
Ortho2 offers a range of different solutions depending on the needs of your practice. Let’s take a closer look at each one below so you can understand the differences and key features available.
Edge Cloud
Edge Cloud is the backbone of what Ortho2 offers. This is its primary practice management software that includes everything from patient scheduling to real-time financials, insurance billing, online forms, and two-way texting with patients.
You can even use it to set up a patient reward system that encourages retention and loyalty to your practice. And in addition to the standard ortho practice management system, there’s also a pediatric dentistry module available (if your practice needs one).
Edge Animations
This tool gives you access to a library of 3D animations to show patients exactly what to expect from certain treatments. What’s cool about these animations is that you can use them as is or customize them for specific patients with their own images, annotations, and narrations.
You can show these animations during appointments, email them to patients, or even upload them to your website, socials, or YouTube channel for marketing purposes.
Edge Imaging
As the name implies, this is Ortho2’s imaging and cephalometric tracing software.
You can share images with patients before, during, and after appointments. And you can also use timepoint and image morphing capabilities for petition presentations. The Ceph tracing automatically selects different structures that need to be placed and prompts you to finalize the placement.
inVisit
inVist integrates directly with Edge Cloud for virtual appointments and consultations.
It’s a popular way to meet with prospective clients for an initial consultation without forcing them to visit your office. Your patients can even send you photos, and you can use them as a way to quickly monitor treatment progress.
Ortho2 Pricing
Exact pricing for Ortho2 depends on your practice size and what specific features you need. But the average practice can generally plan for about $10,000 upfront.
Edge Cloud normally costs $6,995.
You can potentially get it for less. I’ve seen some $1,500 off promotions, dropping the rate to $5,495.
In addition to the software, the promotional rates typically include on-site (or remote) training and data conversions. And then obviously you need to factor in any other add-ons. For example, inVisit starts at $109 per month.
Startup practices are eligible for even better discounts. If you’re eligible for Ortho2’s new grad pricing, you can get Edge Cloud for just $100 for your first three months and 50% off onboarding costs.
Ortho2 Payment Processing Integrations
To quickly clarify, Ortho2 is not a payment processor. The software simply connects to a few different third-party providers through an API, which supports integrated payment processing directly within your practice management system.
All Ortho2 does is support the integration, and that’s where their role ends.
In some instances, your processor might be paying a commission to Ortho2 for supporting the integration, which could inflate your rates. But there’s really nothing you can do about that.
There are three different payment processors that can integrate directly into Ortho2’s tools: OpenEdge, Vanco, and Worldpay.
OpenEdge
OpenEdge is a popular and well-recognized payment processor that’s now owned by Global Payments. They can deliver everything you possibly need to accept card payments, and they offer interchange-plus pricing (which is the best possible pricing structure).
Unfortunately, OpenEdge and Global don’t have the best reputation in this space.
They’re notorious for high rates, hidden fees, and padded assessments. So if you’re a brand-new orthodontic practice that hasn’t picked a processor yet, I’d stay away from OpenEdge.
But if you’re already using Ortho2 and OpenEdge, I wouldn’t recommend switching, either. You’re better off negotiating directly with OpenEdge to lower your rates and remove bogus fees from your statements.
They’re willing to negotiate if you know what to say. And if you’re paying over 40-50 basis points above interchange, then there’s definitely room for savings.
Check out our OpenEdge review and Global Payments review for more info.
Vanco Payments
Vanco specializes in payment processing for nonprofits. So it’s a solid option if your practice provides care to underserved communities or individuals who can’t afford dental services.
They offer flat-rate pricing, which I would avoid at all costs. Despite its simplicity, flat-rate processing is not good.
Standard rates for credit cards start at 2.90% + $0.45 per transaction or 2.65% + 0.39 per transaction, depending on your monthly plan.
This is way too expensive. Even ACH processing with Vanco starts around 1% per transaction.
So if you can’t get on an interchange-plus deal, I wouldn’t recommend using Vanco.
Worldpay
Worldpay is one of the largest payment processors and merchant acquiring businesses in the industry. Similar to OpenEdge/Global, we’ve caught them adding some random monthly fees to statements that should be eliminated.
But overall, they’re a solid processor.
Just make sure you secure an interchange-plus contract. If they try to push “qualified” rates on you, it’s a deceptive tactic that should definitely be avoided.
One of the best parts about Worldpay is that we know from experience that their rates are completely negotiable. This is great news for any Ortho2 users who are already set up with Worldpay. You can almost certainly get a lower rate.
Refer to our Worldpay review for additional insights.
Other Ortho2 Integrations
In addition to integrated payment processing, Ortho2 supports a wide range of other integrations with imaging tools, radiography software, financial solutions, and more, including:
- Dolphin Imaging
- OrthoBanc
- InVivo
- TxSTUDIO
- Invisalign
- SureSmile
- DentalXChange
- Gaidge
- EasyRX
- Pando Perio
- Demandforce
- Weave
- SwellCX
- OrthoCAD
- Orchestrate
- Ortho Insight D
These integrations can really extend the capabilities of Ortho2’s practice management solution, giving you even more features from the same interface.
How to Lower Your Payment Processing Rates With Ortho2
One thing that you need to understand is that Ortho2 is not involved with your payment processing rates. Their software costs are a completely separate fee, and unrelated to what you’re paying to accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers.
To get a better rate on payment, you need to contact your provider directly.
This means going straight to OpenEdge, Vanco, or Global Payments and asking them for a reduction.
The most common mistake we see from ortho practices is that they assume switching providers will help lower their costs. This is false.
If you’re using OpenEdge and go to Worldpay for a quote, then of course Worldpay is going to undercut them. But that reduction will be short-lived, as Worldpay will ultimately raise your rates over time and sneak in their own hidden fees. Plus the costs associated with switching integrated processors will likely exceed your short-term “savings.”
Instead, you need to set yourself up for lower processing rates indefinitely.
Start by making sure you’re on an interchange-plus plan. Then audit your statements to identify rate increases and other charges that don’t quite look right.
Present what you’ve found to your processor and demand a reduction. They probably won’t budge on the initial ask, but don’t give up. And if you need help with any of this, our team can handle the audit and negotiation process on your behalf.
We’ve successfully reduced rates on processing contracts with all three of the processors that integrate with Ortho2, so we know what to look for and what to say during these conversations.
Final Thoughts
Ortho2 is a solid option for both new and established orthodontists. Just don’t let yourself get confused or taken advantage of when it comes to payment acceptance.
These fees aren’t coming from Ortho2, and your rates are 100% negotiable.
Regardless of which processor you’re using, there’s definitely an opportunity for you to save money here. Contact our team at MCC to find out how much you can save, without switching providers and while keeping your existing Ortho2 software the same.