How We Rate Dental Practice Lenders
Our lender ratings (1–5 stars) are based on a weighted scoring system across six factors. We update scores at least quarterly and re-review lenders whenever their published rates, terms, or product structures change.
The Six Rating Factors
1. Rates and Pricing (25% weight)
Starting APR, rate variability, and rate competitiveness against the dental specialty lender market. Lenders publishing competitive rates that match what borrowers actually receive score higher.
2. Loan Product Breadth (20% weight)
Number and type of dental loan products: acquisition, de novo, equipment, working capital, refinance, SBA. Lenders offering more product types serve more dental scenarios.
3. Dental Industry Expertise (20% weight)
Whether the lender has dedicated dental teams, dental practice valuation capabilities, and a track record of dental transactions. Generalist lenders score lower than dental specialists.
4. Approval and Funding Speed (15% weight)
Time from complete application to funding. Lenders with consistent, predictable timelines score higher than those with variable processing times.
5. Borrower Profile Flexibility (10% weight)
Range of credit scores, time-in-business requirements, and clinical experience flexibility. Lenders that work with new graduates, lower credit scores, and de novos score higher.
6. Customer Experience (10% weight)
Application process quality, communication, transparency, and post-close service. Based on borrower feedback and our editorial team's interactions.
Lenders We Do Not Rate
We focus on dental-specific commercial lenders. We do not rate:
- Merchant cash advance (MCA) providers — the product is generally inappropriate for dental practices
- Generalist business lenders with no dental specialization
- Personal loan providers (these are sometimes used by new graduates but aren't proper practice lenders)
Rating Updates
We re-review lender ratings at minimum quarterly and update them when:
- Published rates, terms, or fees change significantly
- The lender adds or removes loan products
- We receive substantial new borrower feedback
- Regulatory or compliance actions affect the lender
Editorial Independence
Lender ratings are determined by our editorial team independently of any compensation arrangements. Sponsored lender placements are labeled separately and do not affect the lender's rating. See our full advertising disclosure.