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Dental Practice Loans: Best Options to Consider in 2023
Dental practices need capital to not only cover regular expenses but also to invest in future growth. However, these businesses must often wait to get paid by insurance companies for services rendered, which means they may not have that money easily accessible.
Written by:Susan Guillory
Reviewed by: Jen Hubley Lickwaldt, Content Writer and Editor
Dental practices constantly need to reinvest back into the company, whether that’s to pay employees, cover malpractice insurance, or buy high-tech dental equipment to attract new patients.
Even a successful practice may not have the cash on hand to cover these expenses from time to time. They may be waiting for insurance payouts or simply going through a slow period, especially when they first get started. Rather than struggling through these periods when cash doesn’t flow, there are small business loans for dental practices that can bridge the gap.
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Top Picks for Best Dental Practice Loans
- Lendzi - Best for Businesses With High Revenue
- National Funding - Best For Dental Equipment Financing
- Biz2Credit - Best for Working Capitall and Payroll Expenses
- SMB Compass - Best Variety of Dental Loans
- GoKapital - Best for Early Payment Discounts
- Fora Financial - Best for Less-Than-Perfect Credit
- Bluevine - Best for Lines of Credit
Finding the right dental practice loan for your business is something you shouldn’t take lightly. You want a lending partner that meets your needs, has reasonable terms, and provides great customer service.
In this review, our experts highlight the rates, fees and terms of each lender and explain what makes them a good option. We also share potential downsides of each lender, and provide a rating methodology you can use to select the best option for your needs.
Best Dental Practice Loans for 2023 - Full Overview
Now let’s look at some of the best lenders that offer dental practice loans so you can determine which is best for your needs.
Best Overall
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Lendzi - Best for Businesses With High Revenue
Factor Rate
Starting at 1.10
Loan Amounts
Up to $4 million
Min. Annual Revenue
$180,000
Key Features
- Borrow up to $4 million in working capital
- Min. credit score: at least 500
- Min. time in business: 6 months
- Equipment financing up to $2 million
- Business line of credit up to $250,000
- See your options without hurting your credit
- Flexible terms: 3 to 15 months
- Excellent customer reviews on independent review sites
- Get funding in as little as 24 hours
Pros & Cons
- Easy online application
- Bad credit accepted
- Many loans and lenders available
- Flexible terms
- Competitive rates
- Excellent customer satisfaction
- High annual income requirements
- Rates higher for those with poor credit
Overview
Lendzi was founded in 2020 with a mission of providing small business loans to dental practices with high revenue that have been denied elsewhere. So far, they’ve succeeded and have funded more than $500 million and counting to small businesses. If you need a loan to grow your dental practice, pay for new equipment, or invest in marketing expenses, look no further than Lendzi. Lendzi offers a quick, online application that takes just a few minutes to fill out and will not affect your credit score. From there, a representative will be in touch to discuss specifics of your business and match you with a loan. Lendzi is both a direct lender and a lending marketplace, so the odds are in your favor that they can find the perfect loan for your dental practice.
Main Features
Working capital loans through Lendzi require a credit score of just 500. These loans go up to $400,000 and terms range between three and 15 months. Factor rates start at 1.15. If you need to purchase new equipment, we recommend equipment financing through Lendzi. With this type of loan, you can borrow up to $2 million and rates start at just 3.49%. Because the equipment acts as collateral, lenders are typically able to offer better rates. To qualify, you need to be in business for at least six months and have an annual revenue of $180,000 or more.
Lendzi is one of the best lenders out there to work with, whether you have bad credit or not. We love that a representative walks you through the process and helps you decide which type of loan is best for your business. And it’s not just us that loves Lendzi - they currently have more than 2,000 5-star reviews on trusted sites like Google, TrustPilot, and Better Business Bureau.
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National Funding - Best For Dental Equipment Financing
Factor Rate
Starting at 1.10
Loan Amounts
Up to $500K
Min. Annual Revenue
$250,000
Key Features
- Min. Time in Business: 6 months
- Min. Credit Score 600
- Borrow up to $500,000 in working capital
- Equipment financing up to $150,000
- Factor rate From 1.10
- Fast funding
- Early payment discounts
- Equipment financing repayment 2-5 years
- Working capital repayment 4 months - 2 years
Pros & Cons
- Fast funding via direct deposit
- Early repayment discount
- Excellent support via phone or email
- Daily or weekly repayments
- High annual revenue requirement
- Lack of transparency
Overview
National Funding offers short-term working capital loans, which can help your dental practice cover everyday expenses like payroll and utilities. While you may borrow up to $500,000, you’ll need to repay your loan daily or weekly.
Main Features
National Funding’s working capital business loans range from $5,000 to $500,000 with repayment terms between 4 months and 2 years. Eligibility requirements include a minimum credit score of 600, at least 6 months of operations, and $250,000 or more in annual revenue.
If your dental practice has been around for some time, a working capital loan from National Funding should be on your radar. You can reap the benefits of fast funding and even save on your remaining balance if you pay off your loan early.
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Biz2Credit - Best for Working Capitall and Payroll Expenses
Interest rates
Starting at 7.99%
Loan Amounts
$25K to $500K
Min. Annual Revenue
$250,000
Key Features
- Working capital up to $2 million
- Term loans up to $500,000
- Term loan interest rate starts at 7.99%
- Loan Repayment 12-36 months terms
- Variable APR depending on the applicant
- Funding in 72 hours
- Soft credit pull
Pros & Cons
- Fast funding
- High credit limits available
- Dedicated funding specialists
- Requires annual revenues of $250,000
- May include fees on top of interest
- Must borrow at least $25,000
Overview
You don’t have time to wait to get the cash your dental practice needs, and with Biz2Credit, you don’t have to. You can get approved for capital within 24 hours of applying, and receive your loan proceeds within 72 hours. Biz2Credit offers working capital loans, term loans, and commercial real estate loans, all of which can be useful to a dental practice.
Main Features
Biz2Credit allows dental practices and other businesses to borrow from $25k up to $6 million. Its term loans have a maximum of $500k. Loans can be used to hire staff for your dental practice, buy equipment, expand your business, or pay down other debt, and repayment periods for loans are 36 months. To qualify for a working capital loan with Biz2Credit, you must have a personal credit score of 575 or more, be in business for at least 6 months, and have annual revenue of at least $250,000.
If you need cash fast for your dental practice, Biz2Credit won’t keep you waiting. And with a dedicated funding specialist, you’ll make sure to get the best financing option for your needs.
SMB Compass - Best Variety of Dental Loans
Interest Rates
Starting at 7.99%
Loan Amounts
$10K - $10 million
Min. Monthly Revenue
$20,000
Key Features
- Loans up to $10 million
- Min. credit score: can go as low as 550 for certain loans
- Min. time in business: 1+ years in business, no startups
- Funding times: 5 to 7 days for term loans and 24 - 48 hours for line of credit
- Flexible terms: 2 – 10 years for term loans
- Interest Rates: starting at 8.99% for term loans
- Applying does not impact credit score
- Nine loan products to choose from
Pros & Cons
- Low, competitive rates
- Large loan amounts
- Loan terms up to 25 years
- Excellent customer service
- Poor credit not accepted
- Not available in all states
- Must be in business at least one year
- High revenue requirements
Overview
Whether your dental practice needs a small working capital loan or a large business loan to renovate your space, SMB Compass can help. The lender offers nine different products ranging from business lines of credit to asset-based loans to SBA loans. If you aren’t sure what type of loan you need, a representative can walk you through the process. To qualify, you’ll ideally have been in business at least one year, have a 650 credit score or higher, and have $20,000 or more in monthly revenue. If approved, funding can be quick– typically within one to two business days for most loan products.
Main Features
SMB Compass offers nine different types of small business loans to borrowers, including dental practices. Their mission is to make loans more accessible to small business borrowers by providing cost-effective and flexible lending solutions. SMB Compass business loans range from $10,000 to $10 million with terms up to 25 years. Rates start at 7.99% for qualified borrowers. The lender has currently provided more than 1,200 U.S. businesses with more than $250 million in financing. To apply, simply fill out their easy online application. It takes just a few minutes and will not impact your credit score. If approved, funding can be dispersed within 24 hours.
The qualifications at SMB Compass are strict, but the loan products are worth it if you meet the requirements. SMB Compass has superior customer service and nine different products to choose from, all with competitive rates, flexible terms, and high loan amounts. To get started, contact a representative today or apply online in just a few minutes!
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GoKapital - Best for Early Payment Discounts
APR.
25% - 75%
Loan Amounts
$10K to $250K
Min. Annual Revenue
$240,000
Key Features
- Borrow up to $250,000
- Loan Terms 2 to 10 years
- Small business term loans APR. 25% - 75%
- Wide range of loan offers
- Simple application process
- Instant pre-approval
- Min, credit score: 500
- Min. time in business 2 years
Pros & Cons
- Easy online application
- Excellent customer service
- Fast decision and funding times
- Multiple loan types to choose from
- Early payment discounts
- Rates can be high
- Annual income requirements can be high
Overview
GoKapital offers six different types of loans for dental practices, in addition to commercial loans if you’re in need of a new practice. One of our favorite loans from GoKapital is the business term loan, which offers an early payment discount. If you need funding but know you can pay it off quickly, this type of loan can save you thousands. GoKapital offers a quick and easy online application that takes just a few minutes to fill out. A soft pull is done on your credit, meaning your credit will not be impacted when you apply. From there, you’ll receive a lending decision usually within 24 hours. If approved, funds can be in your account the same day of loan approval.
Main Features
A business term loan from GoKapital ranges from $10,000 to $250,000, but GoKapital does offer loans up to $5 million (and commercial loans up to $50 million). Term loan rates start at 25% and term length is between two and 10 years. This type of loan does come with an early payment discount, though, giving you the option of saving thousands over the course of the loan. To qualify for a term loan, you need to have two years of business history, $240,000 or more in annual revenue, and a credit score of at least 500. If you don’t meet the revenue requirement, GoKapital offers startup loans that require just $50,000 in annual revenue.
GoKapital can help your dental practice succeed by getting you the funds you need in a short amount of time. Whether you’re in need of a large loan to acquire a new practice or you simply need to borrow $10,000 to upgrade some equipment, GoKapital can help.
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Fora Financial - Best for Less-Than-Perfect Credit
Factor Rate
1.15-1.40
Loan Amounts
$5K-$1.4 million
Min. Monthly Revenue
$12,000
Key Features
- Min. time in business: 6 months
- Min. credit score: 550+
- Borrow up to $1.4 million
- Factor rate from 1.15 to 1.40
- Ideal for plenty of industries
- Approval not solely credit based
- Early payoff discounts
Pros & Cons
- Criteria other than credit considered
- Can borrow up to $750,000
- Early payoff discounts
- Monthly income may be high for some
- May include other fees
Overview
Not every business has excellent credit, and for dental practices with scores under 600, it may be challenging to find financing. Fora Financial looks at criteria other than your credit score, so you may qualify for financing when you couldn’t with other lenders.
Main Features
With Fora Financial’s small business loans and merchant cash advances, you can borrow $5,000 to $750,000. You must repay the loan within 15 months. To qualify for a dental practice loan or merchant cash advance, your business must generate at least $12,000 monthly and be in operation for at least 6 months.
Having a low credit score shouldn’t keep you from being able to get working capital to grow your dental practice. Fora Financial sees you as more than just a credit score and will look at other criteria to get you the money you need.
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Bluevine - Best for Lines of Credit
Interest rates
Starting at 6.2%
Loan Amounts
Up to $250,000
Min. Annual Revenue
$480,000
Key Features
- Funding up to $250,000
- Min. credit score: 625
- Min. time in business: 6 months
- Interest rates as low as 4.8%
- Loan Repayment 6-12 months terms
- Quick and simple application
Pros & Cons
- Replenishable credit line
- Interest checking available
- No monthly or prepayment fees
- Credit line limited to $250,000
- Repayment period of only 6-12 months
- Credit score requirement may be high for some
Overview
If you expect your dental practice to need extra cash over time, rather than all at once, a line of credit from Bluevine can get you the access you need to that capital. Pay back what you borrow and you can borrow it again and again. Additionally, Bluevine offers an interest checking account, so you can make money when you use it.
Main Features
Bluevine’s line of credit allows you to borrow up to $250,000 for your dental practice, and what you borrow must be repaid in either 6 or 12 months. Payments are taken monthly or weekly. Qualification requirements include: being U.S.-based, in operation for at least 6 months, a credit score of 625 or more, and $10,000 or more in monthly revenue
Sometimes a one-time loan isn’t what your dental practice needs. If you like the idea of being able to borrow and pay back money and borrow it again, a Bluevine line of credit could be just the thing.
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Main Features of The Best Dental Practice Loans
Lendzi4.5
National Funding4.1
Biz2Credit4
Torro3.9
GoKapital4.1
Fora Financial4
Bluevine4
- Min. Credit Score - 500
- Min. Time in Business - 6 months
- Min. Annual Revenue - $180,000
- Loan Amount - Up to $400,000
- Interest Rate - Factor rates starting at 1.15
How to Choose the Best Dental Practice Loan
- Loan features: How much does the lender offer? What are repayment terms?
- Application process: Is the loan application simple or complex? Does it result in a hard or soft inquiry on a dental practice’s credit?
- Interest rates and fees: What interest rates does this lender charge? Are there other fees?
- Qualification process: What criteria does the lender use regarding credit scores, time in business, or annual revenues?
- Customer support: How can customers reach the lender? Is customer service available by email, phone, or chat?
- Online user reviews: What are other customers saying about the lender on review sites like Trustpilot?
- Perks and bonuses: Does the lender offer a mobile app, flexible payment options, or other features?
What Are the Costs of Opening a Dental Practice?
Starting a New Dental Practice
If you want to start your practice from scratch, you might want to go for a business startup loan. Usually, these types of loans begin with interest-only or low payments that restrict your expenditures during the opening phase and initial construction. In this case, lenders might release the fund disbursements over time, by paying your contractors progressively. This can reduce the amount of interest you need to pay.
Buying an Existing Dental Practice
There are pros and cons to buying an existing dental practice instead of building one from scratch. You will likely need to look for a loan such as dental practice financing that will cover equipment upgrades or renovations plus the purchase price.
Working Capital Financing
If you have a practice that is already up and running, you might need help sustaining cash flow, especially during a slow business period. An online lender that gives quick funds may be your best option because it will provide you with quick access to cash.
Dental Equipment Financing
This type of financing might be easier to get than a dental practice loan because you can use the equipment as collateral for the loan. Unlike small business loans, dental equipment loans might not be amortized. This means that the loan amount comes with the financing charge. This means that paying off the loan before due time won’t save you money as the interest doesn’t accrue over time.
Dental Software Financing
Software purchase and licensing needs for your dental business can grow over time–anywhere between hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. As your practice grows, your technology needs might change. You may also need funds to teach staff how to use the new software.
How to Qualify for Dental Practice Loans
While each lender will have different requirements for approval, there are a few things to consider before applying for a dental practice loan.
- How you’ll spend the money: Before taking out financing, make sure you have a budget for the money so you spend it to grow your practice. This can be part of your business plan.
- How the money will make more money: Ideally, the money you borrow will help you generate more profits. However, don’t bank on this and take out more debt than you can afford to repay.
- Your credit situation: Your personal credit may impact the types of loans and rates you qualify for, so if you have bad credit, you may be limited in your options.
- Your plans for the future: This loan may serve as a stopgap during a slow revenue period, though ideally, it will help you grow your business over time. Consider what your long-term goals are for the practice.
What Can You Use Loans for a Dental Practice For?
Let’s look at a few of the ways you can use your dental practice loans to improve your business.
- Hire staff: As your business grows, you may need to hire additional administrative staff, hygienists, or dentists to better serve your growing dental practice.
- Marketing: Getting the word out about your practice takes time and money, and a loan can help cover the costs of advertising and marketing.
- Equipment: Dentistry has seen some leaps forward in terms of technology, and having the latest equipment, such as X-ray machines, can help you attract more patients.
- Startup costs: Starting a practice can be costly, with remodeling fees, payroll costs, equipment, and supplies. A loan can help.
- Slow periods: If your business sees fewer patients during certain months, it may be challenging to pay your bills. A loan can serve as a stopgap until revenues pick up.
Conclusion
A dental practice loan can help you do more in your business by providing the capital you need to launch or grow. Choosing the best financing option is up to you. Be sure to shop around, as dental practice loan interest rates may vary from one lender to another.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Can You Qualify for Dental Practice or Equipment Financing with Bad Credit?
How Many Years Will You Have to Finance Dental Equipment?
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Written by: Susan Guillory
Susan Guillory is an intuitive business coach and content magic maker. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and SoFi. She writes about business and personal credit, financial strategies, loans, and credit cards.
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Reviewed by: Jen Hubley Luckwaldt
Dominique Broadway is an award-winning personal finance expert. She provides advice on all areas of personal finance including student loans. Her advice has been featured in numerous publications. Dominique is committed to helping tackle the student loan crisis and helping individuals make informed financial decisions.
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