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SUCCESS STORY

Why Grand Plaza Laser Dental Returned to Ascend

June 03, 2026 Read time: 10 min

Challenge

Despite being long-term Dentrix Ascend users, when Dr. Whitaker opened his new practice in the summer of 2025, a new associate convinced him and his team to try Oryx’s practice management solution (PMS). They quickly came to realize that was a mistake because of a few major issues they hadn’t experienced with Ascend:

  • They could only reach customer service by email
  • The software couldn’t accommodate their imaging sensors
  • Their imaging suite wasn’t user friendly

Solution

Within a few months, the practice realized they needed to switch back to Ascend and worked with the team at Henry Schein One to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Results

“With Dentrix Ascend, I can trust that my PMS will always have the latest features and is top of the line. It’s like having the Lamborghini of dental practice software.”

-- Dr. Ward Whitaker, Owner, Grand Plaza Laser Dental

An intuitive, integrated workflow

The team loves how user-friendly Ascend is.

“The interface is incredibly intuitive. We can easily go from the chart to the notes to the images to the ledger. There are no extra buttons to click. Everything just flows.”

-- Dr. Ward Whitaker, Owner, Grand Plaza Laser Dental

Patient information flows seamlessly through the system: digital forms upload directly to the patient record, are easily accessed by clinical staff, and move to billing with all relevant notes and images automatically attached.

More time spent with patients

Dr. Whitaker now finds that he’s spending 30% less time dealing with software during patient visits than he did using Oryx — translating to more beneficial patient discussions and higher treatment acceptance.

“Manipulating images is simple and fast. Adjusting contrast, sharpening — everything is intuitive. My assistants especially appreciate how much smoother the workflow is, and the image quality is noticeably better.”

-- Dr. Ward Whitaker, Owner, Grand Plaza Laser Dental

A more seamless patient form experience

With Ascend’s new customizable Forms, the front office team can send forms to patients by text, email, or QR code, simplifying the process and eliminating much of the time patients used to spend filling out forms in the office.

The software everyone knows

One of the biggest benefits of Ascend has been how familiar most dental employees are with the software — and how easy it is to learn for those who aren’t.

“Having to teach or to train new incoming talent is hard, especially with some of these more obscure programs, but 90% of our new employees were already familiar with Ascend. Even employees unfamiliar with the software are able to pick it up really quickly.”

-- Angye Fox, Managing Partner, Grand Plaza Laser Dental

What Customers Are Saying

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Angye Fox Managing Partner, Grand Plaza Laser Dental
People who are new to dental or developing a new practice really need to understand that Dentrix Ascend is so much better than the other solutions. As you grow, it grows with you, and if you compare the cost of what it offers compared to other competitors, it's actually very affordable.
Dr. Ward Whitaker Owner, Grand Plaza Laser Dental
The interface is incredibly intuitive. We can easily go from the chart to the notes to the images to the ledger. There are no extra buttons to click. Everything just flows.
Success Story Dentrix Ascend Practice Management Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy Maximize Practice Profitability Streamline Clinical Charting and Notes
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