Are There Any Dentists That Do Payment Plans? Your Simple Guide to Affordable Dental Care

If you’re wondering if any dentists let you pay your bill over time, you’re not alone. Dental care can be pricey even for basic checkups. When you need something like a crown, a root canal, or an emergency tooth pulled, the cost can seem too high. The good news is: yes, lots of dentists do offer payment plans and other easy ways to pay off your bill in chunks. You do have options. This guide explains them in simple terms so you can take care of your teeth without draining your bank account.

In This Article

• Yes! Finding Dentists That Offer Payment Plans Is Normal
• Understanding Your Choices: Kinds of Dental Payment Plans
• How to Find Dentists With Payment Plans Near You
• More Ways to Get Cheap Dental Care
• Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Payment Plan
• Smart Tips for Cutting Dental Costs
• Never Let Cost Stop You From Good Dental Health – Here’s What to Do

Yes! Finding Dentists That Offer Payment Plans Is Normal

Let’s get to the point: Do dentists offer payment plans? The answer is yes. In fact, most dental offices around the country will let you pay over time. Why do so many dentists do this? Because it helps more people get the care they need. It helps the dentist and it helps you.

Why is this happening?

• Cost is a big reason people skip dentist visits. Reports show about 1 in 4 adults skipped needed dental care in the last year because of money.
• Lots of adults don’t have dental insurance. For example, over 70% of people who are 65 and older don’t have dental coverage. These folks especially need affordable ways to pay.
• Some treatments cost a lot if you aren’t covered. A single crown can be $800 to $2,000 or more. One dental implant can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or even more depending on where you are and what kind it is.

More and more people are using payment plans at the dentist for regular work and bigger jobs. Companies like CareCredit, LendingClub Patient Solutions, Sunbit, and Alphaeon Credit make this possible at lots of dental offices. Big credit companies like CareCredit have millions of users and can be used at many dental and health places. Many dentists also make their own payment plans or have in-office membership deals for regular cleanings and smaller jobs.

Bottom line: You don’t have to wait to get a root canal, crown, braces, denture repair, or other care just because you can’t pay all at once. Dentists that offer monthly payments are pretty common wherever you live.

Understanding Your Choices: Kinds of Dental Payment Plans

Not every payment plan is the same. Some are just simple pay-every-month plans. Others are like a credit card just for health bills. Others are like a membership where you pay yearly for cheaper visits. Let’s break them down so you can pick what’s right for your money and your mouth.

1. In-Office Payment Plans (Direct With The Dentist)

What it is: You and the dentist arrange a plan so you pay your bill in a few smaller steps. No big credit company involved.

Good things:

• It’s easy and fast. Usually the decision happens right in the office.
• A lot of these are interest free if you pay them off in 3-6 months.
• You might be able to talk about the terms with the office manager.

Drawbacks:

• Usually have to finish paying in less than a year.
• You might need to make a down payment, like 20-50% to get started.
• Only works at that one office, not if you change dentists.

Best for: Ordinary care, one or two crowns, fillings, getting a tooth pulled, dentures, and smaller braces jobs. Just ask at the desk if they do no-interest payment plans.

2. Third-Party Dental Financing (CareCredit, LendingClub, Sunbit, Alphaeon Credit)

What it is: A company pays your dentist for you, then you pay the company back over time.

Good things:

• You can pay over a longer stretch, even up to 5 years for big jobs like implants or a new set of teeth.
• Some give you 0% interest if you pay it off fully in 6-12 months.
• Can be used for pricey treatments like implants, full mouth makeovers, braces, clear aligners, and more.

Drawbacks:

• They do a credit check, so your score matters for approval and your rates.
• If you don’t pay it off in the no-interest time, interest can go way up.
• There could be extra fees.

Best for: Bigger work, multiple visits, or cosmetic care. You’ll often see little logos for these companies on the dentist’s website or payment page.

Tip: You can use each company’s online “Find a Provider” tool to see which dentists near you accept their payment option.

3. Personal Loans For Dental Work

What it is: Get a normal loan from your bank or an online lender, pay the dentist, then pay the bank back each month.

Good things:

• The monthly payment doesn’t change.
• You can use it for any dental work.
• Some folks like using their own bank or credit union.

Drawbacks:

• Only the best credit gets the lowest rates.
• No special dental offers like 0% interest.
• You have to set this up yourself.

Best for: Those with good credit, or who want to shop around for their best deal.

4. Dental Membership Plans (Discount Plans From the Office)

What it is: Some dentists have a yearly membership. You pay once, then get your regular cleanings and checkups included, plus discounts on fillings, crowns, or other work.

Good things:

• No headaches with insurance.
• You know what you’ll pay for regular cleaning and checkups.
• You often save a lot if you don’t have dental coverage.

Drawbacks:

• Only works at the one office.
• It’s not insurance—just a discount.

Best for: People without insurance, seniors, students, or families who want simple dental costs. Memberships work great with short payment plans on bigger jobs.

Other tools to help pay:

• FSA and HSA. If you have a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, you can use it to pay for most dental work with money taken out before taxes.
• Discount dental plans. These aren’t insurance but give you a discount price with certain dentists. You pay the dentist directly, but the bill is smaller.

How to Find Dentists With Payment Plans Near You

You don’t have to search forever. Here’s how to find one quickly.

1. Start With Your Current or Favorite Dentist

Already have a dentist? Just ask about payment plans. People often think their dentist won’t do it, but most will. Ask these:

• Do you have in-house payment plans?
• Do you take CareCredit, LendingClub, Sunbit, or Alphaeon Credit?
• Do you have 0% interest options?
• Do you offer a dental membership plan?

No dentist yet? Call two or three close to you and ask the above.

2. Use the Right Search Terms Online

Type things like “dentist payment plans near me,” “affordable dentist with financing in [your town],” or “emergency dentist payment plan.” Look for a “Payment Options” or “Financing” section on their site.

3. Check Third-Party Financing Websites

Companies like CareCredit and LendingClub let you look up which dentists near you take their credit card or loan.

4. Read Reviews and Directories

Check places like Google Maps, Yelp, and Healthgrades. See what real patients say about how offices handle bills and payment plans.

5. Ask Around

Friends, coworkers, or local groups can tell you who’s helped them spread out costs.

More Ways to Get Cheap Dental Care

Payment plans aren’t the only way to make dental bills easier.

1. Dental Schools

Dental schools often offer much cheaper care. You’ll be treated by students (watched by real dentists), so it takes longer, but it can save you a ton.

2. Free and Low-Cost Community Dental Clinics

Non-profit clinics or health centers help people with less money, seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities. They often work on a “pay what you can” system.

3. Discount Dental Plans (Not Insurance)

Pay a yearly fee, get set prices (lower) at certain dentists. Better for those who don’t have insurance but want to save.

4. Government Help

• Medicaid: Covers some dental work, mostly for kids but sometimes for adults, depending on your state.
• CHIP: Kids’ program with dental included.
• Medicare: Original Medicare doesn’t pay for dental, but some Medicare Advantage plans help a bit.

5. Dental Charities and Grants

Some non-profits or programs offer free or low-cost dental work for certain people like vets, domestic violence survivors, or those with medical problems. Your local dental society often has a list.

Your Options by Common Dental Job

Different jobs cost different amounts and here’s how folks usually pay for them:

• Crowns/Bridges: A crown can cost between $800 and $2,000 or more. In-house plans work for one or two; bigger jobs may need third-party financing. You can ask your dentist if they work with a good crown and bridge lab to make sure the work lasts.
• Dentures/Partials: Payment plans are common. Some dental clinics may even spread out the payments over steps in the process. Ask if your dentist uses a removable denture lab for better results.
• Dental Implants: These are expensive with many steps. Most people use third-party financing over 2-5 years. Ask if your dentist uses a quality implant dental laboratory, which can help your treatment go smoother.
• Veneers and Cosmetic Work: Payment plans make them more affordable. You might get 0% interest for a year if you qualify. Veneer price depends on material and how fancy you want your smile.
• Braces and Invisalign: Most orthodontists allow monthly payments during treatment.
• Root Canals/Extractions: Many dentists split payment between the appointments, or offer a quick in-office plan.

Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Payment Plan

A quick chat with the front desk or the dentist can save headaches:

• What payment plans do you offer?
• Do you have no-interest options and for how long?
• What’s the minimum monthly payment and total time to pay it off?
• Is a down payment needed? How much?
• Do you check my credit?
• What are your fees?
• How does the deferred interest work?
• What if I miss a payment?
• Can I pay off early?
• Can I use my HSA or FSA?
• Do you have a dental membership plan?

Smart Tips for Cutting Dental Costs

Here’s how to save before you even think about financing:

• Go for regular cleanings and checkups—problems caught early are way cheaper.
• Ask for a written treatment plan with all costs so you can compare deals.
• Ask about materials—some crowns or dentures cost less and work just fine.
• If you need a lot of work, see if the dentist can spread it out over time.
• Use HSA or FSA if you have one—saves on taxes.
• Watch out for those 0% interest plans—pay it off before the period ends.
• Know your insurance if you have it—see what it covers.
• If money’s tight, check out local clinics or charities.

Who Gets the Most Out of Dental Payment Plans

Anyone who wants to spread out a bill! But especially:

• Families with no dental insurance.
• Seniors needing new teeth or denture work.
• Students and young people on a budget.
• Veterans and people with disabilities.
• Folks needing a lot of work done at once.
• People with not-great credit—some companies and clinics still help.

Some offices have no credit check or help those with bad credit.

The Money Side in Simple Terms

Ask these for every plan:

• What’s the total I’ll pay (with and without interest)?
• How long do I pay?
• What if I miss a payment or need to change my plan?

Ask what the interest rate is in writing. Ask about fees. Know if interest starts right away or sneaks up after a special period. Make sure you can afford the monthly payment.

Common Myths About Dental Payment Plans

• Myth: Only for fancy cosmetic work.
• Truth: Payment plans can pay for fillings, crowns, emergencies, even regular cleanings or braces.

• Myth: You need awesome credit.
• Truth: Not always—some in-office plans don’t check your credit.

• Myth: It always costs more.
• Truth: With 0% plans or discount memberships, you often pay only what the job costs, or less.

• Myth: Only big city offices offer this.
• Truth: Payment plans are everywhere. Just ask!

What Dental Work Costs (Ballpark)

• Regular care: Cleanings and checkups, often included in memberships or discounted heavily.
• Fillings: Price depends on tooth and how many. Short payment plans can cover these.
• Crowns: $800 to $2,000+ based on what kind and where your dentist’s lab is.
• Root Canals: More for back teeth, a crown on top adds more.
• Pulling teeth: Cheaper for easy ones, more for big surgeries. Sedation and X-rays can add to the cost.
• Dentures: Full sets can be cheap (especially if you go to a dental school) or much more if you want fancy ones.
• Implants: You pay for each stage—implant, connecting piece, and tooth on top. More steps = higher cost, but better quality and more comfort.

Skilled dental labs can make your crowns, dentures, or implants fit better, so ask about your dentist’s partners. It can save time, money, and headaches down the road.

Watch Out For These Red Flags

• If they can’t give you a written price list, don’t sign anything.
• If the payment plan is hard to understand, ask them to explain every step.
• Don’t let them pressure you—take your time.
• Make sure the bill includes all extras like X-rays and lab work.
• Avoid places with bad reviews about billing or unclear safety.

Don’t Let Cost Stop You – You Have Options

You want a healthy mouth and to be able to smile and eat without pain. You can have that—without going broke.

Quick Takeaway

• Dentists offer all kinds of ways to pay over time, including in-office deals and outside financing.
• 0% interest plans are out there—ask for them.
• Membership plans can save you lots on regular visits and some repairs.
• Use pre-tax money from HSAs or FSAs if you have it.
• Check out schools and community dental clinics if cash is really tight.
• Ask questions! Get all interest rates and fees in writing.
• Compare your options before deciding.

Next steps

• Call a couple of local dentists and ask about payment options.
• If you already have a treatment plan, ask for the costs in writing, then look at payment plans side by side.
• For big jobs, look at outside financing to get started sooner.
• If you’re low on money, check out a dental school or clinic in your area.

You deserve good dental care at a price you can handle. Ask questions. Use these tips. Make a plan that works. Your teeth (and your wallet) will thank you.

Sources: Based on reports from the American Dental Association and KFF. Check CareCredit and other companies for their current rules and provider lists. Payment plans are normal, and you have more choices than you think.