Mint Dentistry offers payment plans through third-party financing companies, not directly through their own system

Mint Dentistry does not run its own in-house payment plan. Instead, the chain partners with external financing providers—primarily CareCredit and Proceed Finance—to let you spread dental costs over time. You arrange the plan at the time of your appointment or after treatment is quoted, and the financing company, not Mint, handles the terms, approval, and payment collection.

The specific providers and terms available can vary by location, since individual Mint Dentistry practices may partner with different lenders. Before your appointment, call the practice directly to confirm which financing options they currently offer. This matters because approval odds, interest rates, and repayment periods differ between lenders.

Key Takeaways

  • Mint Dentistry uses third-party financing companies like CareCredit and Proceed Finance rather than offering plans directly.
  • You explore for financing at the dental office, usually on the same day as your treatment, and the lender makes the approval decision.
  • Interest rates and terms depend on the lender and your creditworthiness, not on Mint Dentistry's policies.
  • Call your local Mint Dentistry practice to learn which financing partners they work with before you schedule.

How to set up a payment plan at Mint Dentistry

When you arrive for your appointment, the front desk will quote your treatment cost. If you want to use financing, ask which payment plan options are available. The staff will either hand you a tablet or paper process for the financing company, or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on the spot.

The process takes 5 to 10 minutes and asks for basic information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment details. The lender runs a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score) and usually gives you an approval decision within minutes. If approved, you sign the financing agreement, and the lender pays Mint Dentistry directly. You then owe the lender, not the dental office.

If you are not approved on the spot, you can ask the practice whether they have other financing partners you can try, or whether they offer a cash discount if you pay the full balance that day.

CareCredit versus Proceed Finance: what differs

CareCredit is the older and more widely used option. It typically offers 6, 12, 18, or 24-month plans depending on the treatment cost. If you pay off the balance within the promotional period (often interest-free for purchases over a certain amount), you owe no interest. If you miss the important date or carry a balance after the period ends, interest accrues retroactively at rates between 19% and 29% APR. CareCredit also works at other healthcare providers—not just dentistry—so you can use the same card across multiple medical and dental offices.

Proceed Finance (formerly PatientFi) tends to offer longer repayment windows, sometimes up to 60 months, and typically charges a fixed interest rate rather than a promotional period. This means you know your exact monthly payment and total interest cost upfront. Proceed is less common than CareCredit but is growing in dental practices.

The choice between them depends on which one Mint Dentistry uses at your location. Ask the practice which lender they partner with, then research that lender's current rates and terms before you explore.

What happens if you are denied financing

A denial usually means the lender's credit check flagged risk—either a low credit score, recent missed payments, or high existing debt. A denial from one lender does not mean you cannot get financing elsewhere. Ask the Mint Dentistry office whether they work with a second financing company you can try.

If both options decline you, the practice may offer a cash discount for same-day payment, a payment arrangement directly with the office (though this is less common), or the option to reschedule once you have saved the full amount. Some practices also accept payment by credit card, which lets you use your own card's rewards or 0% promotional period if you have one.

How your monthly payment is calculated

The lender calculates your payment based on three things: the treatment cost, the loan term you choose, and the interest rate. For example, a $2,000 procedure financed over 12 months at 0% interest costs about $167 per month. The same $2,000 at 24% APR over 12 months costs roughly $188 per month.

You can usually choose your term length at the time of process—shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total interest, while longer terms lower the monthly cost but increase what you pay overall. The financing company will show you the exact monthly payment and total interest before you sign.

Payments are typically due on the same day each month and are deducted automatically from a bank account or credit card you provide. If you miss a payment, the lender charges a late fee (usually $25 to $35) and may report the miss to credit bureaus.

Early payoff and what it costs

Most financing companies let you pay off the balance early without penalty. This is useful if you receive a bonus, tax refund, or inheritance and want to eliminate the debt faster. Paying early reduces the total interest you owe.

However, if you are in a promotional 0% period and you pay off early, you do not get a refund of interest already charged—you straightforward stop accruing new interest. Read the financing agreement carefully to confirm whether early payoff is allowed and whether there are any fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own credit card instead of the dental office's financing?

Yes. You can pay Mint Dentistry with your personal credit card, debit card, or cash. Using your own card lets you earn rewards points and potentially use a 0% promotional offer if your card has one. The downside is that your card issuer, not a dental-specific lender, sets the terms.

Does Mint Dentistry offer a discount if I pay cash upfront?

Some practices do, but it varies by location. Ask the front desk whether they offer a same-day payment discount before you commit to financing. Even a 5% to 10% discount can be worth negotiating if you have the cash available.

What if I cannot make a payment?

Contact the financing company when ready—not Mint Dentistry. Explain your situation and ask whether they can defer a payment, adjust your term, or work out a temporary arrangement. Missing payments damages your credit and triggers late fees, so reaching out early is important.

Will financing through Mint Dentistry hurt my credit score?

The initial process triggers a soft credit check, which does not affect your score. Once you are approved and the account opens, it appears on your credit report. On-time payments help your credit; missed or late payments harm it. The impact depends on how you manage the loan, not on Mint Dentistry itself.

Can I transfer my balance to a different financing company later?

Not directly. You would need to pay off the original lender in full using another source of funds, then take out a new loan elsewhere. This is rarely worth the hassle unless you find a significantly better rate, which is uncommon once you are already in a loan.