The Software Death Spiral – What Happens When Your Platform is Left to Die

Are You Using a Dying Software?

Your practice management software is the backbone of your operations, but what happens when that backbone starts to crumble? Many dental practices unknowingly rely on software that's in slow decline. 

As Jana Macon, President of Curve Dental®, says, “The Death Spiral is all about a software’s 20 to 25-year life cycle. If you don’t continue to invest in and develop the software, it begins to die.”

This "death spiral" isn't a sudden crash; it's a gradual erosion that can silently sabotage your practice's efficiency and growth. 

"Many end users don’t realize it until they get that letter saying, ‘Hey, we’re sunsetting this platform. Sorry, find something else,’” Jana Macon warns. “This abrupt termination leaves your practice scrambling for a replacement, disrupting operations and causing unnecessary stress.”

Warning Signs Your Software is Nearing the End

You don’t want to be among the users who don’t realize their software is being discontinued until they receive a “sudden sunsetting” notice. Recognizing the following warning signs early can save you from a disruptive and costly transition. 

• Lack of Updates: Are new features and security patches slow to arrive or nonexistent? This is a major red flag. Stagnant software means your practice misses out on advancements that can streamline workflows and enhance patient care.

• Poor Customer Support: How long do you wait for assistance? "If your software persistently has a 30-minute wait time for customer service, that’s a problem," says Jana Macon. Long wait times indicate a lack of investment in support resources, ultimately impacting your ability to resolve issues quickly.

How to Future-Proof Your Practice

These proactive steps will help ensure your practice is built on a solid foundation:

Choose a Provider Actively Investing in Software Development 

Partner with a company committed to continuous innovation. Look for providers that regularly release updates, incorporate new technologies, and prioritize user feedback.

Avoid Outdated, On-Premise Systems 

Outdated, on-premise systems require expensive maintenance, lack scalability, and often fall behind in security updates. Cloud-based solutions offer greater flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness.

Partner with Companies that Align with Your Long-Term Growth Goals 

“You need to find people investing in technology to help your business improve,” Jana Macon says. “Look for a true partner, not just a vendor. Seek a company that understands your practice's needs and is dedicated to your success.”

Don’t Wait Until You’re Forced to Switch

Your practice management software should be a strategic asset, not a liability. If your current software isn’t evolving, it’s already in decline. The best time to upgrade is before you’re left scrambling for a replacement.

Don't let your practice fall victim to the software death spiral. Invest in a future-proof solution like Curve SuperHero™—the leading cloud-based all-in-one software from Curve Dental—that empowers your growth and ensures long-term success.

Are you concerned about your current software? Schedule a demo to see how Curve’s innovative platform can help you avoid the death spiral.