lunacal

Free Dental Office Scheduling Software (2025)

Based on my extensive experience with over 25 products, insights from 45 professionals, and analysis of 150 reviews.

logo

28 December 2024

clockImg

9 min read

Table of Contents

Introduction

Did you know that many dentists waste up to 15 hours a week on scheduling mishaps? I have personally felt the frustration of this inefficiency.


Isn't it time we found a solution that actually works for our practices?


With my firsthand experience using over 20 similar products, interviews with 40+ professionals, and analysis of 100+ reviews, I have compiled the best scheduling software options for dentists. Let's put an end to the scheduling chaos.

3 scheduling software part of this study

logo

Lunacal

logo

Chili Piper

logo

SimplyBook.me

Top Scheduling software comparison guide

Detailed ComprisonLunacalChili PiperSimplyBook.me
Scheduling Page
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Customization
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Teams
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Support
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Ease of use
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
3rd party integrations
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
User interface
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Calendar sync
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Free plan
yes
yes
no

Features your scheduling tool should have

    1. Real-Time Availability - In my experience, seeing the patient's availability in real-time is a lifesaver. Patients love it. It frees up time, reduces back-and-forth calls, and makes the whole process more efficient.
    1. Automated Reminders - Automated reminders can drastically lower the no-show rate. It’s satisfying to see patients actually read and respond to their reminders. This feature takes the weight off your shoulders.
    1. Easy Rescheduling - When I used a system without quick rescheduling, it was a nightmare. You need a Scheduling Software for Dentists that allows you to move appointments around with minimal clicks.
    1. Integrated Billing - Combining scheduling with billing was a game-changer for my practice. It simplifies processes. Patients can settle their bills immediately after booking, reducing headaches for your front desk.
    1. Patient History Management - You need detailed patient histories at your fingertips. Your Appointment Booking Software for Dentists should let you access past treatments, medical history, and notes. It’s crucial for quality care.
    1. Customizable Alerts - I found it valuable to set up customizable alerts for specific cases. For example, flagging patients with special treatment needs. It ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
    1. User-Friendly Dashboard - A user-friendly dashboard is essential. I once used software that was too complicated; it drove me nuts. Friendly design equals efficient use, saving you time and reducing stress.
    1. Online Booking Portal - An online booking portal is what sets modern practices apart. Patients love the convenience. It lays out their options transparently and gives them control over their appointments.

Lunacal

Lunacal revolutionizes calendar scheduling by transforming a simple booking page into a dynamic brand experience. With Lunacal, you can personalize every part of your scheduling page. It feels more like a personal portfolio and is perfect for freelancers, small businesses, and anyone wanting to make every booking interaction count.

img

Features of Lunacal

  • Customizable Scheduling Pages - Lunacal lets you create a fully branded scheduling experience. Add bios, images, videos, and client testimonials to your page. This builds trust and makes clients more likely to book.

  • Client Testimonials Integration - Display testimonials on your scheduling page for instant credibility. Seeing positive feedback reassures clients. In my experience, this prominently displayed section has built trust before meetings.

  • Branding Options - From colors to logos, you can personalize your scheduling page to match your brand identity, creating a cohesive look.

  • Free Forever Plan - Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features and no expiration date. It's perfect for trying out its capabilities without any cost.

  • Calendar Sync - Easily sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars. This keeps all your bookings in one place.

  • Automated Reminders - Set up personalized email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows. This keeps clients engaged and informed.

  • Buffer Times - Manage your time effectively by setting buffers before and after appointments. This gives you breathing room between meetings.

  • Team Collaboration Tools - Schedule for teams with features like round-robin and lead routing. It helps evenly distribute bookings among team members.

  • Instant Booking Links - Quickly share booking links for immediate access, simplifying the client’s booking process.

  • Multiple Timezone Support - Automatically adjusts times for clients worldwide. This makes international scheduling hassle-free.

  • Guided Onboarding - Step-by-step assistance ensures that even non-tech users can set up their accounts smoothly.

  • Multi-Event Booking - Clients can book multiple services or appointments in one go, enhancing their experience.

  • Custom Availability - Tailor your availability windows, showing clients only the times you want to offer.

  • Integrations with Popular Tools - Connect with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and payment gateways for a seamless workflow.

  • Analytics Dashboard - Track bookings, analyze client behavior, and optimize your page for better performance.

Pricing Details

Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features that never expires. Paid plans start at $10/month per user, unlocking advanced features like custom branding and team scheduling. If you need more functionality, higher-tier options are available.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Lunacal
    • Deep personalization options to reflect your brand identity.
    • Accessible free plan with essential features.
    • Seamless calendar integration with major platforms like Google and Outlook.
    • Automated email reminders reduce no-shows and keep clients informed.
    • Effective team management with lead routing and round-robin scheduling.
    • Multi-time zone support.
Cons of Lunacal
    • Lacks native integrations with complex CRM tools like Salesforce.
    • Might not offer enough complexity for large enterprises.

Lunacal: Our Verdict

Lunacal offers a unique and personalized scheduling experience, making it a standout alternative to other tools. It’s especially great for freelancers and small businesses that want their booking page to feel more engaging and reflective of their brand. In my experience, it was simple to set up and transformed my scheduling page into a more meaningful interaction point. For larger businesses, exploring the paid plans or additional integrations might be necessary.

Overall Score: 9.2/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling Page : 3/3
  • Customization : 3/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 3/3
  • Ease of use : 3/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 3/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

Chili Piper

Chili Piper is a scheduling software designed to streamline appointment bookings. It's particularly valuable for dentists aiming to enhance patient experience and operational efficiency. In my experience, it simplifies the scheduling process immensely, making it a strong contender for the best appointment booking tool for dentists who want to save time and reduce errors.

Features of Chili Piper

  • Instant Booking - Patients can book appointments instantly, reducing back-and-forth communication.

  • Automated Reminders - Automated reminders via email and SMS help reduce no-shows and keep patients informed.

  • Calendar Sync - Sync seamlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars. This keeps everything coordinated.

  • Customizable Booking Forms - Tailor booking forms to gather essential patient information upfront, making consultations smoother.

  • Smart Time Zone Management - Automatically adjusts appointment times for patients in different time zones, reducing confusion.

  • Analytics Dashboard - Provides insight into booking patterns and patient behavior, aiding in operational decisions.

Pricing Details

Chili Piper’s pricing starts at $15 per user/month for basic scheduling. Advanced features, like lead routing and automation, are available in higher-tier plans, which can get expensive for smaller teams.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Chili Piper
    • Easy to set up and start using.
    • Reduces no-shows with automated reminders.
    • Seamless calendar integration with popular platforms.
    • Customizable forms enhance patient intake process.
Cons of Chili Piper
    • May be too simple for larger clinics with complex needs.
    • Limited native integrations with some EHR systems.
    • Can be pricey for small practices.
    • Initial setup can feel overwhelming due to extensive customization options.

Chili Piper: Our Verdict

Chili Piper is a user-friendly scheduling software that helps dentists streamline their appointment booking process. It reduces no-shows, integrates seamlessly with various calendars, and provides insightful analytics. While it may be too simple for larger clinics, its ease of use and powerful features make it a great choice for smaller practices.

Overall Score: 6.7/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling page : 2/3
  • Customization : 1/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 2/3
  • Ease of use : 2/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 2/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me is an excellent scheduling solution tailored for dental practices. It offers a blend of customization and functionality, making it one of the best appointment booking tools for dentists. In my experience, SimplyBook.me has streamlined the scheduling process, allowing for a more efficient and organized practice environment.

Features of SimplyBook.me

  • Online Booking - Patients can book appointments online, reducing the need for phone calls.

  • Automated Reminders - Send automatic email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows.

  • Customizable Booking Site - Create a personalized booking site to match your brand.

  • Calendar Sync - Sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to keep everything in sync.

  • Multiple Languages - Supports multiple languages, ideal for practices with diverse patient bases.

  • Payment Integration - Accept payments at the time of booking, enhancing cash flow.

  • Patient Management - Maintain patient records and appointment history for streamlined care.

Pricing Details

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of SimplyBook.me
    • Easy online booking reduces administrative workload.
    • Automated reminders help decrease no-shows.
    • Flexible customization options to fit your branding.
    • Supports multiple languages, broadening reach.
Cons of SimplyBook.me
    • Limited integrations with some specialized dental management software.
    • Payment integration options may not suit all practices.
    • The customization process can be time-consuming.
    • The free plan has limited features compared to paid plans.

SimplyBook.me: Our Verdict

SimplyBook.me provides a customizable and user-friendly scheduling solution for dental practices. Its features like online booking, automated reminders, and payment integration make it a strong contender for the best scheduling software for dentists. While some limitations exist, its overall functionality and value make it a worthwhile investment for many practices looking to enhance efficiency and patient experience.

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling page : 1/3
  • Customization : 2/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 3/3
  • Ease of use : 2/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 2/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

Factors you shouldn't miss

  • Scheduling Page - How impressive is the scheduling page? Look for options to add details like your profile, images, docs, and videos to enhance patient experience.

  • Customization - Consider the level of customization available. Can you tailor the software to match your brand and specific needs?

  • Teams - Check if the software supports team scheduling. It should allow for easy appointment distribution among multiple staff members.

  • Support - Evaluate the customer support. Is there 24/7 availability and various channels like chat, email, and phone for immediate assistance?

  • Ease of Use - Prioritize ease of use. The software should be intuitive and require minimal training for you and your staff.

  • 3rd Party Integrations - Look for robust 3rd party integrations. The software should easily connect with other tools you already use, like EHR systems or payment gateways.

  • User Interface - Assess the user interface. A clean and straightforward design can significantly improve efficiency and user satisfaction.

  • Calendar Sync - Ensure the software supports calendar sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars. This keeps all appointments in one place and prevents double bookings.

  • Free Plan - Check if there's a free plan available. This allows you to test out essential features without an initial investment.

What no one will tell you

Test Multiple Options - Don't just settle for the first tool you try. In my experience, taking the time to test different options gave me a clearer idea of what really worked for my practice. Each tool has unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're considering chiropractic online scheduling software or tools for other specialties, testing helps identify the perfect fit.


Consider Future Growth - Think long-term. Even if you're a one-person show now, you might expand. Choose software that can grow with you, adding features for team scheduling and more robust analytics.


Prioritize Genuine Support - Customer support matters more than you think. When I hit a snag, having access to real, helpful support saved me endless frustration. Check if the tool provides reliable support channels like chat or phone.


Evaluate Data Portability - If you ever decide to switch tools, moving your data shouldn't be a nightmare. Ensure the software lets you export appointments, client details, and other critical information easily.


Check Hidden Fees - Some tools have hidden costs for premium features or integrations. Before you commit, dig into the pricing details. I learned this the hard way and ended up paying more than I initially planned. Tools like physiotherapy booking software often offer clear pricing structures, so pay attention to these details for better transparency.

Conclusion: Which is the best scheduling tool for Dentists?

For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of other scheduling tools. It's user-friendly, has excellent support, and offers a free forever plan. Plus, you can personalize your scheduling page with bios, client testimonials, and images or videos, which helps build trust and foster connections. It’s an especially great option for small practices looking for reliable booking software for therapists.


For large companies with 500+ users, take demos of products like Calendly and Acuity Scheduling. They can be clunky or unreasonably priced, and support might be limited, but their deep integrations make them suitable for complex setups like those needed in appointment software for psychiatrists.


Lunacal is the fastest-growing platform, and it's easy to see why. Its smooth setup and guided onboarding make it a no-brainer.

FAQs

    1. What features should I look for in the best scheduling software for dentists?

    You should look for features like real-time availability, automated reminders, calendar sync, customizable booking forms, and easy rescheduling options. Additionally, tools designed for a DRs scheduling system often include multi-location support and staff availability tracking, which can enhance overall efficiency

    1. Is it crucial for the scheduling software to integrate with my existing dental management systems?

    Yes, integration with existing dental management systems is crucial. It ensures seamless data flow, reduces manual entry, and enhances workflow efficiency, making your practice run more smoothly. For instance, a robust scheduling software for medical office often includes these integrations, helping maintain accurate and consistent patient records.

    1. How user-friendly should the best scheduling software for dentists be?

    It should be extremely user-friendly. Both you and your staff should find it easy to navigate and use without extensive training. A complicated system can lead to mistakes and wasted time.

    1. Do I need a scheduling software that supports mobile access?

    Absolutely. Mobile access allows you and your patients to book and manage appointments on the go, increasing convenience and flexibility for everyone involved.