Payment plans are becoming increasingly popular in dentistry as patients look for more manageable ways to pay for treatment.
With the cost of private dental care a concern for many households, spreading payments over a number of months can make treatment feel more affordable and easier to budget for. Recent figures show that 27% of private dental patients have a monthly dental payment plan, up from 22% in 2023.
Why are payment plans becoming more popular?
The cost of dental care is an important factor in whether people seek treatment. The Adult Oral Health Survey found that 30% of adults said the cost of dental care had influenced the type of care they chose, while 23% said cost had caused them to delay treatment.
Payment plans can help patients spread the cost instead of paying a large amount in one go. This can be particularly useful for treatments such as crowns, implants, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, where costs can be much higher than a routine check-up.
At Elegance Dental in Hertfordshire, just outside West London, Dr Erika Schoeman runs a popular practice specialising in Invisalign treatment.
She says: “We offer a payment plan for Invisalign braces over 12 months, and for many patients, this takes some of the edge off and can help them afford the smile they really want.”
For many patients, the attraction is also about having greater financial certainty. A regular monthly payment can make it easier to plan household spending and avoid an unexpected dental bill.
The rise of private dentistry
The growth in payment plans is also linked to wider changes in the dental market. Access to NHS dentistry remains difficult in many parts of England. In June 2025, only 39.8% of adults had seen an NHS dentist within the previous two years, compared with 49.4% in September 2019.
More people are therefore considering private treatment. Healthwatch found that 32% of adults in England had used private dentistry in the previous year in 2025, compared with 22% in 2023.
As more patients use private dentists, practices need to think about how treatment can remain accessible without compromising the quality of care.
Benefits for patients
A payment plan can make it easier for a patient to accept recommended treatment without having to find the full cost immediately. It may also reduce the temptation to delay necessary care because of concerns about affordability.
Payment plans can be particularly helpful when treatment involves several stages. Instead of facing one large bill, patients may be able to make regular payments while receiving the treatment they need.
For patients, however, it is important to understand exactly what they are agreeing to. They should check the total cost, payment period, interest or fees, cancellation terms and what happens if treatment changes.
Benefits of offering payment plans for dental practices
Payment plans can also benefit dental practices. Offering flexible ways to pay may make it easier for patients to proceed with treatment – especially those who are on the fence with treatment, are undertaking large treatment plans or for multiple family members such as their children.
Plans can also support longer-term relationships between practices and patients. A patient who feels that treatment is financially manageable may be more likely to return for regular appointments and preventative care.
There is evidence that payment plans can influence attitudes towards affordability. Denplan’s 2024 survey found that people with monthly dental plans were less likely to worry about the cost of appointments than people overall. Even Bass Orthodontics, one of the leading orthodontists in Harley Street, offers their flagship clear braces product from £200 per month.
Making payment plans clear and fair
Dentists should make sure patients understand the financial agreement before treatment begins. Costs should be explained clearly, including any interest, administration charges or other fees.
Practices should also avoid presenting finance as the only way to afford treatment. Patients need enough information to make an informed decision based on their circumstances.
Clear communication is particularly important for more expensive treatments. Patients should know the proposed treatment, its expected cost and the payment options available before agreeing to proceed.
Dentists should stay on top of affordable options
As private dentistry continues to grow and household budgets remain under pressure, payment plans are likely to remain an important option for patients. There are several finance partners that dentists can use, available from the likes of Chrysalis and Tabeo, with recent changes in FCA regulation on 15th July stating that dentists no longer need licenses.
For patients, the key is choosing a plan that is affordable, transparent and appropriate for the treatment they need. As patients become more wise and knowledgeable of treatments available to them and the pricing plans, especially using AI search, the need for dentists to stay on top of these offers is essential.
