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6 Best Personal Loans for Dental Work (2026)

A personal loan can cover that emergency trip to the dentist, but it might not be your cheapest option.

Lacey Stark's headshot

By

Lacey Stark

Edited by

Megan B. Shepherd

Updated

Fact checked

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.

6 best personal loans for dental work

Best for good credit

Best Egg logo
8.5 Great
Best Egg personal loans
8.5 Great
$2,000 to $50,000
36 to 60 months (unsecured); 60 to 84 months (home-secured)
6.99% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

Best Egg is an online lender offering some of the lowest starting rates available to cover larger dental procedures, like wisdom tooth removal. It has stellar customer reviews and can get your funds deposited within one business day. While it accepts credit scores as low as 640, you generally need a 700 credit score or higher to get the lowest rates. And minimum loan amounts are higher than $2,000 in some states.

Pros

  • Low starting APR of 6.99%
  • One-day turnaround
  • Available in most states

Cons

  • Origination fee from 0.99% to 9.99%
  • Rates up to 35.99%
  • Minimum loan amounts higher in some states

Best for fair credit

Bankrate logo
8.2 Great
Upgrade personal loans
8.2 Great
$1,000 to $50,000
2 to 7 years
7.74% to 35.99% (includes origination fee)
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Why we like it

Your credit score matters less than your monthly cash flow with this fast online lender. Its mobile application is simple enough that you can get approved while waiting for your appointment. And if you’re not sure how much your dental procedure will cost, you could apply for an Upgrade Visa instead. It also allows joint applicants, which can help you score a better rate. But it charges origination fees, and rates could reach as high as 35.99%.

Pros

  • Offers loans and credit cards
  • Fair credit OK
  • Allows joint applicants

Cons

  • Origination fee up to 9.99%
  • Rates as high as 35.99%

Best for bad credit

MoneyLion logo
5.8 Standard
OneMain Financial personal loans
5.8 Standard
$1,500 to $30,000
24 – 60 months
11.99% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

OneMain Financial is one of the few personal loan providers that specializes in bad credit. It offers loans as low as $1,500 to all credit types. And you can back your loan with collateral or use a cosigner to get a lower rate. But save OneMain for when you have no other personal loan options. Its lowest rate is higher than others on this list, and it charges origination and other fees.

Pros

  • All credit types accepted
  • Loans as low as $1,500
  • Secured and cosigned loans available

Cons

  • APRs start at 11.99%
  • Origination fee as high as 10%
  • May require collateral

Best for no fees

Lightstream logo
9.5 Excellent
LightStream personal loans
9.5 Excellent
$5,000 to $100,000
Up to 20 years for home improvement; 2–7 years for most other purposes
Varies by loan purpose
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Why we like it

Unlike most personal loans, LightStream doesn’t charge any fees or penalties — no origination fees, prepayment penalties or even late fees. It also has some of the lowest rates around, starting at 9.99% (with autopay discount). But its minimum loan amount is $5,000, so this option only makes sense if you need major work done, such as dental implants or braces. Plus, it only accepts borrowers with good-to-excellent credit scores, and there’s no option to prequalify with just a soft credit check.

Pros

  • No fees
  • Rates as low as 9.99%
  • Generous autopay discount

Cons

  • Only accepts good to excellent credit
  • No option to prequalify
  • High minimum loan amount

Best for rate shopping

LendingTree, LLC logo
9.2 Excellent
LendingTree personal loans
9.2 Excellent
$600 to $50,000
Varies by lender
6.74% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

This online marketplace lets you compare personalized offers from up to five lenders by filling out a single form. It also works with lenders that offer loans as low as $600 to cover less expensive procedures, like getting a few cavities filled. It works with all credit types, though bad credit borrowers can expect rates closer to 36% APR, rather than its lowest rates of around 6% to 7%. And some lenders charge origination fees.

Pros

  • Loans as low as $600
  • Quickly prequalify with up to 5 lenders
  • Options for all credit types

Cons

  • Not a direct lender
  • Turnaround time varies by lender
  • Some lenders charge origination fees

Best for non-US citizens

Stilt Inc. logo
8 Great
Stilt personal loans
8 Great
$1,000 to $35,000
6 months to 3 years
7.99% to 35.99%
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Why we like it

Stilt specializes in funding non-US residents who don’t have a Social Security number, a green card or a solid US credit profile yet. Instead of your credit score, Stilt looks at your education, employment and financial habits. You can borrow as little as $1,000 with competitive rates starting at 7.99%. But it’s not available in all states, and you may be charged an origination fee.

Pros

  • No credit check, Social Security number or green card required
  • Rates from 7.99%
  • Loans start at $1,000

Cons

  • May charge origination fees
  • Not available in all states
  • Rates up to 35.99%
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Types of dental financing

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Apply. Typically, you’ll need to provide information about your personal finances and employment, as well as recent bank statements and pay stubs.
  6. 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

Compare more personal loans

5 of 5 results
Updated regularly
Finder Score APR Min. credit score Loan amount
8.5 Great
6.99% to 35.99%
640
$2,000 to $50,000
Fast and easy personal loan application process. See options first without affecting your credit score.
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9.3 Excellent
6.30%–35.99% (includes any origination fee)
300
$1,000 to $75,000
This service looks beyond your credit score to get you a competitive-rate personal loan.
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9.5 Excellent
Varies by loan purpose
Good to excellent credit
$5,000 to $100,000
Borrow up to $100,000 with low rates and no fees.
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Compare product selection
Bankrate logo
9 Excellent
SoFi personal loans
9 Excellent
6.49% to 35.49% with autopay and member discounts (0.25% each)
680
$5,000 to $100,000
Fast Funding. View Your Rate in Minutes - Funds Could be Ready the Same Day You Sign.
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Compare product selection
Bankrate logo
8.2 Great
Upgrade personal loans
8.2 Great
7.74% to 35.99% (includes origination fee)
580
$1,000 to $50,000
Check your rates with this online lender without impacting your credit score.
Go to site View details
Compare product selection
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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.

Read the full breakdown

Sources

Megan B. Shepherd's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd as part of our fact-checking process.
Lacey Stark's headshot
Written by

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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. See full bio

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