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Best Dental Loans

Top picks include Best Egg, NetCredit, Upgrade and Achieve

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By: Sharon Wu, CFEI®
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Edited by: Amanda Futrell
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Edited by: Ilana Hamilton
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Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

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NetCredit, Best Egg, Achieve Personal Loans and Upgrade
a woman having her teeth checked

After reviewing thousands of customer reviews, loan requirements and amount ranges, Best Egg ranks as our top choice for dental financing in 2026. NetCredit is solid if you prioritize excellent customer service and support throughout the loan process. Upgrade may suit you if you need a smaller loan amount to cover routine dental procedures.

Compare our top 4 picks for best dental loans

  • Our top pick overall: Best Egg
  • Our pick for customer satisfaction: NetCredit
  • Our pick for smaller dental loans: Upgrade
  • Our pick for larger dental loans: Achieve
Best overall

Best Egg

Best Egg
4.3
2,314 reviews
Loan amounts
$2,000 to $50,000
Term lengths
3 to 5 years
Minimum credit score
640
Compare Offers Read Reviews
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We selected Best Egg as our top overall choice because it combines competitive interest rates with a simple application process that gets funds to borrowers quickly. It offers loan amounts from $2,000 to $50,000 in most states — suitable for both routine cleanings and major dental work.

Best Egg’s fully online platform keeps overhead costs low, which allows it to pass savings on to customers through better rates and fewer fees. Like most reputable personal loan providers, the company doesn’t charge prepayment penalties. Most approved applicants get funding within one to three business days.

Pros
  • Quick approval process
  • Streamlined online application
  • Reasonable origination fees (0.99% to 9.99%)
  • Second loan available if first is in good standing
Cons
  • Minimum credit score requirement of 640
  • Origination fees on some loans
  • Not available in all U.S. states and territories
“I applied for a personal loan and the process was simple, super easy and very fast. I filled out some basic information and the whole thing probably took less than five minutes and I got my answer on the same day ... You can skip a payment three times with no penalty and that was a big help at that time.”
James Lindenwold, NJ

Best Egg is ideal for dental patients with strong credit who need financing for major procedures such as implants or reconstruction. The application starts with a soft credit check, but you’ll face a hard inquiry before final approval.

Those with fair credit or those needing emergency same-day funding for urgent dental work may want to consider other lenders.

1x Award Winner
Best Egg won one 2026 Buyer's Choice Award from ConsumerAffairs for Best Customer Service.
Our pick for customer satisfaction

NetCredit

NetCredit
4.8
2,210 reviews
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $10,000
Term lengths
6 months to 5 years
Minimum credit score
Not disclosed
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NetCredit is our top pick for customer satisfaction thanks to its 4.9-star rating across more than 2,000 reviews and its helpful support during challenging situations. The company focuses on borrowers who don’t qualify for traditional financing, making it a strong option if you have poor credit or no credit history.

Unlike some of its competitors, NetCredit doesn’t ask for a minimum credit score. It also offers fast funding — often within 24 hours of approval. Like our other picks, NetCredit doesn’t charge prepayment penalties, allowing you to save on interest by paying off your dental expenses early.

Pros
  • No minimum income level
  • No credit score requirement
  • Funding in as little as one day
  • No prepayment penalties for early payoff
Cons
  • Higher annual percentage rates (APRs) than competitors
  • Only available in 37 states
  • Low maximum loan amount at $10,000
“The application that had to be filled out was easy the to the point. The emails were always available to help the process along. The agent that helped me was very cordial and kind. I was impressed with his ability to get the funding so quickly. Thank you NetCredit for helping me over a rough patch. I have received the funds within the allotted time frame.”
Marie Johns Island, SC
“I found Netcredit to be the easiest and most convenient company through which to apply for and receive a line of credit in my experience. I don't have the best credit and was having an extremely difficult time finding a company who would approve me for a loan or line of credit. I came across their website and decided to give it a shot not expecting to get approved but much to my surprise I was approved the same day I applied; upon receiving approval I just had to upload a couple of documents to verify my income and bank account which took less than half an hour. I received my funds on the next business day just like they said, and I never in a million years expected the process to be completed that fast.”
Colleen Port Richey, FL

NetCredit works well for dental patients with poor or limited credit who need quick funding for urgent procedures, but it only serves 37 states. For example, residents in Colorado, Maryland and New York can’t use NetCredit.

Also, interest rates vary by location as well as by each borrower’s credit history, with some APRs climbing as high as 99.99%. Make sure the range of rates offered in your state is competitive before applying.

4x Award Winner
NetCredit won four 2026 Buyer's Choice Awards from ConsumerAffairs for Best Loan Process, Best Experience with Staff, Best Value for Price, and Best Customer Service.
Our pick for smaller dental loans

Upgrade

Upgrade
4.6
970 reviews
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Term lengths
2 to 7 years
Minimum credit score
620
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We picked Upgrade as the best choice for smaller dental loans because it ties with NetCredit for the lowest minimum amount at just $1,000. Loan amounts this small are perfect for routine procedures, such as fillings, cleanings or minor treatments. The lender provides flexible repayment terms ranging from 24 to 84 months, so there are plenty of options to fit your budget.

Upgrade’s fully online service makes it easy to apply and manage your dental financing from start to finish. The company offers competitive rates for qualified borrowers and allows you to pay off your dental work early without extra fees.

Pros
  • $1,000 minimum loan amount
  • Extended repayment terms up to 84 months
  • Same-day funding available after approval
Cons
  • Origination fees range from 1.85% to 9.99%
  • Autopay required for best rates
  • Late payment fees apply
“I was very impressed with Upgrade’s service. I needed to order a card for one of my account. I called & spoke to a representative & he told me that waiting for the new card would not be a problem with my application. When I received my new card & entered the numbers & amounts my loan was processed within the hour. I received the loan in my account the next day! They had the best rate offered to me & great service!”
Carolyn Lagrange, GA

Upgrade company usually takes one business day to send your funds after you accept your loan and go through verification. Origination fees are taken out of your loan before funding, so you’ll get less cash unless you request enough to cover both your dental costs and the fees.

3x Award Winner
Upgrade won three 2026 Buyer's Choice Awards from ConsumerAffairs for Best Loan Process, Best Experience with Staff, and Best Value for Price.
Our pick for larger dental loans

Achieve Personal Loans

Achieve Personal Loans
4.7
923 reviews
Loan amounts
$5,000 to $50,000
Term lengths
2 to 5 years
Minimum credit score
640
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Achieve is the winner for larger dental loans because it offers substantial financing amounts, starting at $5,000 and going up to $50,000. This lender works best for borrowers who need expensive procedures, such as full mouth reconstruction, dental implants or extensive orthodontic work. Achieve offers personalized phone consultations to help you find the right loan structure for your dental needs.

We appreciate that Achieve combines a straightforward online application with human support throughout the process. Since it doesn’t impose prepayment penalties, you can pay off your dental work early without extra fees.

Pros
  • Larger loan amounts than other lenders
  • Personal phone consultations for customized offers
  • No prepayment fees for early payoff
Cons
  • Not available in every state
  • Origination fees range from 1.99% to 8.99%
  • No loan options under $5,000
“John ** was absolutely terrific at working with me to determine my loan needs, the best path forward to minimize the interest rate, and how best to work to pay off the loan ASAP while using autopay to make sure I didn’t miss any payments and get hit by unnecessary fees. He was terrific and I’d recommend anyone who has any questions or concerns to call him and go through your personalized situation.”
Patrick Cumming, GA
“I decided to take out a personal loan with Achieve Personal Loans and I couldn't be happier with the service I received … Overall, I would give them a five-star rating on everything. I'm not just satisfied; I'm truly impressed with Achieve Personal Loans, and if I knew somebody who needs to borrow some money, I would recommend this place.”
Henry Jonesboro, AR

Achieve involves phone consultations with a loan consultant as part of its approval process. This adds a nice personal touch but may extend the timeline compared to fully digital lenders.

Personal loans are unavailable in Washington, D.C.; U.S. territories; and 11 states, including Colorado, Hawaii and Oregon. This lender can be promising if you live in an eligible state, need major dental work and value personalized guidance.

4x Award Winner
Achieve Personal Loans won four 2026 Buyer's Choice Awards from ConsumerAffairs for Best Loan Process, Best Experience with Staff, Best Value for Price, and Best Customer Service.

Other lenders to consider

While the following companies didn’t make our top picks, these lenders also stand out for dental financing, each offering distinct advantages depending on your needs.

SoFi

SoFi specializes in no-fee loans for medical and dental expenses. Patients can access loan amounts between $5,000 and $100,000 with repayment terms spanning two to seven years. You can get an instant estimated rate, and funding often happens within one day of approval.

LightStream

LightStream focuses on fixed-rate loans without fees or prepayment penalties. Its distinguishing feature is the Rate Beat program, which reduces your rate if you find better terms elsewhere on similar loans. The lender also gives a 0.5% discount for automatic payments. Loan amounts range between $5,000 and $100,000, with extended repayment terms up to 144 months.

LendingClub

LendingClub offers loan amounts starting at $500 and going up to $65,000, with terms between six and 144 months. While it charges origination fees up to 8%, it provides patient financing directly through partnered dental practices.

Dental loans guide

Dental procedures can cost thousands of dollars, whether you need a basic root canal, invisible braces or a complete smile makeover. When your insurance doesn’t cover the full bill or you need treatment outside your plan’s limits, dental loans offer a financing solution. These loans let you pay for necessary and elective procedures without draining your savings.

Since interest rates and terms vary among providers, comparison shopping helps you avoid overpaying for your oral health care.

Key insights

Dental loans cover necessary oral health procedures and cosmetic treatments not covered by insurance.

Jump to insight

Evaluate APR, fees and terms — not just monthly payments — when comparing total loan costs.

Jump to insight

Alternatives like in-house financing can sometimes be more affordable than a dental loan.

Jump to insight

Dental loans explained

Dental loans are personal loans for oral health expenses. “What makes them ‘dental’ is how they’re marketed — more dentists are now offering these types of loans to patients,” said Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and founder of Fig Loans.

However, the dentist isn’t lending the money. Instead, financial companies partner with practices to offer these financing options in the office.

Dental loans function like unsecured personal loans, meaning you don’t need to provide collateral. They come with fixed monthly payments and are based mostly on your creditworthiness. Dr. Sandip Sachar, dentist and owner at Sachar Dental in New York City, notes that patients borrow a lump sum and repay it over time.

These loans cover virtually any procedure expense not fully covered by your dental insurance plan, including the following:

  • Root canals, crowns and bridges
  • Tooth extractions and oral surgery
  • Cosmetic procedures (e.g., gum contouring, veneers)

The key advantage is that some lenders adjust their approval criteria for medical expenses — potentially making it easier to qualify. This allows you to undergo the necessary procedures you couldn’t otherwise afford all at once.

But while these loans help spread large dental bills into manageable payments, they come with trade-offs. “Interest rates tend to be very high with these unsecured loans,” Dr. Sachar warned. Rates can jump dramatically, and if you don’t pay off the balance by the end of the introductory period, interest may be charged on the full amount from the purchase date.

» HOW TO: Save on teeth aligners

Comparing loan options

To find the best deal for your situation, “consider [your] total cost over the life of the loan, not just the monthly payment,” said Dr. Sachar.

Here are the essential elements to compare:

  • APR: This includes interest and required lender fees, giving you a better picture of the true cost of borrowing.
  • Origination fees: These can reach 9.99% of the loan amount. However, some lenders charge nothing.
  • Prepayment penalties: Although the practice is uncommon among reputable personal loan providers, be wary of lenders charging fees for early loan payoff.
  • Loan terms: Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but thousands less in total interest.
  • Credit requirements: Minimums range from 580 to 660, depending on the lender.
  • Repayment flexibility: Look for options such as payment deferrals or autopay discounts.

Most lenders require steady income, manageable debt-to-income ratios and credit scores above their minimums. So review these before applying.

Dr. Sachar warns that multiple credit inquiries can hurt your credit score, so use prequalification tools first. Once you’ve found suitable options, submit formal applications to your top choices within a 14- to 45-day window to minimize credit score impact.

Protect your credit score

Use prequalification tools to avoid hurting your credit score. When you're ready to apply, stick to a 14- to 45-day window to limit the impact of multiple inquiries.

Alternatives to dental loans

Dental loans aren’t the only option for financing your treatment. Several alternatives might save you money or offer better terms, especially if you have good credit or need a smaller procedure.

“The best alternative is negotiating with your dentist directly,” Zhou told us. Many practices offer cash discounts or custom payment plans since they know their costs and want to help you get needed care.

Here are other options worth exploring:

  • In-house financing: These are interest-free payment plans without credit checks, typically for routine procedures. Unlike traditional loans, these don’t affect your credit score but are limited to specific treatments.
  • CareCredit: This healthcare credit card offers promotional 0% periods ranging from six to 24 months. CareCredit is useful for larger procedures that you can pay off quickly. “If the balance isn't paid in full by the end of the promotional period, [you’ll get charged] deferred interest, retroactively from the initial date of the start of the loan,” Dr. Sachar said. So, it’s important to have a clear payoff plan.
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): These let you use tax-free money for dental procedures. However, “only qualified procedures are allowed … you can’t use HSA money for veneers, for example,” Zhou told us. Cosmetic or elective work generally doesn’t qualify.
  • Credit cards: These work well “if you have 0% APR, and can pay off the balance before that [promotional] period ends,” according to Zhou. “Then you can save on interest.” The advantage is immediate access, but maxing out cards hurts your credit score and leaves you with no emergency funds.
  • Personal savings: This is the most cost-effective option since you avoid interest and fees that come with loans. The downside is potentially depleting your emergency funds or delaying treatment while you save.

When considering credit-based options, it’s important to understand special financing offers. "Watch out for deferred interest offers that claim to offer 0% APR,” Zhou said. “If you miss the payoff window by even one day, you could owe months of back interest at rates over 25%.”

If you don’t qualify for an unsecured loan, a secured personal loan could be an option. These loans require collateral, like a vehicle or certificate of deposit, but you could get a better interest rate in exchange.

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FAQ

What is the best way to get a loan for dental work?

Start by getting a detailed treatment plan with exact costs from your dentist in writing. Next, compare rates, terms and fees from several lenders using prequalification tools that won’t hurt your credit score. Choose the shortest repayment term you can comfortably afford to keep total interest costs low.

What is the minimum credit score for a dental loan?

Most dental loan providers require a credit score of around 640 for approval. Some lenders may approve borrowers with scores around 540 to 580. Adding a co-signer with good credit can boost your chances of getting approved with better terms.

Are there dental loans for bad credit?

Yes, some lenders offer dental loans to borrowers with low credit scores. But keep in mind that bad credit loans often come with higher interest rates and stricter requirements.

Can I use a dental loan for cosmetic procedures?

Most dental loans cover cosmetic procedures, including implants, veneers and teeth whitening. Coverage varies by lender, so check with your loan provider about eligible procedures. Your dentist can also explain which financing options work best for your treatment plan.

» MORE: Straightening teeth at home

Methodology

To determine our top picks, including our pick for the best overall dental loan, we used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews about each company from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings we researched.

We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2025, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies reviewers were happiest with in terms of these aspects. For dental loans, these included:

  • Loan process
  • Customer service
  • Punctuality and speed
  • Rates

We then carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing a lender and researched these offerings at each company. For dental loans, these features included:

  • Minimum and maximum loan amounts
  • Lowest and highest APRs
  • Fastest funding time
  • Maximum origination fee
  • Maximum term length

The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the second-highest score was named the winner.

Article sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

  1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is the difference between a loan interest rate and the APR?” Accessed May 23, 2026.
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