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Feb 11, 2026
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By:
Jake Menaged

Running a dental practice today isn’t just about cleanings and crowns... it’s about managing cash flow, financing new technology, and growing your business while navigating insurance delays, rising costs, and payroll demands. Whether you're a solo practitioner, cosmetic specialist, or a multi-location DSO, access to fast, flexible funding can make a critical difference.

At Approvd, we help dentists secure working capital, equipment financing, and expansion capital tailored to the realities of running a modern practice.

Why Dentists Need Business Funding in 2026

Even profitable practices face cash flow gaps. Some of the most common reasons dental professionals seek funding include:

1. Equipment Upgrades

Modern dental equipment doesn’t come cheap. Digital X-rays, 3D scanners, intraoral cameras, and new patient chairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Funding gives you the ability to upgrade without draining your operating cash.

2. Adding Operatories or Expanding Locations

Growth opportunities are exciting, but buildouts and new leases come with upfront costs. Many practices use short-term funding to cover buildout expenses before patient revenue catches up.

3. Staffing & Payroll Support

Hiring hygienists, front desk staff, or assistants — or simply making payroll during a slower month — often requires short-term working capital. This is especially true for newer practices still building a patient base.

4. Marketing and Patient Acquisition

From local SEO and social media ads to in-house software like Solutionreach or Lighthouse 360, marketing spend requires upfront capital that may not return instantly. Strategic funding helps cover the gap.

5. Insurance Delays

Reimbursements can take 30–90 days depending on the payer. If most of your receivables are tied up in claims, funding helps keep cash flowing.

Best Types of Funding for Dental Practices

Working Capital Advance

  • Use for: Staffing, marketing, cash flow smoothing

  • Repayment: Daily or weekly fixed payments based on revenue

  • Good fit for: Practices with steady revenue, even with imperfect credit

Equipment Financing

  • Use for: Chairs, imaging machines, software, tech upgrades

  • Terms: 2–5 years with monthly payments

  • Good fit for: Growth-stage or tech-forward practices

Business Line of Credit

  • Use for: Payroll, inventory, repairs, patient experience upgrades

  • Repayment: Only pay for what you draw

  • Good fit for: Dentists who want funding “just in case”

Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)

  • Use for: Fast funding without heavy documentation

  • Approval: Based on monthly deposits, not personal credit

  • Good fit for: Dentists with fluctuating monthly income or newer practices

What Makes a Dental Practice Fundable?

At Approvd, we look at real business performance, not just your credit score. Our minimum requirements:

  • 12+ months in business

  • $10,000+ in monthly revenue

  • A business bank account with consistent deposits

What helps your case:

  • Steady revenue from insurance or patients

  • Clean bank statements (limited overdrafts or NSFs)

  • A clear use for funds (equipment, hiring, etc.)

Real-World Use Cases (Hypothetical Examples)

  • A cosmetic dentistry office in Los Angeles secured $75K to purchase a digital smile design scanner and offer same-day crowns.

  • A pediatric dental group in Orlando used $40K to build out a second operatory during back-to-school season.

  • A general dentist in Dallas accessed $20K to launch a paid Google ad campaign and increase new patient volume by 35% in Q1.

Each scenario had one thing in common: they couldn’t wait for a traditional bank loan, and they didn’t want to tie up personal assets. Approvd helped them move fast and reinvest confidently.

How Fast Can Dental Practices Get Funded?

We move quickly and  most applicants see approvals within 24 hours, and funding can land in your account within 48–72 hours, depending on the documentation submitted.

Here’s what we look for to move fast:

  • 3–6 months of business bank statements

  • A business checking account

  • An explanation of what the funds are for (growth, upgrades, etc.)

There’s no hard credit pull just to apply, and no obligation to accept any offer.

Common Questions from Dental Practice Owners

Q: Can I qualify even if I don’t take insurance?
Yes — we work with cash-only, hybrid, and insurance-based practices.

Q: What if I have existing equipment debt?
That’s fine — we look at your overall deposits and current debt load. Many clients have layered equipment and working capital loans.

Q: Can I use the funds for marketing or hiring?
Absolutely. Working capital from Approvd can be used however your business needs it.

Q: Do I need perfect credit to get approved?
No. While we review your credit, our decisions weigh your business performance more heavily.

Upgrade Your Practice with Fast, Flexible Funding

Dentistry is evolving. Whether you're adding new tech, hiring your next hygienist, or simply want a financial cushion between insurance payouts, Approvd gives dental professionals access to real-world capital — without the headaches of a traditional loan.

Upgrade your practice with fast, flexible funding.

Check how much you qualify for today.

Man and woman small business owners

Compare competing offers and get funding for your business today.