🚨 Important: From Wed 3 Dec 2026, we will start rolling out mandatory 2FA for Dentally users, practice by practice. You can set up 2FA on your account now so you are ready when it reaches your practice.
What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?
2FA protects your Dentally account with a second check at login, beyond your password. You can choose between SMS and email codes or a third-party app (eg. Google Authenticator) to generate one-time passwords (OTP). Adding 2FA ensures:
Increased protection: Provides a second layer of security beyond your password
Prevention of unauthorised access: Even if your password is compromised, your account stays protected
Flexibility for remote work: Keeps your data secure whether you're working in the office or remotely
How do I choose a two-factor authentication (2FA) method?
You only need one method active at a time.
Authenticator app (recommended): generates a code in an app on your device. Codes are generated on your device, so you do not need a network connection once it is set up
SMS: sends a code to the mobile number saved on your Dentally account
Email: sends a code to the email address on your Dentally account. No phone needed
💡 Top tip: If you cannot use a phone, choose email. Make sure you can open the email address on your Dentally account when you log in.
How do I set up two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Go to your 'User Actions' (by clicking on your name in the top right of Dentally) > 'My Account' > 'Security'.
Choose your 2FA method and click the 'Set up' button to the right of your chosen method.
Using SMS
Receive a login code via SMS - this requires an SMS number in your account settings.
Click 'Set up SMS'
Enter the code sent to your phone
Enter your current password and click 'Enable authentication'
Using email
Receive a one-time passcode to your assigned email address upon login.
Click 'Set up email'
Enter the code sent to your email associated to your account
Enter your current password and click 'Enable authentication'
Using an authenticator app
Use a third-party app to generate OTPs without using SMS or emails.
Click 'Set up authenticator'.
Use a third-party app (e.g. Google Authenticator) to scan the QR code provided, or simply use your phones camera and select your preferred app when prompted.
If prompted, confirm on your device to add this code to your authenticator.
Enter the code generated in the app into the code field.
Enter your current password and complete by clicking 'Enable authenticator'.
🚨 Important: When you finish setup, Dentally shows backup codes. Save them somewhere safe. If you cannot get a login code later, you can use a backup code to get back in.
Common FAQs
Is 2FA mandatory, and can my practice opt out?
From Wed 3 Dec 2026, we will start rolling out mandatory 2FA for Dentally users, practice by practice. It will not turn on for every practice on the same day. Practices cannot opt out. You can set up 2FA now so you are ready when it reaches your practice.
Can an administrator set up 2FA for another user?
No. Each person sets up 2FA on their own Dentally login. An administrator cannot set it up for them.
How do I switch 2FA methods?
Go to 'User Actions' (by clicking on your name in the top right of Dentally) > 'My Account' > 'Security'.
Click 'Set up' next to the method you want to use
Complete setup for that method
How do I set up 2FA if I have more than one Dentally login?
If you have more than one Dentally login (for example separate accounts at different practices), set up 2FA on each login.
Authenticator app: you can use the same app for every login. Add each Dentally account as a separate entry, and name them clearly (eg. the practice name) so you know which code to use
SMS: codes are sent to the mobile number saved on that login. You can use the same phone number on more than one login if you want
Email: codes are sent to the email address on that login. Make sure you can open that inbox when you log in.
How do I use a backup code?
On the 2FA login screen, enter one unused backup code instead of a one-time code from your app, email or SMS. Each code can only be used once. If you have no backup codes left and cannot get a login code, ask your practice owner to turn off 2FA on your login so you can set it up again.
Will SMS messages for 2FA be charged?
Yes. SMS messages for 2FA are charged to your practice as part of your SMS usage on your Dentally bill.