CFACommercial Funding Advisory

Healthcare

Business Funding for Dental Offices

Dental offices are one of the most capital-intensive small businesses to start. A single operatory costs $75,000 to $150,000 to equip with a chair, delivery system, X-ray unit, and cabinetry. Most dental startups need 4 to 6 operatories to be viable. The good news is that dental practices carry strong valuations and lenders know the economics well, so financing is more accessible than in many other industries.

Common Uses

What Dental Offices Use Funding For

  • Equip operatories with dental chairs, digital X-ray sensors, and intraoral cameras
  • Purchase a CBCT scanner or panoramic imaging unit for advanced diagnostics
  • Acquire an existing dental practice from a retiring dentist
  • Renovate the office to add operatories and expand capacity

Funding Options

Best Funding Types for Dental Offices

Dental Practice Loan

Specialty lenders like Bank of America Practice Solutions and Provide focus exclusively on dental. They understand the economics of a dental office and can fund acquisitions, startups, and expansions with terms built for the industry.

Equipment Financing

Finance individual pieces like CEREC milling units ($150,000+), cone beam scanners ($100,000+), or full operatory packages. Dental equipment has strong resale value through companies like Patterson and Henry Schein.

SBA 7(a) Loan

The standard vehicle for acquiring an existing practice or starting one from scratch. SBA loans cover goodwill, equipment, buildout, and working capital in a single loan with 10-year terms.

What Lenders Look For

Qualification Notes for Dental Offices

A valid dental license in the state where you plan to practice is the first requirement every lender checks
Dental startups can get funded with no business history if the dentist has clinical experience and a solid business plan
Practice acquisition loans are underwritten based on the historical cash flow of the practice being purchased, not just your personal credit

Ready to Explore Funding for Your Dental Office Business?

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