With flexible financing options through a healthcare credit card, patients are empowered to move forward with recommended treatment, even when cost is a concern
For many patients, the barrier to dental care isn’t a lack of trust or interest—it’s financial strain. That’s why Salomon Maya, DMD, of Studio City, CA, has made CareCredit a core part of his patient payment strategy for more than 2 decades. “We’ve offered CareCredit since I started practicing,” he said. “It’s been a valuable tool that’s allowed patients to move forward with treatment that they otherwise could not afford.”
A DPS Readers’ Choice award winner, CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that allows patients to pay for treatment over time with structured monthly payments. For dental practices, this means more patients can move forward with recommended care, even when budgets are tight.
“It has advantages for the patient in that they can spread themselves out a little bit financially,” Dr. Maya said. “Especially now, with so many people maxed out on traditional credit cards, CareCredit gives them a bit more flexibility—particularly when it comes to health-related expenses.”
Flexible Financing Options
CareCredit offers shorter-term financing (from 6 to 24 months) with no interest if paid in full by the end of the promotional period, as well as longer-term options with reduced APR and fixed monthly payments.
“For patients, it’s a reasonable interest rate and a structured repayment plan, and I think that’s really the main advantage for them,” Dr. Maya said. “For us, it’s another payment option other than the traditional ones that every office carries, and I think it’s important to be able to offer that.”
Practices can take advantage of CareCredit’s marketing materials and digital tools to create awareness of the flexible financing, and patients can scan a QR code or click a custom link to prequalify in minutes without impacting their credit score. Dr. Maya’s team includes CareCredit in payment presentations for larger treatment plans, especially those over $1,000.
“Just 2 weeks ago, we had a patient who needed 6 crowns,” he said. “The patient was hesitant from the beginning and eventually admitted they just couldn’t afford it. Their credit card was maxed out. But once we explained CareCredit and the patient easily qualified, they moved forward. That happens often.”
Easy Integration, Big Impact
CareCredit integrates with many practice management systems, and Dr. Maya said it works seamlessly with his Dentrix software. “It’s very simple for the front office. Not just the treatment coordinator—anyone can help the patient apply and process it quickly.”
For dental practices looking to increase case acceptance and improve patient access to care, CareCredit offers more than a payment method: it offers a pathway forward.
