Going to the dentist is no one’s idea of fun, but it’s even worse if you’re uninsured or your insurance doesn’t cover the full procedure. You can get financing for dental work from your dentist’s office, an online lender or even a bank. Be sure to check all your options to find the best deal.
We reviewed over 120 personal loan providers before selecting our best picks for dental loans. We focused on lenders that offer competitive rates and can get you the funds within a day or two. We also included options for borrowers with a range of credit scores.
Personal loans aren’t your only option when it comes to paying for dental work. These are the most common ways to finance a dental procedure.
In-house payment plan. Some dentists offer interest-free payment plans, especially for dental work that involves return visits. For example, orthodontists often provide financing for braces. However, not all dental practices offer payment plans, and some procedures may not be eligible.
Specialist dental loan. Some lenders offer loans tailored to dentistry that can help you finance a range of procedures. These providers may be an option as a third-party lender through your dental office.
Personal loan. Many personal loans can be used to cover medical costs, including dental work. You can typically borrow between $1,000 and $50,000 with rates ranging from 6% to 36%.
Personal line of credit. A line of credit functions similarly to a credit card. Instead of receiving your funds as one lump sum, you can take money out as you need it and only pay interest on what you borrow.
Credit card. Depending on your card’s limit, you may be able to cover the costs of your dental visit. Just keep in mind that the rate of interest on your credit card is likely to be higher than a personal loan unless you’re still in the card’s 0% APR introductory period.
Medical credit card. Similar to a regular credit card, a medical credit card can also come with 0% introductory periods, which usually last from six to 18 months. But if you don’t pay off your balance before the period ends, interest rates can skyrocket.
Bad credit personal loan. These loans, also called short-term, installment or payday loans, are usually for amounts between $100 and $3,000 and may be an option if you need financing for emergency dental work.
How much does dental work cost?
The cost of a procedure or surgery depends on whether you have dental insurance and what your policy covers. If you have insurance, common procedures like cleaning and fillings generally only cost a small amount, especially if you’ve already met your deductible. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for the entire cost of the procedure. Here are the average costs you can expect to pay for some dental procedures without insurance:
Routine exam and cleaning: $203
Cavity filling: $226
Wisdom tooth removal: $363 per tooth
Impacted wisdom tooth removal: $835 per tooth
Dental crown: $1,114
Root canal: $1,337
How to get a dental loan
Follow these steps to apply for a dental loan.
Get an estimate. Ask your dentist how much the procedure will cost — and how much you can expect to have covered by insurance. Insurance websites are sometimes out of date, and your provider can give you a more accurate cost estimate.
Consider all financing options first. Ask your dentist about payment plans and consider other financing options before you decide to take out a loan. It might not be the cheapest option available.
Compare providers. Look for a lender that offers the amount you need to borrow, comparing requirements, rates and monthly payments. If you’re getting an emergency procedure, also look at how quickly you can get the funds.
Prequalify. Most lenders let you check your rate without affecting your credit by filling out a quick form. Compare offers from your top choices before deciding on the lender.
Apply. Typically, you’ll need to provide information about your personal finances and employment, as well as recent bank statements and pay stubs.
Sign the documents. Review your offer to make sure you understand how much you’ll owe each month before signing off on the loan.
It usually takes about one business day to receive the funds in your account — though some lenders offer same-day funding if you get approved in the morning or early afternoon.
What credit score do you need for dental financing?
Generally, you need a credit score of 670 or higher for most dental loans — the number lenders consider good credit. But there are options if your credit score is lower. Lenders like Stilt even offer financing to people with no credit history, provided that other aspects of their finances are in good shape.
If you don’t have good credit, other types of dental financing are likely a better choice. Bad credit personal loans tend to have high interest rates, which can make the loan’s total cost much higher if you can’t repay it quickly.
Alternatives to dental financing
There are still ways to pay for dental work if your budget doesn’t have room for another bill.
Grants. Some organizations, like the Cosmetic Dentistry Grant program, offer grants to individuals who can’t afford a dental procedure, based on financial need. While some might not cover everything, it can put a major dent in the cost.
Discounts. You may be able to negotiate the price of dental work down to something you can afford. Some providers offer a cash discount, while others may be willing to offer discounts based on financial need.
Dental student procedures. Dental schools often offer reduced prices for procedures that students perform — under supervision, of course. You can find a dental school near you by checking the American Dental Association’s website.
Bottom line
Dental procedures may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. By comparing your rates and choosing the right loan, you can keep your costs down and keep your smile looking beautiful.
Take the time to browse your personal loan options to start the process of paying for your next dentist visit.
Frequently asked questions
You can get a dental loan with bad credit by comparing lenders that accept credit scores in your range. But consider other options first. Bad credit dental loans tend to come with high interest rates. If possible, try to find a dentist that offers payment plans instead to avoid high monthly payments.
Unlike credit cards for medical expenses, dental loans typically don't have a network of preferred providers. You're usually free to see whichever licensed dentist you choose.
Most likely, yes. Lenders don't usually exclude certain procedures, as long as they were performed by a reputable medical professional. You can check the lender's website before applying or call their customer service line to confirm.
You probably won't qualify for a loan if your dental bill is already in collections. But you might be able to negotiate a payment plan with the collection agency.
If you're not sure, you can hire a professional to negotiate on your behalf. But this can be costly. Thoroughly vet any company you hire before you sign up.
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What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches 6+ types of personal loans across 50+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
Lacey Stark is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder, specializing
in banking, loans, investing, estate planning, and more. She has 20
years of experience writing and editing for magazines, newspapers, and
online publications. A word nerd from childhood, Lacey officially got her
start reporting on live sporting events and moved on to cover topics
such as construction, technology, and travel before finding her niche in
personal finance. Originally from New England, she received her
bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and completed a
postgraduate journalism program at Metropolitan State University also
in Denver. She currently lives in Chicagoland with her dog Chunk and
likes to read and play golf.
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Whether you need a root canal, crowns or just want your teeth whitened, a dental loan could help you manage payments. Compare lenders today.
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