Medit's Digital Dentistry Software Revolution Takes a Turn
In the competitive landscape of digital dentistry, Medit established itself as a revolutionary by offering powerful applications at no cost, democratizing access to cutting-edge digital dental tools. This bold approach helped thousands of dental professionals worldwide embrace digital workflows without the hefty price tags traditionally associated with dental software. In the process they also created arguably the best model builder on the market.
Medit's disruption didn't stop at free software. In 2020, the company shook the intraoral scanner market with the release of the i700 scanner. This device delivered high-quality scanning at a fraction of the cost of established competitors. The i700's combination of affordability, good scan speed, and lack of scan fees created a shift in the market, forcing industry giants to reconsider their pricing strategies and business models.
Complementing this hardware revolution was Medit's suite of free applications, including the popular model builder and Clinic CAD apps. These powerful tools were available to all users at no cost - regardless of whether they owned a Medit scanner. This generous approach further propelled digital dentistry forward and cemented Medit's reputation as the champion of the everyday dental practitioner.
Medit's tremendous success caught the attention of major investors, leading to its acquisition. Under new ownership, industry analysts speculated about how long the company's free software model could remain sustainable.
However, as March 31, 2025 approaches, this era of free digital dentistry tools from Medit is coming to an end for some users. As the industry matures and costs rise (and undoubtedly influenced by the corporate objectives following the acquisition), Medit is now joining other software providers in the transition to a subscription-based model.
This is happening to Model Builder and ClinicCAD first. I would not be surprised if other apps get pricing updates too but time will tell. While Medit scanner owners will retain free access to Model Builder as a loyalty benefit, non-Medit users will soon need to pay for the privilege. Medit has officially confirmed with me that all existing apps (excluding ClinicCAD) will continue to be free in perpetuity for Medit scanner owners. This commitment comes directly from the company's CEO, reinforcing their dedication to their hardware customers while shifting to a hybrid model that monetizes their software for non-Medit users.
"All good things must come to an end," as the saying goes, and Medit's free app ecosystem for non-scanner owners is no exception. The digital dentistry pioneer that once challenged the status quo with unprecedented accessibility has now begun a path many eventually follow.
For the countless dental professionals who embraced Medit's vision of affordable digital dentistry, this transition feels a bit like watching a hero's journey take an unexpected turn. The rebel that championed accessibility and democratized cutting-edge technology appears to be setting aside the very principles that made it revolutionary.
In saying that, it had to happen. This free model was obviously unsustainable and although good for dentists, it makes little business sense. Everyone knew this was coming eventually. Hopefully now with monetizing we can see the apps improve further.
Medit Software Pricing Changes in 2025: What Dentists Need to Know
Medit Model Builder Pricing Structure for Non-Scanner Owners
Starting March 31, 2025, the widely-used Medit Model Builder will adopt a tiered pricing structure. Medit Scanner Owners will continue to enjoy free access, while Non-Medit Scanner Users will need to pay either through subscription or per-export fees.
Non-Medit users will have two options: a monthly subscription at $29.99 or pay-per-export at $3 per design file. The app will remain free to download, with charges applying only when exporting designs or choosing a subscription plan.
Farewell to Medit Temporaries
The Medit Temporaries app, will be discontinued entirely on March 31, 2025. After this date, new users won't be able to download it, and existing users will face limited functionality. This app has been replaced by ClinicCAD.
Medit ClinicCAD v1.0: New Pricing and Regional Rollout
Medit is launching ClinicCAD v1.0 as the replacement for Temporaries, with a clear subscription model from day one.
Update: It's important to note that the ClinicCAD subscription model will initially only affect the US market on March 31, 2025. Other regions will see these changes rolled out later as regulatory approval for version 1.0 proceeds on a region-by-region basis.
For non-Medit scanner owners in affected regions, ClinicCAD will be available at $59.99 monthly or $5/tooth for pay-per-use. Medit scanner owners will pay $29.99 monthly subscription or $3/tooth for pay-per-use.
Each subscription includes a one-month free trial, giving users a taste of the premium experience before committing financially. Hopefully with this new pricing model we get big updates for ClinicCAD.
ClinicCAD is actually quite a good entry level CAD software and is still much more affordable than many others.
Why Medit is Changing its Free Software Model in 2025
The shift to a subscription model reflects several realities today:
- Sustainable Development: ongoing software improvements require consistent revenue
- Enhanced Support: subscription models fund better service and technical support
- Feature Expansion: paid models allow for more ambitious development roadmaps
- Market Alignment: premium pricing reflects the true value of professional-grade software
How Medit's New Subscription Model Will Impact Your Dental Practice
If you've built workflows around Medit's free applications, it's time to evaluate your options:
- Medit Scanner Owners: continue enjoying all existing apps (except the new ClinicCAD) for free, as the company has officially confirmed that current apps will remain free for scanner owners in perpetuity. For ClinicCAD, you'll need to budget for the new subscription or pay-per-use fees.
- Non-Medit Users: consider whether the new pricing structure for Model Builder and ClinicCAD justifies continued use, or if alternatives might better serve your needs
- All Users: budget for potential new software costs in your 2025 planning if accessing these specific paid apps
While the free ride may be ending for non-Medit users, Medit's applications continue to offer significant value compared to many alternatives in the market. The company's reputation for user-friendly interfaces and efficient workflows remains intact, even as the pricing model evolves.
For many practices, the productivity gains from these tools will still easily justify their new price tags. And with subscription models comes the promise of more regular updates and improvements than would be possible under a free distribution model.
Top Alternatives to Medit Model Builder and ClinicCAD for Digital Dentistry
When it comes to alternatives to Medit's newly-priced applications, the options are limited but worth knowing. Software like Bluesky, Blender4Dental, and Meshmixer exist but frankly don't match Medit's polished user interface and workflow efficiency - paying Medit's fees is likely worth it for the superior Model Builder experience alone.
For TRIOS users, there's an AI-driven model builder integrated directly into the software, though it offers fewer customization options than Medit's solution. Similarly, nearly every intraoral scanner company (including Shining 3D, DEXIS, and others) includes some form of model builder in their software package, but most are significantly more rudimentary compared to Medit's comprehensive offering. A notable emerging option is Atomica.ai, which provides automated model building capabilities with an increasingly sophisticated feature set. Another option comes from Straumann, with their SmileCloud platform being integrated into the AXS/Sirios workflow.
As for CAD solutions comparable to Medit's ClinicCAD, truly free options with professional-grade capabilities are essentially non-existent in today's market. While open-source alternatives exist, they generally lack the refinement, dental-specific features, and streamlined workflows that make dedicated dental CAD solutions valuable for clinical practice.
The Future of Dental Software: What Medit's New Direction Means for Digital Dentistry
The digital dentistry landscape continues to evolve, and Medit's shift to subscription pricing marks a significant transition for the industry. As users, we've enjoyed years of innovative, free tools that fundamentally transformed dental workflows and made digital dentistry accessible to practices of all sizes. What began as a revolutionary approach to democratize technology has now entered a new chapter.
The company that once challenged industry giants by removing financial barriers is now implementing a more traditional pricing structure for non-hardware customers. This evolution from market disruptor to established industry player reflects the natural tension between innovation and long-term sustainability in the technology sector. While some users may feel disappointed by this change, others will recognize it as part of a maturing business model designed to fund ongoing development and support.
For practices that built their digital workflows around Medit's free ecosystem, this moment represents both a shift and a decision point. Many will adapt to the new pricing structure after evaluating the continued value these tools provide, while others may explore alternative solutions in the increasingly competitive digital dentistry marketplace.
Despite this transition, Medit's impact on dentistry remains undeniable. They fundamentally changed expectations around scanner pricing, software accessibility, and the democratization of digital tools. Even as they adopt a more conventional business approach for non-hardware users, their legacy of innovation continues to influence how other companies approach the market.
'Free' may be ending for non-Medit users, but Medit's profound impact on digital dentistry will continue to reverberate through the industry for years to come. For a moment in time, we witnessed what happens when technology is truly made accessible to all - and that vision of possibility remains, even as the company that championed it adapts to ensure its continued ability to innovate and serve the dental community.