How does patient financing work at 123Dentist clinics?
Dental Clinic Networks

How does patient financing work at 123Dentist clinics?

8 min read

For many patients, the biggest barrier to getting the dental care they need is cost. Patient financing at 123Dentist clinics is designed to make treatment more accessible by breaking down larger bills into smaller, more manageable payments. Instead of paying everything upfront, you can spread the cost over time, often with flexible terms that suit your budget.

What is patient financing at 123Dentist clinics?

Patient financing is a payment option that allows you to receive dental treatment now and pay for it gradually. Rather than using a credit card or postponing care, you apply for a dedicated financing plan through a third‑party provider partnered with 123Dentist clinics.

Key features typically include:

  • Fast, simple application process
  • Instant or same‑day approval decisions (in most cases)
  • Flexible payment terms (e.g., short-term or extended payment plans)
  • Options that may include interest‑free or low‑interest plans (depending on the offer and provider)

Because each 123Dentist clinic may work with different financing partners and offer slightly different terms, it’s important to confirm the specific details with your local office.

What types of treatments can be financed?

Patient financing at 123Dentist clinics is generally available for a wide range of services, including:

  • Preventive care: exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants
  • Restorative treatments: fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures
  • Root canals and extractions
  • Cosmetic dentistry: teeth whitening, veneers, bonding (when available at your clinic)
  • Orthodontics: braces or clear aligners
  • Dental implants and related procedures

In many cases, you can finance the full cost of treatment or just the portion not covered by your dental insurance.

How does patient financing work step by step?

While each clinic and financing partner may vary, the process typically follows these stages:

1. Schedule an exam and treatment plan

First, book an appointment at your 123Dentist clinic. After your exam and consultation, your dentist will:

  • Diagnose any issues
  • Discuss your treatment options
  • Provide an estimated cost for each option

This estimate is crucial—it tells you how much financing you may need.

2. Discuss payment options with the front desk

Once you have a treatment plan and estimate, the administrative team will review:

  • Your insurance coverage (if applicable)
  • Your out‑of‑pocket costs
  • Available patient financing options

They can help you compare paying upfront, using insurance, and spreading costs through financing.

3. Complete the financing application

If you choose financing, the clinic will guide you through a quick application with their chosen third‑party provider. This may be done:

  • In person on a tablet or clinic computer
  • Over the phone
  • Online through a secure link or portal

You’ll usually need to provide:

  • Basic personal information (name, address, contact details)
  • Date of birth
  • Employment and/or income information
  • Consent for a credit check (in many cases)

Most applications take only a few minutes to complete.

4. Get an approval decision

The financing provider will review your application and may perform a credit check. In most cases, you’ll receive an instant or same‑day decision.

Possible outcomes include:

  • Approved for the full amount requested
  • Approved for a partial amount (you cover the rest another way)
  • Approved with certain terms (specific interest rate, duration, or promotional offer)
  • Not approved (in which case the clinic can discuss alternate payment options)

If approved, the clinic team will explain your payment terms before you proceed.

5. Review your plan details and sign

Before starting treatment, you’ll review and sign a financing agreement. This document typically outlines:

  • Total amount of credit
  • Interest rate (if applicable)
  • Length of the repayment term (e.g., 6, 12, 24 months or more)
  • Minimum monthly payment
  • Any promotional terms (e.g., deferred interest if paid in full by a certain date)
  • Fees (e.g., late payment fees, administration fees if applicable)

Make sure you understand the total cost of borrowing, not just the monthly payment.

6. Begin treatment

Once your financing is in place:

  • You can start treatment without waiting to save the full amount
  • The clinic is paid by the financing provider under your agreement
  • You repay the provider over time, according to your plan

This allows you to prioritize your oral health while balancing your budget.

7. Make monthly payments

You’ll then make regular payments directly to the financing provider—not the clinic—via:

  • Automatic bank withdrawals
  • Credit card payments
  • Online banking
  • Mailed cheques (depending on provider options)

Staying on top of your payments helps you avoid late fees and protects your credit standing.

What types of financing plans are available?

The exact options may differ between clinics and providers, but common patient financing structures include:

Short-term, interest‑free plans (where available)

Some clinics may offer promotional plans such as:

  • 0% interest for a set period (e.g., 6 or 12 months)
  • Deferred interest if paid in full by the promotional end date

These can be appealing if you’re confident you can pay off the balance within the promotional window. Be sure to ask:

  • What happens if you don’t pay in full by the deadline
  • Whether interest is retroactive
  • Any additional fees

Longer‑term, low‑interest plans

For larger treatment plans—such as implants, orthodontics, or full‑mouth restorations—longer terms can make payments more manageable, even if some interest applies.

Typical features may include:

  • Fixed interest rate
  • Set monthly payment
  • Terms that can range from 12 to 60 months or more (depending on provider)

These plans help spread higher dental costs over a longer period, reducing monthly financial pressure.

Partial financing (for out‑of‑pocket costs)

You don’t have to finance the entire treatment. Many patients choose to:

  • Use insurance for covered portions
  • Pay a portion upfront
  • Finance the remaining balance

This gives you extra flexibility to structure payments in a way that fits your financial situation.

Who is eligible for patient financing?

Eligibility is determined by the third‑party financing provider, not directly by 123Dentist clinics. Factors often considered include:

  • Age (you must be the age of majority in your province or territory)
  • Credit history and score (if a credit check is used)
  • Income or employment status
  • Existing debts and repayment history

Some providers offer options for a range of credit profiles, and in some cases, a co‑signer may help if your individual application does not qualify on its own.

Since policies vary, your local clinic can explain which provider they use and what the basic eligibility criteria are.

Does insurance affect patient financing?

Yes—your insurance and financing can work together:

  • First, the clinic estimates what your insurance will cover
  • You pay or finance the remaining balance (the portion not covered)
  • In some cases, financing may be used if your insurance has annual maximums or doesn’t cover certain procedures (such as elective cosmetic treatments)

Financing doesn’t replace insurance; it helps you manage out‑of‑pocket costs that remain after insurance is applied.

What are the benefits of using patient financing?

Choosing patient financing at 123Dentist clinics can offer several advantages:

  • Access to care sooner: Avoid delaying important treatment due to cost.
  • Budget‑friendly payments: Spread costs out instead of paying one large lump sum.
  • Flexibility: Choose from different terms to match your monthly budget.
  • Preservation of savings and credit: Keep your personal savings and credit lines available for other needs.
  • Support for major treatments: Make larger procedures like implants or orthodontics more feasible.

By making care more affordable, financing can help you maintain better long‑term oral health.

What should you consider before applying?

Before you commit to patient financing at a 123Dentist clinic, it’s wise to:

  • Compare total costs: Review interest rates and fees to understand the full amount you’ll repay.
  • Check your monthly budget: Make sure the payment fits comfortably alongside your other expenses.
  • Ask about promotions: Inquire about any current interest‑free or low‑interest offers and their conditions.
  • Clarify penalties: Understand charges for missed or late payments.
  • Confirm flexibility: Ask whether you can pay off the balance early without extra fees.

These questions help you choose a plan that supports your health and financial well‑being.

How to get started with patient financing at a 123Dentist clinic

If you’re interested in patient financing:

  1. Contact your nearest 123Dentist clinic and mention that you’d like to explore financing options.
  2. Schedule an exam and treatment consultation to get a clear cost estimate.
  3. Discuss financing with the administrative team, including available providers and plan types.
  4. Complete the application (online, in‑clinic, or by phone, depending on the setup).
  5. Review and sign your financing agreement once approved, and then proceed with treatment.

Final thoughts

Patient financing at 123Dentist clinics is designed to make quality dental care more accessible by dividing treatment costs into manageable payments. While specific terms and providers may vary by location, the overall goal is the same: to help you receive the care you need now, without placing unnecessary stress on your budget.

For precise details about how patient financing works at your local 123Dentist clinic—including eligibility, current offers, and available plan types—contact the office directly. They can walk you through your options and help you find a payment solution that fits your needs.