Using CareCredit to Pay for Dental Care

Are you in need of dental care but unable to afford it? Consider CareCredit.

At California Dental Group, we see many patients who have allowed their dental problems to progress to severe and painful levels because they were unable to afford dental care. While we are able to help a lot of these patients at our annual free dentistry events, you shouldn’t have to wait a whole year to get the dental care you need. Using CareCredit to finance your dental care may be the solution you’re looking for.

What is CareCredit?

CareCredit is a type of credit card that is designed specifically for helping consumers cover their healthcare expenses, including dental care. CareCredit offers long-term, interest-deferred financing on purchases of $200 or more and you can often get approved instantly, enabling you to get your dental care right when you need it. Unlike your average credit card, CareCredit offers special financing options that allow you to avoid paying interest on your balance if you make your monthly payments on time and pay off your balance by the end of the 6, 12, 18, or 24-month promotional period.

What if I Need Longer to Pay Off My Balance?

Try not to be overly optimistic when selecting the term of your offer. It’s better to give yourself more time and lower monthly payments rather than risk missing payments or failing to repay the entire balance before the promotional period expires. Bear in mind that if you choose a promotional offer but fail to pay the balance in full by the end of the 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, you will be charged interest retroactively on the whole original balance. You can get terms of up to 60 months with regular interest. The interest rate will depend on your credit score.

Are there Risks When Using CareCredit?

The risks associated with using CareCredit are the same as with any other credit card—if you fail to make your monthly payments eventually your account could be placed in default and you might end up dealing with bill collectors. Also, acquiring too much credit or maintaining a high debt to credit ratio can harm your credit score.

Ask your Dentist for More Details

Not all dentists and healthcare providers offer all CareCredit promotions, so be sure to ask your dentist for the details of their participation before agreeing to any dental procedures you may not be able to pay for in cash.