Understanding Database Conversions

[z4cth3p4c]

I have an interest in currently understanding how to do database conversions on my own from a strictly educational standpoint. I recently downloaded a practice database for Dentrix ascend to test. I am interested in understanding the process of converting a basic Dentrix and Eaglesoft database over as well. Where would one get started doing conversions to an open dental format? Obviously the process is different depending on what database you are converting from.

Are there any tools that can help facilitate this process?

Thankyou for your advice in advance.

[jsalmon]

My best advice is to become a complete guru on a specific version of Open Dental so that you completely understand how the software interacts with the database that way you will have a shot at trying to take information in completely unknown formats (aka from other companies) and come up with a way to translate that information into rows in our tables. Our database documentation is probably going to be your best friend for a very long time:
https://www.opendental.com/OpenDentalDo ... on24-2.xml

Side note; We have an entire department of people dedicated to this kind of thing and it isn't easy. Also, we will not officially support any databases you convert. There are just too many things that can go wrong. Good luck!