Can I use payday loans for dental treatment?

Unexpected dental treatment can be stressful – both physically and financially. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a sudden infection, dental bills can arrive without warning. And with private dental fees rising in parts of the UK, it’s no surprise they’re a common use for payday loans when people look to finance treatment quickly.

In this guide, we explore how dental loans, emergency credit and alternative funding options work. We’ll break down typical dental costs, look at whether payday loans could help in an emergency (when used responsibly), and highlight NHS support schemes that can reduce or eliminate treatment costs.

In this guide:

• Types of dental treatment you may need to pay for
• Typical dental treatment costs in the UK
• Can I use a payday loan for dental treatment?
• Other ways to finance or fund dental care
• Low-income support for dental treatment
• Tips for saving money on dental care
• Helpful third-party support and Moneyboat resources

Types of dental treatment you may need to pay for

Dental costs vary depending on whether you visit an NHS dentist or a private clinic. Below are some of the most common treatments people face unexpectedly.

• Check-ups and examinations: Routine check-ups typically include an examination and basic oral health advice.
• Emergency dental appointments: For issues such as toothache, infections, abscesses, cracked teeth or lost fillings.
• Fillings: Used to repair cavities or damage caused by decay. Available in metal or composite (white) options.
• Root canal treatment: Used to treat infection inside a tooth. This can be more expensive and sometimes requires multiple visits.
• Crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays: Restorative or cosmetic treatments to repair damaged teeth.
• Extractions: Removing a severely decayed or damaged tooth.
• Dentures and bridges: Partial or full dentures, and fixed bridges to replace missing teeth.
• Orthodontics: Braces and aligners, which are usually private unless clinically required on the NHS for under-18s.
• Cosmetic dentistry: Whitening, composite bonding and other cosmetic procedures not covered by the NHS.

Typical dental treatment costs in the UK

Costs depend heavily on whether your treatment is NHS or private.

NHS dental charges (England)

NHS treatment falls under fixed bands:

• Band 1 – £27.40: Check-up, X-rays, scale and polish (if clinically necessary), preventive advice
• Band 2 – £75.30: Fillings, root canals, extractions
• Band 3 – £326.70: Crowns, bridges, dentures

NHS emergency dental treatment is also £27.40, regardless of the procedure.

Private dental treatment UK averages

Private treatment prices vary by region and clinic. Typically, you can expect to pay:

• Check-up: £30-£90
• Fillings: £90-£250 (depending on material)
• Root canal: £150-£1,000+ (back molars are the most expensive)
• Crowns: £300-£800+
• Composite bonding: £150-£300 per tooth
• Extractions: £80-£350

Because private fees can escalate quickly, some people explore credit options like dental loans, loans for dental treatment, or short-term borrowing.

Can I use a payday loan for dental treatment?

Yes, you can use a payday loan to cover urgent dental costs. Many people choose this route when they need treatment immediately and cannot delay until their next payday. However, it’s important to borrow responsibly and understand the costs involved.

Moneyboat loans are designed for temporary and unexpected expenses such as dental emergencies.

Potential benefits

• Fast access to funds: Applications can be completed online, and approved funds are typically transferred quickly.
• Useful for emergencies: Dental pain or infection often requires same-day treatment.
• Short repayment period: Helps prevent long-term debt.
• Flexible amounts: Can cover smaller costs like fillings or emergency appointments.

Important considerations

• Higher interest rates: Short-term borrowing is more expensive than mainstream credit, as you pay it back over a shorter period, and it’s often available the same day you apply.
• Must be repaid on time: Only borrow what you can comfortably repay.
• Not suitable for long-term dental financing: For expensive treatments like orthodontics, it’s better to consider longer-term credit or payment plans.

Other ways to finance or fund dental care

You might also want to consider other credit or dental financing methods, including support for people with bad credit:

Dental loans via banks or lenders

Some lenders offer personal loans specifically for medical or dental costs.

Benefits

• Longer repayment periods
• Lower interest rates than payday loans
• Suitable for orthodontics or cosmetic treatments

Considerations

• May require credit checks
• Not designed for small or urgent treatments

Dental payment plans (via clinics)

Many dental practices also offer instalment plans directly.

Benefits

• Interest-free options available
• Good for budgeting larger treatment plans

Considerations

• Usually only available for private treatment
• You may need to pass a credit check

Credit cards

A credit card can spread the cost, especially if it has a 0% interest period.

Benefits

• Flexible repayment
• Useful for medium-sized expenses

Considerations

• Missed payments can increase interest significantly
• Not ideal if you're already carrying high credit card debt

Low-income support for dental treatment

Some patients may qualify for free or reduced-cost NHS dental care.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Receive Income Support, JSA, ESA or Universal Credit (with qualifying earnings)
• Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Hold an HC2 certificate (full help)
• Hold an HC3 certificate (partial help)

The NHS Low Income Scheme can significantly reduce the cost of dental care for people on lower incomes. Even if you don’t qualify for full help, partial support may still reduce your bill.

Tips for saving money on dental care

• Stay up to date with routine check-ups: Preventive care can help to reduce the likelihood of costly emergency treatment.
• Look for NHS availability early: NHS appointments often cost far less than private treatment.
• Ask for a written estimate: Compare prices across clinics before committing.
• Opt for NHS Band 2 fillings: Rather than private composite fillings, when appropriate.
• Research and consider dental schools: Some universities offer reduced-cost treatment carried out by supervised students.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Daily brushing, flossing and cutting down on sugary drinks can prevent decay and future expenses.

For more cost-saving advice, explore the Moneyboat blog’s financial wellbeing tips.

Key takeaways

Dental treatment can be expensive, especially when it’s unexpected – but there are several ways to manage the cost. From NHS support schemes and payment plans to credit options such as dental loans, credit cards or short-term loans, the right choice will depend on your situation, budget and urgency of treatment. Payday loans can help in genuine emergencies, but they should only be used responsibly, with a clear plan to repay on time.

If you’re worried about managing dental costs or other bills, consider reaching out to free, independent support organisations:

• StepChange: Debt advice and budgeting help
• Citizens Advice: Guidance on dental rights, NHS treatment and benefits
• MoneyHelper: Free financial tools and support
• National Debtline: Confidential debt advice

You can also explore more help at Moneyboat’s third-party support page.