Updated on March 8, 2024
6 min read

Best Dental Loan Options in 2024

NewMouth is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something using one of our links. Advertising Disclosure.

Here are some of the best dental loans you can get in 2024:

1. Best Egg

Best Egg is an online lending platform that offers unsecured and secured loans. They also have online pre-approvals, which means you can view their loan offers without affecting your credit score. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000.

Best Egg loans’ annual percentage rate (APR) is 8.99% to 35.99%, with 36 to 60 months to pay. Best Egg requires loaners to have a minimum credit score of 600.

2. SoFi

SoFi is a good choice for people who already have a good credit score. They also have loans without origination fees, which are fees lenders usually charge for processing a loan application.

SoFi offers fixed-rate loans with APRs starting at 4.99 and variable-rate loans with APRs starting at 5.99%. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000, with 24 to 84-month loan terms. The minimum required credit score to qualify for a SoFi dental loan is 670 or more.

3. Upgrade

Upgrade offers dental loans for people with fair or bad credit. You can be approved for a loan with a minimum credit score of 580. Their mobile app also makes them a favorable choice for people who want to check their loan payments on the go.

Upgrade offers loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 with APRs ranging from 8.49% to 35.99%. Their loan terms are available for 24 to 84 months.

4. LightStream

LightStream is a lending platform that offers same-day funding. This makes it a good choice for people who quickly need funds for dental procedures.

The minimum credit score required to qualify for a LightStream loan is 660. They offer loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 with APRs from 8.49 to 25.49%. Loan terms range from 2 to 12 months.

5. LendingClub

LendingClub is another lending platform that allows you to receive your funds quickly. They also allow you to have a co-borrower. You can include someone else’s income and credit history in your loan application.

LendingClub offers loans from $1,000 to $40,000 with APRs from 9.57% to 35.99%. Their loan terms are 24 to 60 months, and you need a minimum credit score of 600.

6. Prosper

Prosper is an online lending platform that offers personal loans you can use for dental procedures. They offer loans ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 with APRs from 6.99% to 35.99%. Loan terms are available for 24 or 60 months.

Prosper is also a good choice for those with bad credit scores since you only need a minimum credit score of 560 to qualify. 

7. American Express Dental Loan

Existing American Express cardholders can opt for the bank’s personal loans. You don’t need a minimum credit score to qualify.

American Express has loan amounts from $1,000 to $40,000. The APR ranges from 5.91% to 19.97% at a 12 to 60-month loan term.

For easier comparison, here’s a table that lists the different loans and their differences:

LenderLoan AmountsAPR RangeLoan TermsMinimum Credit Score
Best Egg$2,000-$50,0008.99%-35.99%36 to 60 months600+
SoFi$5,000-$100,0004.99%-5.99%+24 to 84 months670+
Upgrade$1,000-$50,0008.49%-35.99%24 to 84 months580+
LightStream$5,000-$100,0008.49%-25.49%2 to 12 months660+
LendingClub$1,000-$40,0009.57%-35.99%24 to 60 months600+
Prosper$2,000-$50,0006.99%-35.99%24 or 60 months560+
American Express$1,000-$40,0005.91%-19.97%12 to 60 monthsNo minimum is required as long as you’re an AE cardholder

How Do Dental Loans Work?

When you get a dental loan, you work with a lender that will provide you with a lump sum amount to pay for your dental procedure. The lender can be private banks, credit unions, personal loan lenders, or online lenders.

A dental loan is an unsecured personal loan, meaning you don’t need to provide collateral for it. However, if you don’t pay for your loan, the lender may take legal action to recover the funds.

Dental loans are common for expensive procedures like root canals and implants. You can also use dental loans for cosmetic procedures. So, if you want to get veneers, you can opt for dental loans to pay for the procedure.

What Credit Score Is Needed for Dental Financing?

While the required credit scores for dental financing will vary, a good credit score will give you a better chance of getting a dental loan. 

Lenders generally look for a minimum credit score requirement of around 620 to 670. This credit score shows that you can pay for the loan and have a history of responsible financial behavior. 

Remember that each lender will have different requirements, so it’s best to check with them first. Some lenders can offer loans to people with bad credit scores.

How to Apply for a Dental Loan

Applying for a loan can seem intimidating to some. That’s why we’ve outlined the general process you’ll be following. Remember to ask for clarification if you’re having trouble at any point in the dental loan application process.

To apply for a dental loan, you must do the following:

  1. Research different lenders and the types of loans they offer. This helps you compare your options and weigh each loan’s pros and cons. 
  2. Check your eligibility. This includes your credit score and income to qualify for a dental loan.
  3. Once you’ve chosen the type of loan and lender, apply for a loan. Gather any documents you need and fill out the forms the lender asks from you.
  4. Prequalify for the loan. A pre-qualification is when a lender has gathered your documents and believes you’ll get approved for the loan. 
  5. Wait for the approval status of your application.
  6. If approved, you’ll proceed to sign the loan agreement. Make sure to ask the lender about any possible questions and concerns.  

Can You Pay Your Dentist in Installments?

Some dentists offer installment plans for ongoing dental work. This is common for procedures like braces and dental implants. 

Instead of applying for a loan, you can pay your dentist an initial fee and subsequent payments. The amount depends on your dentist’s fees and your discussion with them. 

Calculate your dental savings now with a DentalPlans plan. Visit DentalPlans.

How to Compare Personal Loans for Dental Work

When comparing different dental loans, you should consider the following factors:

  • Eligibility Requirements ⁠— Different loans will have different requirements. If you’re not eligible for a certain type of loan, you’ll have to consider other options. 
  • Payment Terms — Choosing payment terms that you know you can keep up with is crucial. This ensures that you don’t miss any payments.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR) — An annual percentage rate is the interest on top of the loan amount you have to pay. Compare interest rates from different lenders to find competitive options. 
  • Loan amount coverage Check whether the loan funds are enough to cover your dental costs. 
  • Financial alignment It’s always important to consider your financial situation when choosing a loan. This helps ensure that you always have the funds for your monthly payments. 

How We Chose the Best Dental Loans

As a trusted site for dental health, NewMouth aims to provide trustworthy information about various dental products. This is how we chose the best dental loans as suggested in this article:

  • Reviewed various dental loans on the market
  • Evaluated each loan according to their interest rates, repayment terms, loan amounts, and any additional fees or charges
  • Researched customer reviews and ratings to gauge customer satisfaction and reliability of the lending institutions

Tired of paying full price for dental work? Save with Discount Dental Plans. Learn more here or call (833) 704-2246

Summary

Dental loans give you enough funds to pay for your dental work. Various plans have different eligibility requirements, so you should check if you meet the criteria. 

Remember to also check the terms and payment plans of each dental loan. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any payments.

Ready for Affordable Dental Care?

DentalPlans makes finding affordable dental care simple. Compare top plans, know your exact costs, and find the perfect dentist near you.

Discover Your Dental Savings Plan Now.

Last updated on March 8, 2024
6 Sources Cited
Last updated on March 8, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Patient Financing Options.” American Dental Association. 
  2. Shelly, M. “Typical Personal Loan Requirements Needed for Approval.” SoFi, 2023.
  3. SoFi Homepage.” SoFi. 
  4. Best Egg Homepage.” Best Egg. 
  5. Dental Financing.” Prosper.  
  6. Baluch, A. “Dental financing: What are my options?” Creditkarma, 2023.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram