Free dental practice loan calculator
Whether you're acquiring your first practice, building from the ground up or refinancing, we connect you with lenders who specialize in dental practices.
Disclaimer: These numbers are estimates. US Dental is not a financial institution and we will be connecting customers to institutions which are qualified to discuss finances.
Est. Monthly Payment
Practice cash flow after your pay, divided by your loan and personal debt payments. SBA rules require at least 1.25x.
Using the calculator
Start with the practice's profit and loss statement, not just its asking price. Enter the price and your down payment, and the loan amount fills itself in. For the rate, use a lender's quote if you have one. If not, SBA 7(a) loans over $350,000 are capped at the prime rate plus 3 points, which was 10% with prime at 7.00% in October 2026. SBA purchase loans run up to 10 years, or up to 25 when real estate is part of the loan.
Then add the practice's annual collections, its overhead without your own pay, what you'll pay yourself and your personal debt payments, such as student loans and a mortgage. The calculator divides what's left after your pay by all of those payments. That's the debt service coverage ratio, or DSCR, and SBA rules require at least 1.25x, measured on the practice's actual results rather than projections.
Worked example
The calculator opens on the same sample practice we use in our guide on how to value a dental practice. It collects $1.2 million a year, its overhead runs about 58% once the owner's perks are added back, and it's priced at about $850,000, roughly 71% of collections. Here's what financing it looks like with 10% down:
Sample Practice: Financing the Purchase
These are the calculator's default inputs. Cash flow is collections minus overhead, after add-backs. Lenders' exact formulas vary.
A coverage ratio of 4.1x looks comfortable, but lenders don't stop there. They subtract a reasonable salary for you, about what it would cost to hire an associate to do your dentistry, and they count your personal debts and living costs. After $240,000 of pay, this practice still covers its loan payments 2.15 times, and $36,000 a year of student loan payments only brings that down to about 1.7x. A practice with heavier overhead or a fuller price can drop below 1.25x quickly, so run your own numbers before you make an offer.
The 10% rate is an assumption: it's the SBA's maximum variable rate on a loan this size with prime at 7.00% in October 2026. For what a higher or lower rate does to a purchase, see how rising interest rates affect buying a dental practice.
To compare loan types, read our guide to business loans for dentists, and when you're ready, browse dental practices for sale.
Why it's different
Buying or starting a dental practice is likely the largest financial transaction of your career. It requires more than a generic small business loan; it demands specialized underwriting that understands the unique economics of dentistry. The value of a practice lies in its patient records, hygiene recall systems, and goodwill—assets that traditional banks often undervalue.
At US Dental Practices, we simplify the lending landscape. We help you navigate the choice between the speed of fintech lenders and the stability of institutional banks. Whether you are an associate carrying student debt or an established owner seeking commercial real estate, our partners utilize 'cash-flow based' underwriting. This means your approval is based on the practice’s ability to produce revenue, not just your personal asset column.
Loan products
Tailored capital structures for every stage of your dental career.
Secure the capital to purchase an existing general or specialty practice. Our network lenders offer up to 100% financing plus working capital, often with no personal collateral required.
From demographic analysis to Certificate of Occupancy. Access 'Graduated Payment' programs that allow for interest-only payments for the first 12-24 months to preserve liquidity.
Optimize your P&L by consolidating high-interest equipment leases. Expansion loans are available for second locations, remodels, or commercial real estate purchases.
Qualifying
Approval for a dental practice loan is rarely based on your credit score alone. In fact, underwriters typically use a '60/40' rule: 60% of the decision is based on the practice's historical cash flow, and 40% is based on your personal financial strength.
A FICO score of 680+ is the standard floor, though 700+ commands the best rates.
Lenders want to see 'post-closing liquidity'—typically $50k in cash reserves.
Compare
Understanding the key differences helps you choose the right financing structure for your acquisition.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) Loan | Conventional Bank Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 10% minimum, firm for a buyer from outside the practice | Typically 15-25% |
| Max Loan Amount | $5 million | No cap (bank-dependent) |
| Term Length | Up to 10 years; up to 25 when real estate is included | 5-10 years typical |
| Interest Rate | Variable rate capped at prime + 3 points on loans over $350,000 (10% at a 7.00% prime) | Varies (often lower base) |
| Independent Valuation | Required: the lender orders its own, and the loan can't exceed it | Set by the lender |
| Who Can Borrow | U.S. citizens or nationals living in the U.S.; permanent residents don't qualify | Set by the lender |
| Approval Timeline | Typically 45-90 days | Typically 30-60 days |
| Collateral | Practice assets + personal guarantee | May require additional collateral |
| Best For | First-time buyers, lower down payment | Established buyers, larger acquisitions |
SBA terms as of October 2026, under the lending rules that took effect on October 1, 2026 (SOP 50 10 8.1). Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and eligibility and SBA 7(a) loans. Conventional terms vary by lender.
FAQ
What buyers ask us about financing a practice.
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