How does patient financing work at 123Dentist clinics?

Many patients delay or avoid dental treatment because they’re worried about cost. Patient financing at 123Dentist clinics is designed to make care more affordable and predictable, so you can get the treatment you need now and pay over time instead of all at once.

Below is a general overview of how patient financing usually works at 123Dentist clinics. Because each location may have slightly different options and providers, always confirm details directly with your specific clinic.

What is patient financing?

Patient financing is a payment option that lets you spread the cost of your dental care over a series of smaller payments. Instead of paying the full amount at the time of treatment, you:

Apply for a payment plan (often through a third‑party financing partner)
Receive a credit decision (sometimes instantly)
If approved, pay in instalments according to your chosen plan’s terms

This can be used for many types of treatment, from checkups and fillings to more extensive procedures like crowns, implants, or orthodontics.

Who can use patient financing at 123Dentist clinics?

In most cases, patient financing is available to:

Patients without dental benefits
Patients whose insurance only covers part of their treatment
Patients facing a larger, unexpected treatment plan
Patients who want to manage their cash flow by spreading payments out

Eligibility and approval are typically determined by the financing provider, not the clinic. Common factors can include:

Age of majority in your province or territory
Proof of identity
Basic financial or credit information

Your clinic team can explain what’s required and help you start the process.

How the patient financing process usually works

While details can vary by location, most 123Dentist clinics follow a similar step‑by‑step process:

1. Consultation and treatment plan

Your dentist will:

Complete an exam and discuss your oral health
Recommend one or more treatment options
Provide an estimate for your treatment, including:
- Procedure codes
- Total cost
- Estimated dental insurance coverage (if applicable)
- Your out‑of‑pocket portion

This estimate becomes the basis for your financing application.

2. Discussing your budget and options

Before moving ahead, you can speak with a treatment coordinator or front desk team about:

How much you’re comfortable paying per month
How quickly you’d like to pay off the balance
Whether you want to finance the entire cost or just the portion not covered by insurance

They’ll review available financing options and help you choose what fits your budget.

3. Applying for patient financing

Most applications are:

Completed online or in‑office
Simple and typically take just a few minutes
Submitted to a third‑party financing partner (not 123Dentist directly)

You may be asked for:

Basic personal information
Contact details
Consent to a credit check (depending on the provider)
Employment or income details in some cases

Many financing providers give instant or same‑day decisions.

4. Approval and plan selection

If approved, you’ll be able to review:

Approved credit amount
Length of the repayment term (e.g., a few months to several years, depending on the plan and treatment)
Payment frequency (e.g., monthly)
Interest rate (some plans may offer low or promotional interest)
Any fees or conditions

Make sure to ask questions about:

Total cost over the life of the loan
What happens if you make extra payments or pay off early
How to change your payment method or update details later

You’ll then sign an agreement outlining the terms.

5. Scheduling and receiving your treatment

Once your financing is in place, the clinic can:

Schedule your treatment
Begin or continue your planned procedures
Coordinate with your dental insurance (if applicable) and the financing provider

In many cases, this allows you to start treatment sooner than if you had to save the full amount upfront.

6. Making your payments

You’ll make payments directly to the financing provider, not the clinic. Typically:

Payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account or charged to a card
You receive statements or access to an online portal
You can track your remaining balance and payment history

If you have any concerns about your payment schedule or need to change your details, you’ll contact the financing provider’s customer service.

What types of dental treatments can be financed?

Financing is often available for a wide variety of services, including but not limited to:

Preventive care
- Exams and checkups
- Professional cleanings
- X‑rays
Restorative treatments
- Fillings
- Crowns and bridges
- Root canals
- Dental implants (availability varies by location)
Cosmetic and elective services
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Digital Smile Design and smile makeovers
Orthodontic treatments
- Braces
- Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign® or similar systems, depending on the clinic)

Not every service may be eligible for every type of financing, so it’s best to review your specific treatment plan with the clinic team.

How does patient financing work with dental insurance and the CDCP?

If you have dental benefits or coverage under a public program, patient financing is usually set up to cover only what you personally owe.

Common scenarios:

With private dental insurance
- The clinic estimates what your insurance will cover
- Financing is typically used for the remaining balance
- Once the insurance claim is processed, any adjustments can be discussed with the clinic and/or financing provider
With the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
- If your 123Dentist clinic accepts CDCP, they will help you understand:
  - Which services are covered
  - What portion you might still be responsible for
- Patient financing may be used to help manage out‑of‑pocket costs that are not covered by the CDCP
No insurance or public coverage
- Financing can be applied to the full cost of your treatment plan

Because coverage rules can change, ask your clinic team to walk you through how your plan (private or CDCP) interacts with patient financing.

Typical benefits of patient financing

Many patients choose financing because it can:

Make care more accessible – get needed treatment now instead of postponing it
Break large costs into smaller payments – easier to fit into a monthly budget
Protect your oral health – delaying treatment can lead to more complex and costly issues later
Offer flexibility – choose a term length and payment amount that works for you (based on available plans and approval)

Questions to ask your 123Dentist clinic about financing

When you call or visit, you might want to ask:

Do you offer patient financing at this location?
Which financing providers do you work with?
What are the typical term lengths and payment options?
Are there interest‑free or low‑interest promotions available?
Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be financed?
Can I finance only the portion not covered by my insurance or CDCP?
Are there any application fees or penalties for early repayment?

The team can explain the options available at that specific clinic and help you understand the next steps.

How to get started

To explore patient financing at a 123Dentist clinic:

Contact your local 123Dentist clinic and mention that you’re interested in financing.
Schedule an exam or consultation so the dentist can create a treatment plan and cost estimate.
Discuss payment options with the treatment coordinator or front desk, including any financing programs they offer.
Complete an application in‑office or online as directed by the clinic.

By combining clear treatment planning, dental benefits (including programs like the CDCP, where applicable), and flexible patient financing, 123Dentist clinics aim to make high‑quality dental care easier to access and budget for.