If you can’t or don’t want to pay for your dental care with cash, here’s what you need to know about the alternatives.

Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, you can use it to charge the dental bill right away and then repay it over time. Depending on your interest rate, this can be cheaper than medical financing. Some cards offer 0% APR, meaning you’ll pay no interest if you pay it off within the promotional period.

That said, interest can build up quickly if you carry a balance beyond the next billing cycle. (You can check your credit card provider for details.)

This option is best for relatively low-cost emergencies, or if you don’t want to apply for financing. 

Third-Party Medical Financing

Companies like CareCredit, Cherry, and LendingClub specialize in healthcare lending. They often offer 0% interest for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, if the balance is paid in full within that promotional period. It’s usually easier to qualify for these than traditional loans, and they offer financial breathing room.

It is important to note that if you don’t pay off the full balance by the end of the promotional period, you may owe back interest on the entire loan, not just the remaining balance. What’s more, those non-promotional interest rates can be high. This makes it vital to check the details of any third-party financing you consider.

This option is best for larger procedures, as long as you’re confident you can pay the balance within the promotional period.

In-House Dental Savings Plans

Think of this as discounted membership pricing. In exchange for an annual fee (typically $150–$350 per year per adult), you get free or reduced-cost regular exams and cleanings as well as discounts on most procedures.

There’s no credit check or approval process involved. What’s more, there’s usually no waiting period, so you can use the discount right away on your emergency procedure.

On the other hand, those discounts won’t cover the full cost, so you’ll still be paying out of pocket. Since there’s no financing involved, that payment will typically be due at the time of the procedure.

This option is best if you expect to need multiple dental visits across the year. You can also use it to reduce larger bills before financing the remainder.

Alternatives to Private Practices

At dental schools and university clinics, students perform procedures under close supervision by licensed dentists. The fees for these procedures are significantly lower than in private practices.

That said, appointments can take longer, and this option is not always ideal for dental emergencies.

Many community health centers offer dental care, with fees based on a sliding scale that adjusts for income and family size. While this can be ideal for basic care, wait times are often long, and more complex procedures are often referred out to private practices.

Some nonprofit organizations, charities, and religious groups run clinics providing free or low-cost care. This is often a great option for basic urgent care, such as fillings or extractions. On the other hand, appointments often fill up quickly, which can be a problem when you need care urgently.

Some areas have charity events that offer free dental treatment to anyone who qualifies. While these can work for basic urgent needs, they’re not available year-round, and can often require long waits in line for treatment.