Dental Financing Options: How To Pay for Dental Work

Americans spend about $189 billion on dental care annually, and even a single procedure can leave families with hundreds or thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Dental insurance can help, but many plans limit how much they'll cover. If you need extensive dental work, you may need to look at different dental financing options.

Options include lower-cost care through accredited dental schools and government programs, as well as personal loans and other financing products. Find out more about dental financing options and the ways you can reduce your bill.

What Is Dental Financing?

Dental financing through a personal loan or credit card is a way to pay for your dental treatments or procedures over a period of time.

• Dental financing will cover basic cleanings, treatments and procedures, including crowns and implants.

• You can get financing through dental loans or dental-specific credit cards.

• In-office payment plans or getting services at a dental school are often the best low-cost option for treatments.

• You can also use your HSA or FSA to pay for your dental procedures.

Your Best Options for Financing Dental Work

From payment plans to personal loans, there are several ways to finance dental work. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the most common options.

If you're weighing how to pay for other large care expenses too — like vet bills, cosmetic surgery or hearing aids — it may help to compare your financing options before choosing a loan.

MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.

How To Choose the Right Option for Your Situation

Not sure which financing option makes the most sense? Use the guide below to narrow down the right choice based on your needs.

Choose a Dental Provider Payment Plan or Dental School If

• You don’t want a credit check.

• You have a relationship with your dentist and can negotiate a payment plan.

• You can pay the procedure off in the short term.

Choose HSA or FSA Funds If

• You have funds in your account.

• The procedure or treatment qualifies and the balance covers most of what you owe.

Choose a Dental Credit Card If

• You’re confident you can pay off the balance during the promotional period.

• You’re comfortable with the deferred interest risk.

• You need fast approval for your treatment or procedure.

Choose a Personal Loan If

• You want a fixed term and rate.

• The balance is too large to use an alternate method.

• You can get a competitive APR.

5 Ways To Lower Your Dental Costs

Although dental costs can be expensive, there are ways to lower your bill. Here are some options you can consider:

1. Dental School Clinics

Many accredited dental schools offer services at a discounted rate. Generally, they charge up to 50% less than a private dental provider.

For example, a dental cleaning may cost $150 to $200 at a private dental provider, while the dental school clinic will likely charge $50 to $75.

2. Community Health Centers and Sliding-Scale Clinics

There are federally funded community health centers, as well as nonprofit dental clinics, that will offer a sliding scale for dental services. You can use HRSA to locate a clinic near you.

3. Seek a Second Opinion  

Dental recommendations can vary from one dentist to another. If you get a quote on a dental procedure, don’t think twice about getting a second or even a third opinion. It may mean paying a lower price for the same procedure.

4. Negotiate With Your Dentist  

Dental providers have the flexibility to offer discounts and payment plans. It’s always a good idea to ask if there are any built-in discounts or payment plans that can be offered.

Many dentists offer interest-free plans and will be willing to negotiate a price with you rather than lose your business.

5. Government Programs

If you’ve got children and are looking for some government help, consider the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for your dental needs. CHIP is intended to help those families who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private dental coverage.

State-based government programs may also be available for adults who need help to pay for dental services.

Pro Tip

Taking time to regularly maintain your teeth could help avoid emergency costs. Don’t skip routine exams, X-rays and cleanings because it’s inconvenient or you’ve convinced yourself you'll make the appointment later. Staying on top of dental health means less pain for you and for your pocketbook.

Top Dental Lenders for Personal Loans

If you’re shopping for a dental loan, compare these providers to find an option that fits your costs and budget.

How To Apply for a Dental Loan

Applying for a dental loan is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow:

1. Get an itemized list of your treatment plan: This will show you what's needed, how much it costs and what insurance will cover. It will eliminate any guesswork regarding charges.

2. Review what insurance covers: Find out what insurance covers so you know how much you need to finance.

3. Check your balance in your FSA or HSA: Before you decide to seek financing, check if your balance will cover the treatment cost.

4. Ask your dental provider for a payment plan: Dental offices are accustomed to offering payment plans based on your income. You may be able to get a discount.

5. Check your credit score: Knowing your credit score will help you understand if you need to build your credit or which lenders will be the right fit for your medical loan.

6. Before you compare offers: Review what personal loans can be used for and confirm that a personal loan is allowed for your planned expense.

7. Prequalify with multiple lenders: Cast a wide net because soft inquiries won’t impact your credit. Compare the offers to see which is the best fit for your financial picture.

8. Compare APRs: The APR represents the cost of the loan, including the fees. This number is an accurate representation of what you will owe.

9. Fill out the application: Once you choose the lender you want to use, fill out the application and provide the documents that they need.

10. Review and sign the application: Double-check the terms of the loan to make sure they align with what you expect. Be sure to ask any questions if you’re unsure about what you’re signing up for.

Before You Sign, Check These Loan Terms

• Look for deferred interest clauses: Review the deferred interest rates after your promotional period is over. These rates are historically high.

• Find out if you’re paying an origination fee: Origination fees are typically taken from your loan amount.

• Review whether your loan has a fixed or variable rate: A fixed rate is the same rate over the term of the loan, while a variable rate may go up or down.

• Check for a prepayment penalty: Some lenders charge a penalty if you decide to prepay your loan early.

What if You Have Bad Credit?

If you have bad credit, you still have several ways to pay for dental work. Start with financing options that don't require a credit check or rely on your existing resources:  

• Ask your dental provider whether they offer an installment payment plan based on your income. 

• Consider a dental school clinic, where services may cost up to 50% less than private practices. 

• Look for community health clinics that offer reduced-cost dental care. 

• Use HSA or FSA funds if you have money available in either account.  

If those options aren't available, you may still qualify for financing through lenders that work with borrowers who have bad credit, such as OneMain Financial or Oportun. Before accepting a loan, compare APRs, fees and repayment terms.  

Pro Tip 

Before you consider applying for financing, ask your dental provider whether they offer a hardship discount. 

Bottom Line

• You can work out a payment plan through your dental provider or get services done at a dental school. These options don’t involve a credit check. 

• There are several lenders that offer dental loans for reasonable APRs and loan amounts.  

• If you seek financing through a credit card, make sure you understand the deferred interest rate after the promotional period is over. 

• Take advantage of your HSA or FSA if you have a balance that can cover your dental expenses. 

• Always ask the dental provider if there’s a hardship discount based on income and ability to pay. 

Key Terms

• Dental financing: Any method of paying for dental treatment over time, including payment plans, dental credit cards, personal loans, or HSA and FSA funds.

• Deferred interest: A promotional feature where interest accrues during the promo period and is charged retroactively on the full original balance if you don't pay it off in time.

• CareCredit: A dental and healthcare credit card offering 0% promo periods of 6 to 24 months, with a high standard APR, around 32.99%, once the promo ends.

• In-office payment plan: An installment arrangement offered directly by your dentist, often with little or no interest and sometimes no credit check.

• HSA or FSA: Tax-advantaged accounts that let you spend pre-tax dollars on qualified dental and medical expenses.

• Origination fee: An upfront lender charge, usually deducted from your loan proceeds, that raises your total borrowing cost.

Sources

• IRS: Publication 502 (2025), Medical and Dental Expenses

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a credit score?

• American Dental Association: National Dental Expenditures, 2024

Marc Guberti contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of Oct. 16, 2026.

Parts of this article were created with AI assistance. MoneyLion editors reviewed, fact-checked and edited the final version and are responsible for its accuracy. 

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