Dental Loans: How to Finance Dental Costs

Dental work can be expensive, but getting it done can save you money in the long run. If you’re strapped for cash, consider taking out a dental loan — a personal loan used to cover all dental expenses. This financing option typically has a lower average interest rate than a credit card.

However, before taking out a dental loan, weigh the pros against the cons to see if it’s a good idea based on your financial circumstances. If it’s not, you should explore alternative financing options.

What is a dental loan?

A dental loan is just another name for a personal loan used to pay for dental expenses. Like other personal loans, they typically come with fixed monthly payments and interest rates. In addition, they are usually unsecured loans, meaning they don’t require you to pledge any collateral.

You can apply for dental loans through a bank, credit union or online lender. Loan terms and interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness. There are also general medical loans that you may be able to use for dental work as well.

How to get a dental loan

Applying for a personal loan to cover dental expenses involves comparing your options to get the best deal, gathering the necessary documents and then submitting a formal application once you’ve found a lender that best matches your borrowing needs.

1. Research lenders and prequalify

Research as many lenders as possible to compare personal loan rates and terms. If you meet a lender’s eligibility requirements, prequalifying will provide you with an estimate of your loan amount and interest rate.

2. Formally apply with a lender

After you choose which lender offers a dental loan that meets your needs, the next step is to fill out a loan application online or in person. At this stage of the process, you will decide on the exact amount you’d like to borrow and choose your desired loan term.

3. Wait for approval

Once you have applied, the lender will review your application and decide whether to lend you money. Although approval times vary, you can sometimes be approved the same business day you apply.

4. Review and sign your loan agreement

If you’re approved, a lender will send you a loan agreement. Review the document carefully before you sign it. Afterward, the lender will issue your funds. Although funding time varies, some lenders are able to deposit your funds into your bank account in one to two business days.

How to compare dental loans

Consider a lender’s eligibility requirements, terms and available amounts when comparing dental loans.

• Eligibility requirements: Minimum credit score and income requirements vary based on the lender. Before you apply, review a lender’s eligibility requirements. If the lender doesn’t publish its requirements, ask if prequalifying is an option.
• Loan amounts: Some lenders require that you borrow a certain amount of money. Because minimum amounts vary, choose a lender that offers the amount you need to borrow to cover your dental expenses.
• Loan terms: Term lengths vary by lender. Although choosing a longer term length can lower your monthly payments, it can also increase the interest you pay over the life of the loan.
• Fees: Some lenders charge origination fees, late fees, returned payment fees and application fees. These fees can greatly increase your cost of borrowing or reduce your loan amount. In addition, some charge prepayment fees, penalizing you for paying off your loan early.
• Annual percentage rate (APR): A loan’s APR tells you how much interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan; it’s a better measurement than the interest rate because it also accounts for any loan fees.

Dental financing with bad credit

Financing can be difficult to obtain when you have less-than-stellar credit, but with a little work, you can find lenders that offer financing for bad credit.

Review your credit reports

Your credit reports can contain errors that lower your credit score, so reviewing them at least once a year is a good idea. You can view each credit report for free weekly from all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and Transunion — by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.

While checking your reports, look for discrepancies or incorrect past due or defaulted accounts. If you find errors on your credit report, dispute them with each credit bureau that lists it on your report or the creditor that reported the information. If the error is removed, it could increase your credit score.

Take steps to improve your credit

If the dental work isn’t pressing, you can spend some time and effort improving your credit score before shopping for a dental loan. Make sure to pay all your bills on time and pay down your current debt, if possible. A higher credit score can increase your chances of securing a better rate, lowering your borrowing costs.

Shop around for the right lender

Trying to find a dental loan when you have bad credit can be frustrating, but there are options if you know where to look. Some lenders like LendingClub and Avant are willing to work with borrowers with subpar credit, though your interest rates may be higher than someone with good credit.

Alternatives to a dental loan

When determining how to pay for dental work, it makes sense to see how you can lower or mitigate the cost before resorting to financing.

In-house financing

Some dental offices may offer special rates depending on your circumstances, so inquire with your dental office as to whether they offer in-house financing for expensive procedures. These installment loans often come with no or low interest rates, which can save you a lot of money.

Medical credit cards

Another way to save on interest is by applying for a medical credit card. Medical credit cards cover medical and dental expenses. In some cases, medical providers may even offer special financing terms, like 0 percent interest.

Dental schools

Many dental schools will offer dental care to the public at a reduced rate, but it can take a while to get in, as most of these schools have high demand for their dental work. Check to see if a dental school near you offers these services.

Savings

It will take longer to get treatment, but if the dental procedure you need is elective or can be put off for a while, it may be wise to save for the treatment instead of financing it. Saving the money to pay upfront will keep you from paying interest on a loan or credit card.

Shop around

Not all dental offices have the same prices for the same procedures, so shop around and find a reputable dentist you trust who can do the work for a lower price. You can also try to negotiate with your dentist, though there’s no guarantee they will do your work for a reduced rate. It never hurts to ask, though.

Bottom line

Dental work can be daunting, especially if you don’t have cash to pay for it. A personal loan is one solution to get the funding you need, but before applying, consider alternative financing options, such as in-house financing and 0 percent APR medical credit cards.