Dental Financing | How to Get a Loan for Dental Work

If you’ve ever gone to the dentist, you know how expensive it can be to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly white. While routine dental care is expensive (especially if you don’t have dental insurance), emergency dental procedures often cost enough to drain your entire bank account. If you’re like 74 million other Americans, you don’t have a dental insurance plan. And while this may save you each month, the National Association of Dental Plans states that those without dental insurance are less likely to visit the dentist regularly. The end result? An increased risk for root canals, dental implants, and other serious dental procedures, which must be paid out-of-pocket. Thankfully, there are options for those who need immediate dental care and immediate financing. When friends and family aren’t in a position to help you out, don’t lose hope.

We’re here to walk you through how to get a loan for dental work. Based on your credit eligibility, you may qualify for payment plans, medical credit cards, 0% APR credit cards, a line of credit, or short-term loans.

 

Here are 5 Common Dental Financing Options

 

Payment Plans Through Your Dental Provider

One of the best options for financing dental work is to talk with your dentist about creating a payment plan. Remember—dentists want to get paid, and most don’t mind if it takes a little longer to get the full amount they’re owed. Talk with your dental provider about the option of monthly payments. This would allow you receive dental work, then pay it back over time. Just remember: when it comes to the financing options your dentist offers, payment and financing terms are usually at your dental provider’s discretion. They may not be able to provide a payment plan that best meets your needs. Already have lingering medical bills? Here’s what happens when you can’t pay your medical bills.  

Look Into Medical Credit Cards

Had a dental implant and need a medical loan? Many medical expenses can be paid by a medical credit card, but not all of them.  

Wait, What Is a Medical Credit Card?

If you’ve never heard of a medical credit card, it is a credit card that can be used only on medical expenses. Because it is specific to medical needs, you apply for the card through your dentist. As with regular credit cards, you pay no interest if you pay off the total credit used within a predetermined time period. Whereas a normal credit card accumulates interest after a month of nonpayment, a medical credit card gives you months or even a year or more to pay off the total loaned amount before interest accumulates. However, if you do not pay off your medical credit card within the allotted time, you get charged retroactively with interest on the entire credit you used, even the portion you paid off. Since these can have steep interest rates, this unforeseen expense could mean even more trouble for your finances.  

What About 0% APR Credit Cards?

Like a medical credit card, a 0% APR credit card can be used to pay for dental expenses. However, you’re going to need good credit to get one of these rates. Like medical credit cards, the 0% interest only lasts for so long. Once that promotional rate runs out, the interest starts piling up. Because good credit is necessary for a 0% APR credit card, those with lesser-than-good credit may not qualify for this option. But have no fear. There are yet other choices!  

Try a Line of Credit for Dental Work

If the thought of taking out a credit card is scary, you’re not alone. Many people prefer to avoid credit cards altogether. So, what can you do when dental bills pile up and you need a way to pay them off quickly? Why not try out a Line of Credit? With a Line of Credit, a lender arranges to lend you up to a maximum amount of money. When you need the money, you draw from your line of credit. Then, you pay back what you borrowed. If you realize you need more than you initially withdrew, you can continue to draw anytime you want, up to your limit. Don’t need extra cash for a period of time? No worries. As long as your balance is paid off, you owe nothing. And when you do use some of your line of credit, you simply pay back the loaned amount and any accumulated interest. Plus, if work hard to pay it off early, you may end up paying little more than what you borrowed for your dental emergency.  

Dental Financing with Payday Loans

In many cases, dental expenses can get covered quickly with a Payday Loan. With these short-term loans, individuals can access the emergency funds they need to make ends meet. Simple prequalify online to determine the loan amount you’re eligible for, then an application process determines firm loan offers and loan terms you can receive. The process to receive an Online Payday Loan or in-store Payday Loan takes just a few minutes, and cash is placed in your hand before leaving the store. If you opt for an Online Payday Loan, the funds typically reach your bank account with one business day.  

Fast and Easy Financing Options When You Need Them Most

Whether you’re just going in for a regular checkup or need a cavity filled, orthodontics, or an emergency root canal, don’t fret about footing the bill. There are many options to get the short-term funds necessary to take care of your dental health without ruining your finances. All it takes is a short application to find out the loan amount you’re eligible for. So, the next time you’re at the dental office, relax. The cash you need can be yours in one business day.  

Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, your dental provider may make special accommodations during this unprecedented time.