Dental Financing Options: How To Pay for Dental Work

If you're overwhelmed by the cost of dental work, you have several financing options that can help make treatment more affordable. You could visit a dental school clinic, arrange a payment plan with your dentist, use a CareCredit card, take out a personal loan or consider a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) credit card.

Here's a guide to financing expensive dental work without having to dip into your savings.

MoneyLion

People think it’s rude to talk about money. Should they?

Yes, it makes people uncomfortableNo, talking about money can build better habitsYes, save that chat for a financial advisorYes, people will judge you

87

Key Takeaways

• Dental financing options range from no-credit-check plans to personal loans. Dental school clinics, in-office payment plans, CareCredit, personal loans and 0% APR cards each fit different budgets.

• The cheapest routes often skip credit checks entirely. In-office payment plans, dental school clinics and community health centers can cut costs without a hard inquiry.

• A health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) lets you pay with pre-tax dollars. If your dental work qualifies, tapping these accounts stretches your money further than borrowing.

• Watch deferred interest closely on dental credit cards. Some cards can charge over 32% retroactively on the full balance if you miss the promo deadline.

• Bad credit doesn't shut you out of affordable care. Dental schools, sliding-scale clinics and hardship discounts can help before you turn to higher-rate financing.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

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.

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.

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 loan.

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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.

• 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.

Dental Financing FAQs

Does dental financing hurt my credit score?

If you get a loan, there will be a hard inquiry on your credit. Your score may temporarily dip, but once you make consistent payments, the score can rise again.

What credit score do I need to get a dental loan?

It depends on the lender. Most traditional lenders look for around 610 or higher, but dental financing credit cards may still extend credit at a lower score.

Can I finance dental work with no credit check?

In-house dental practices may offer you a payment plan without a credit check. They may base payment on your income and ability to pay.

Is it better to use a credit card or a personal loan for dental work?

A personal loan is better for larger amounts, but a credit card with a 0% APR may be a better fit for smaller amounts.

What happens if I can't afford to pay back my dental loan?

A dental loan is like any other loan. If you default, you’ll face late charges, credit damage and collections.

Are there ways to lower the cost of dental work before I finance it?

You can directly negotiate a lower price with the dental practice or get the procedure done at a dental school. The dental school will charge substantially less than a private dental office.

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.

• DMP: A structured repayment plan through a nonprofit credit counselor, typically costing $25 to $50 a month, that consolidates payments to creditors.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Sources

• IRS. 2026. "Publication 502 (2025), Medical and Dental Expenses."

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2023. "What is a credit score?"

Marc Guberti contributed to the reporting for this article.