download the finder app! App

Dental loans

Dental loans can cover dental bills from $150 all the way to $10,000.

Avatar
Matt Corke
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

A dental loan can take the stress out of paying your dental bills and help cover the costs. From a simple checkup to a more comprehensive reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, you can still get a dental loan regardless if the dental work you need to be done is necessary or elective.

⚠️ Warning about Borrowing

payday-warningDo you really need a loan today?*

It can be expensive to borrow small amounts of money and borrowing may not solve your money problems.

Check your options before you borrow:

  • For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and independent financial counsellor
  • Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment plan
  • If you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: Phone: 13 17 94

The Government's MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

What is a dental loan?

A dental loan is a form of personal loan that is used to finance dental work. This may be a standard unsecured personal loan or secured personal loan, or a specialised loan from a specific lender. Some dental practices may also offer their own financing programs, or may be partnered with interest-free 'buy now, pay later' services.
Credit cards can also be used to pay for dental bills in some cases.

Data updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Min Loan Amount Loan Term Application Fee Monthly Service Fee Monthly Repayment
Plenti Personal Loan
Plenti Personal Loan

From 6.39% (fixed)
6.39%
$5,000
3 to 7 years
$0 to $999
$35
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.39% p.a. and 17.89% p.a. based on your risk profile.
A flexible loan with amounts from $5,000 and terms starting from 3 years. Interest and comparison rates calculated for a loan term of 5 years.
Go to site
More Info
Alex Bank Personal Loan
Alex Bank Personal Loan

From 4.99% (fixed)
4.99%
$2,100
6 months to 5 years
$0 (Waived $295 establishment fee)
$0
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 4.99% p.a. to 19.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow between $2,100 and $30,000 from 6 months to 5 years. Note: The $295 establishment fee will be waived for loan applications submitted by 3 November 2021.
Go to site
More Info
OurMoneyMarket Personal Loan
Exclusive
OurMoneyMarket Personal Loan

From 5.45% (fixed)
6.07%
$2,001
1 to 7 years
From $250
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate from 5.45% p.a. to 20.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
A personalised loan from $2,001 to $75,000 that varies based on your credit history and financial situation.

⭐ Finder Exclusive: Apply before September 30th 2021 to secure a discounted rate of 5.45% p.a. (comparison rate: 6.07% p.a.) for the first 12 months on loans over $35,000. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
More Info
NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan
Exclusive
NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan

From 5.95% (fixed)
5.95%
$5,000
18 months to 7 years
No Establishment Fee
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.95% p.a. and 17.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow from $5,000 to $7,999 with loan terms between 18 months and 3 years or borrow $8,000 to $50,000 with loan terms between 18 months and 7 years.

⭐ Finder Exclusive: Apply and settle a NOW Finance debt consolidation loan via Finder by 30 September 2021 for your chance to win $2000 paid off your debt. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
More Info
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan

From 5.35% (fixed)
6.14%
$2,000
3 to 5 years
$575 ($275 for loans of below $5,000)
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.35% p.a. and 19.09% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Apply for a loan up to $50,000 and repay your loan over 3 or 5 years terms.
Go to site
More Info
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed

From 6.99% (fixed)
7.91%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$150
$10
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. (7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
Borrow from $5,000 to $55,000, with 1 to 7 year loan terms available. This loan comes with no fees for extra repayments and no early exit fees.
Go to site
More Info
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan

From 5.75% (variable)
6.47%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
from 0% to 5% of the loan amount
$10

You'll receive a variable rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a.
Borrow up to $50,000 and earn 1 Qantas Point for every $1 borrowed.

⭐Special Offer: Earn up to 50,000 Qantas Points with a personal loan from Symple.
Go to site
More Info
Great Southern Bank Unsecured Fixed Rate Personal Loan
Great Southern Bank Unsecured Fixed Rate Personal Loan
9.39% (fixed)
9.64%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$175
$0
You'll receive a guaranteed rate of 9.39% p.a. with a comparison rate of 9.64% p.a. if you're approved.
An unsecured loan from $5,000 with flexible repayments and no monthly fee.
Go to site
More Info
Wisr Personal Loan ($5,000 to $30,000)
Wisr Personal Loan ($5,000 to $30,000)

From 6.49% (fixed)
6.49%
$5,000
3 to 7 years
$0 - Waived Establishment Fee
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.49% p.a. and 20.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 that charges no fees for extra or early repayments. Keep in mind security is required in some cases.

⭐Special Offer:The $595 establishment will be waived for unsecured personal loans between $5,000 and $30,000. Offer ends 30 September 2021. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
More Info
Wisr Personal Loan ($30,001 to $64,000)
Wisr Personal Loan ($30,001 to $64,000)

From 6.49% (fixed)
7.11%
$30,001
3 to 7 years
$595
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.49% p.a. and 20.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $30,001 that charges no fees for extra or early repayments. Keep in mind security is required in some cases.
Go to site
More Info
ANZ Fixed Rate Personal Loan
ANZ Fixed Rate Personal Loan
8.99% (fixed)
9.88%
$5,000
1 to 7 years
$150
$10
You'll receive a guaranteed rate of 8.99% p.a. with a comparison rate of 9.88% p.a. if you're approved.
Apply for up to $50,000 to use for a variety of purposes without needing to add security. Available to self-employed applicants.

⭐Special Offer: Secure a reduced interest rate of 8.99% p.a. for a limited time only. Apply for up to $50,000 to use for a variety of purposes without needing to add security.
Go to site
More Info
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan
SocietyOne Unsecured Personal Loan

From 5.95% (fixed)
5.95%
$5,000
2 to 5 years
from $0 to $595
$0
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.95% p.a. and 19.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
Go to site
More Info
Latitude Personal Loan (Unsecured)
Latitude Personal Loan (Unsecured)

From 7.99% (fixed)
9.24%
$3,000
1 to 7 years
$250 (Loans under $5000 - $140)
$13
You'll receive a fixed rate between 7.99% p.a. and 22.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Apply for what you need from $3,000 and use it for a range of purposes. Repay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
Go to site
More Info
MoneyMe Personal Loans
MoneyMe Personal Loans

From 6.25% (fixed)
7.64%
$2,100
1 to 5 years
from $295 to $495
$10
You'll receive an interest rate between 6.25% p.a. and 19.95% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 with no hidden fees or costs. Application process usually takes 5 minutes to complete and is done fully online.
Go to site
More Info
Plenti Variable Rate Personal Loan
Plenti Variable Rate Personal Loan

From 6.39% (variable)
6.39%
$5,000
1 to 3 years
$0 to $999
$0
You'll receive a variable rate from 6.39% p.a and 17.89% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible loan with amounts from $5,000 and terms starting from 12 months. Benefit from transparent costs and a rate estimate before you apply.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Data updated regularly
Name Product Maximum loan amount Term of Loan Turnaround time Arrears Fee Costs Fortnightly Repayment (for $1500 Loan)
Sunshine Short Term Loans
Sunshine Short Term Loans
$2,000
9-14 weeks
30 minutes - conditions apply
$35
20% of loan amount + 4% of loan amount each month
$396
A small loan up to $2,000 that you repay over 9-14 weeks. Loans approved and funded in as little as 30 minutes. Centrelink must not be your primary income
Go to site
More Info
Jacaranda Finance Personal Loan
Jacaranda Finance Personal Loan
$10,000
9 to 24 months
Under 1 hour - conditions apply
$35
$0 - $1,000 depending on credit
Borrow up to $10,000 and get access to your funds in as little as 1 hour.
Go to site
More Info
Nimble Short Term Loan
Nimble Short Term Loan
$2,000
62 days to 9 months
1 hour - conditions apply
$15
20% of loan amount + 4% of loan amount each month
$372
A loan up to $2,000 with terms up to 62 days to 9 months. Centrelink cannot be your primary source of income.
Go to site
More Info
Fair Go Finance Small Loan
Fair Go Finance Small Loan
$2,000
3 to 12 months
24 to 48 hours
$35
0% Establishment Fee + monthly fee 4%
$354
A small loan between $500 and $2,000 that can be funded in 24 hours.
Go to site
More Info
Credit24 Short Term Loan
Credit24 Short Term Loan
$2,000
6-12 months
Same day - conditions apply
$10
20% of loan amount establishment fee + 4% of loan amount monthly.
$396
Credit24 offers this loan up to $2,000 and gives you 12 months to repay. Centrelink borrowers are considered as long as Centrelink payments are not more than 50% of income.
Go to site
More Info
Credit24 Medium Term Loan (Good Credit)
Credit24 Medium Term Loan (Good Credit)
$5,000
12 to 24 months
Same day
$10
$400 establishment fee + 48% p.a. interest
A small loan with long terms: Apply for up to $5,000 and have up to 2 years to repay.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

How do dental loans work?

Dental loans work by a bank or lender letting you borrow money to cover the costs of dental surgery or other dental costs. Depending on the type of loan, potential borrowers may be able to borrow as little as $100 or as much as $50,000.

Generally, the higher the loan amount, the longer people have to pay it back. However, this will depend on the financial circumstances of the applicant. Customers with bad credit ratings, for example, may only qualify for short-term, high interest loans, otherwise known as payday loans. Loan terms usually vary from between 16 days (for high interest payday loans) to around seven years. Or, if someone opts for a credit card, they may be able to choose a longer repayment period. Customers should be aware however, that credit cards usually come with higher interest rates than traditional personal loans.

How much does dental work cost?

Most people are aware that dental work can be expensive, but just how much can a visit to the dentist cost? For diagnostic preventative work, that is, where you visit the dentist for an oral exam, fluoride, or sealing, the costs can be between about $30 to $100, although calculus removal can cost as much as $150.

For surgery, such as extraction, costs will look closer to $300+. For restorative work, including fillings and cusp capping, you should be expecting to pay closer to $400. When you get into full surgical and restorative work, the bill could be anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000. Braces can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000. For families with one or more children in need of braces, the costs can really add up.

Can I get dental work abroad?

With the prices of Australian dentistry so high, it is little wonder that a number of Aussies are heading overseas for dental work, otherwise known as 'medical tourism'. Depending on the level of work you require, the cost of a flight combined with the cost of care may work out cheaper than paying a local dentist.
However, it's important to have the right insurance prior to making an overseas trip for healthcare services, as there may be risks involved.

Dental work loan options

Before applying for a dental loan, it's important to know the types of loans that are available. If you’re looking at getting dental loans then you have a few options open to consider:

  • Secured loan. A secured personal loan is usually used to finance a car purchase, but there are lenders who will let you make other purchases with this type of loan. Secured loans require asset security in case the borrower defaults on the loan. Asset security usually comes in the form of a vehicle or equity in your home, but some lenders also accept valuable jewellery or art as security. Assets must have a value greater than or equal to that of the loan. Secured loans often come with lower rates because the lender is taking less of a risk.
  • Unsecured loan. This type of loan does not require the use of any type of asset as a guarantee, but as such usually comes with higher rates and potentially higher fees because the lender is taking on a bigger risk. With unsecured loans customers can usually borrow between $1,000 and $50,000 and can use the loan amount for almost any purpose they wish.
  • Short-term loan. These loans, also called payday loans, are usually for amounts between $100 and $5,000 and may be an option if you need finance for emergency dental surgery. However, these loans usually have high fees and high interest rates attached to them. For payday loan amounts up to $2,000, Australia has a fee cap of 24% per $100 borrowed, made up of a 20% establishment fee and a 4% monthly fee. For example, a payday loan of $2,000 repaid over 1 year would total to repayments of $3,360 - that's a cost of $1,360 on a relatively small loan. Repayment periods on payday loans are usually quite short, usually between 60 days and one year.
  • Line of credit or overdraft. A line of credit or overdraft is where the bank allows you to overdraw your account up to a certain limit. You are able to redraw anywhere up to and including this limit and then repay it over time at a fixed rate of interest.
  • Credit card. You also have the option of using a credit card to pay for dental work. Depending on the limit of your card you may be able to cover the costs of surgery or any other visits or check-ups. Just keep in mind that the rate of interest on your credit card is likely to be higher than the rate of interest offered by other personal loans, and with no set repayment period you may fall into debt if you do not keep on top of your payments.
  • Specialist dental loan. There are some lenders that offer loans tailored to dentistry and can help you finance a range of procedures. Specialist loans include payment plans through your dentist as well as third-party providers.
  • Buy now, pay later. Buy now, pay later providers frequently partner with dental clinic to offer interest-free credit for dental procedures. Buy now, pay later solutions can be free or low-cost to use (if payments are made on time) but might be subject to limits and certain eligibility criteria. Repayments are usually required in 4-6 equal fortnightly installments.

Some personal loans that could be used for dental work:

Compare dental loan options

Some questions to consider before applying for a dental loan:

  • What repayments can I afford? Use a loan calculator to work out the cost of a loan's repayments based on the loan’s interest rate and ongoing fees. See if this repayment will work with your budget.
  • How much do I need to borrow? Lenders place restrictions on how much customers can borrow with certain loan products, so check to see their minimum and maximum loan amounts before submitting an application. Keep in mind you may not be approved for the full amount you want, regardless of whether it’s below their maximum amount offered, as this will depend on the income and credit history of prospective borrowers.
  • When do I need the money? Different lenders will offer different turnaround times, so it might be worth talking to the lender to find out when could expect to be approved before you apply.
  • What is my credit history like? For borrowers with marks on their credit rating, restrictions to the types of finance that they will be able to access may apply, and they will likely be subject to higher interest rates than customers with good credit. Check the eligibility criteria offered by lenders prior to submitting an application. Borrowers can also check their credit score online.

Can I withdraw my super to pay for emergency dental work?

While you're normally not able to access your super until you reach preservation age, there are certain situations that will allow you to access your super early. Under 'compassionate grounds' you can apply with the Department of Human Services to access your super early to pay for medical costs, which includes dental work.

Before accessing your super, consider other options you may have available.

How to apply for a dental loan

The application process will differ depending on the lender that you apply with, as will the eligibility criteria. However, the minimum requirements for any finance application are that:

  • You are aged 18 or over.
  • You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • You have some form of regular income

Click through to review pages on finder.com.au to find out what eligibility criteria is set by each lender and what documents you need to apply. If you've found a loan you want to apply for, click "Go to Site" to start your application.

Picture: Shutterstock

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

6 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    KathrynJuly 25, 2017

    I need dental work. I need dentures. I’ve had 2 implants but one is not good and needs replacing. Today my dentist tells me I need 4 implants in total in my lower jaw.
    Today I had impressions taken for dentures and the sister was over $1500. I have private health insurance but it’s not going to cover a fraction of the cost.
    I’m so worried. I’ve had a really traumatic time with my oral work since last October when I had a full dental clearance.
    What are my options?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchJuly 28, 2017Staff

      Hi Kathryn,

      Thanks for reaching out to us.

      Please check our dental health insurance guide for helpful information and where you can compare your options. Please fill out the search tool on the page and click on ‘Search Policies’ to provide you a list of dental insurances that suit your needs.

      Hope this helps.

      Best regards,
      Rench

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    annaOctober 11, 2016

    I need dental loan of $600 for Thursday 12/10

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ElizabethOctober 11, 2016Staff

      Hi Anna,

      I can’t recommend a lender for you but you can compare your personal loan options on the page above. Click through to the review page to see eligibility criteria and when you can expect to receive your loan amount.

      Hope this helps,

      Elizabeth

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    JoanneSeptember 3, 2016

    I would like to get a loan to get my theeth fixed please thank you

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ElizabethSeptember 5, 2016Staff

      Hi Joanne,

      You can compare unsecured personal loans on the page above, which may be used for dental work (depending on your eligibility). If you’re looking for a short-term loan, you can compare payday loans and give them a try.

      Hope this helps,

      Elizabeth

      Reply
Go to site