Dental Loans for Fillings, Braces, Cosmetic Dentistry

Name: Dental Loans
Creator: Savvy
Published: 2020-12-16T13:03:46+10:30

It won't affect your credit score.

Written by , updated on July 3rd, 2024

Visiting the dentist isn’t cheap. According to health directory Cleanbill, the average cost of a new patient dental visit in Australia in 2024 is $297.15. In the majority of cases, dental care is not covered by Medicare and even if you have private health insurance, it may only take care of some of yours bills. A dental loan can help you cover the cost. If you are looking for a competitive loan to pay for your dental treatments, turn to Savvy. We can compare offers from lenders across Australia to find a deal to suit your needs. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!

What is a dental loan?

A dental loan is a type of personal loan you can take out to help cover your expenses for dental treatment. This can include everything from check-ups to more extensive procedures like braces and implants. Prices vary widely depending on the type of treatment you need as well as the dental practice itself. Here’s an idea of fees for some common dental procedures in Australia:

Treatment	Mean fee (general practitioner / specialist)	Treatment	Mean fee (general practitioner / specialist)
Comprehensive oral exam	$67 / $117	Dental x-ray (per film)	$45 / $49
Tooth removal/extraction	$185 / $226	Metal fillings (one surface)	$166 / $172
Full crown	$1,642 – $1,730 / $2,097 – $2,265	Complete maxillary denture	$1,522 / $2,104
Complete mandibular denture	$1,534 / $1,963	Orthodontics – complete course	$5,163 / $8,621

Source: ADA Dental Fees Survey 2022

If you’re unable to pay for treatment up front, taking out a dental loan is a practical way to manage the potentially high costs of dental care. You may be able to borrow as little as $2,000 all the way up to $75,000 if approved, receiving the money as a lump sum and then spreading the repayments over a set period of time, typically one to seven years.

As personal loans are usually unsecured, you won’t have to put forward a valuable asset like your car as collateral. You can also use the money any way you see fit – it is not tied to a specific or even to dental treatment if you wanted to use the money elsewhere.

How do I get a dental loan?

To take out a personal loan to cover your dental expenses, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:

Age: you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a loan.
Residential status: most lenders require you to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, though some will accept certain temporary visas.
Income and employment: all lenders will have a minimum income requirement you must meet, typically starting from $22,000, though there are no guarantees of approval even if you earn significantly more. You will also need to be in stable employment.
Credit score: your credit score is an indicator of your financial responsibility and how risky you are as a borrower. While some lenders may consider applicants with lower credit scores, a higher score generally increases your chances of approval and may qualify you for better loan terms.

The exact requirements will differ between lenders, so even if one lender rejects your application, others may not. The best way to find a lender and loan that suits your needs is to compare your options. With Savvy, you can compare dozens of offers in one place, saving you time and effort. Once you have made your choice, you will need to complete the application form and provide supporting documents. Once approved, the funds will be quickly deposited in your account.

How else could I pay for my dental treatment?

A personal loan can be a sensible option to pay for the treatment you need, but there are other ways to pay for dental work. Depending on your situation, these can include:

Dental payment plans: many clinics offer payment plans that, like a personal loan, allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time. However, you may be required to make a deposit upfront and fees typically apply, such as establishment fees. Some practices also allow patients to pay using buy now, pay later services such as Afterpay.

Private health insurance: private health insurance policies often include dental coverage, which can help offset the cost of treatment. Depending on your level of cover, private insurance may reimburse a portion of your dental expenses, reducing the out-of-pocket costs you need to pay. It’s important to review your policy to understand what dental services are covered and any limits or waiting periods that may apply.

Government assistance: some government programs provide financial assistance for dental treatment for individuals who meet specific criteria. For example, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) offers eligible children access to basic dental services.

Savings: if you have savings, these could be used to pay for dental treatment, particularly for routine or minor procedures. Setting aside money can help you prepare for unexpected dental expenses and avoid the need for financing options like loans or payment plans.

Why compare personal loans through Savvy?

100% free

There's no need to worry about forking out to compare offers. Our service is free, so you can come back whenever you like.

Paperless applications

You won't need to worry about sifting through documents and visiting the post office, as they can all be submitted online.

Reputable lending partners

We've partnered with personal loan companies you can trust to ensure your comparison is a high-quality one.

Types of personal loan

Unsecured personal loans

With an unsecured personal loan, you can potentially borrow as much as $75,000 without the need to attach any valuable assets, such as your car, as security. These loans are the most widely available and often the quickest, with same-day approval possible.

Secured personal loans

Secured personal loans, on the other hand, make use of collateral. This lowers your risk profile in the eyes of a lender, potentially lowering your interest rate and expanding your borrowing power beyond what you may be able to get through an unsecured loan.

Variable rate personal loans

Variable interest rates remain open to fluctuation during your term. This means you can benefit from decreasing rates and save on your loan if the market heads in that direction, although you’ll also pay more if rates start rising.

Fixed rate personal loans

Fixed interest rates are locked at the beginning of your loan and remain constant throughout your repayments. This acts as a valuable protection against interest rate increases, as your loan will be unaffected, but you’ll miss out on potential drops as well.

Debt consolidation loans

If you’re paying off multiple debts at the moment, particularly those with high interest (such as credit card debts), consolidating them into one payment can not only make them more convenient to manage but also potentially save you money overall.

Travel loans

Looking to take off on a holiday with your family but want to pay it off at your own speed? Travelling can be expensive, so you can distribute the cost of your next trip over a period you’re more comfortable with by taking out a personal loan to pay for it.

Wedding loans

There are so many costs that go into making your dream wedding a reality, from venue hire to catering to dresses and suits and so much more. By taking out a personal loan, you can start planning the big day you want, even if you can’t pay for it upfront.

Renovation loans

Home improvements are desirable for a range of homeowners to help keep their living space fresh and interesting, not to mention increase its value. You can get past the financial hit of renovations with a personal loan paid in instalments.

Self-employed loans

Personal loans aren’t limited to PAYG employees, though. If you’re running your own business, you can still be approved for financing by submitting tax returns and other alternative documents instead of payslips and utilise your funds however you wish.

Student & education loans

There’s a variety of expenses which come with being a student, ranging from the cost of your courses, textbooks and computer to your accommodation. Taking out a personal loan can make these costs more manageable by spacing them out.

Green loans

Some lenders offer green personal loans, which are designed to be used for energy-efficient appliances and products such as solar panel and air conditioning installation in your home. You can qualify for lower interest rates and fees with this loan.

Common questions about dental loans answered

How long are dental loan terms?

You can lock in a dental loan for as little time as 12 months up to a maximum of seven years, although the term you're approved for will depend on a variety of factors relating to your personal profile and the size of the loan you're after.

How much will my repayments be?

This will depend on how much you want to borrow and for how long. However, you can use our online calculator to find out how much you will be paying in monthly repayments.

Can I use any medical practitioner?

Yes – because these loans are unsecured personal loans, you can use them to pay for a medical procedure with any professional practitioner you choose, rather than have that decision taken out of your hands.

Do you offer finance for braces?

Yes – in the same way, unsecured personal loans can be used to pay for any dental procedure you need, from braces to fillings to veneers and everything in between.

Do you lend money to people who are self-employed?

Yes – self-employed workers are just as able to borrow to pay for dental expenses as any other Australian. The only difference for these borrowers is that you won't be able to supply payslips, which are usually integral to the documentation requirements of a personal loan, so you'll have to bring your two most recent years' worth of tax returns.

Will I be able to access financing even if I've just started a new job?

Yes – our lenders can work with applicants who've just started a new job.

How long does the process take?

You can receive instant conditional approval on your personal loan within a minute or two of submitting your application, with the total processing and funding time able to take place within just 24 hours.

Can I use my loan for dental treatment abroad?

Yes – you can use your loan in any way you choose, including for treatment abroad if preferred. However, it is important to research the dental clinics or providers to ensure they meet high standards of quality and accreditation. Look for reputable clinics with experienced dentists and positive patient reviews to ensure you receive safe and effective treatment.