At Patients4U, we believe that a steady flow of emergency patients is one of the best ways to grow a dental practice. These patients fill schedule gaps and often need high-value treatments that generate immediate cash flow. However, cost concerns prevent many patients from moving forward with care. This is where financing solutions like CareCredit and Sunbit can help.
What Are CareCredit and Sunbit?
Both CareCredit and Sunbit help patients afford dental care, but they work differently:
| Feature | CareCredit | Sunbit |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Healthcare only | Broad financing, including healthcare |
| Credit Check? | Yes, strict | Soft check, high approval rate |
| Approval Speed | Instant, but harder for low credit scores | Instant, easier for more patients |
| Interest-Free? | 6-24 months for qualified patients | Shorter-term interest-free options |
| Fees to Practice | 3%-12% per transaction | Lower fees than CareCredit |
| Patient Risk | Higher chance of denial for bad credit | More approvals, but shorter loan terms |
| Best For | Patients with strong credit who can pay over time | Practices wanting higher approval rates and fast decisions |
How Do These Options Affect Your Patients?
Many emergency patients struggle to afford treatment, especially if they lack dental insurance or have low credit scores. Understanding which financing option works best for different patient groups helps improve case acceptance.
Ideal Patients for CareCredit Financing
- Patients with good credit (above 640) who qualify for 0% financing.
- Those who need longer repayment terms (up to 24 months interest-free).
- Patients comfortable applying for traditional credit lines.
Ideal Patients for Sunbit Financing
- Patients with lower credit scores (Sunbit has a 85%+ approval rate).
- Those who need fast approval with a soft credit check.
- People who can repay in shorter-term plans (often under 12 months).
What About In-House Payment Plans?
Some practices offer in-house financing, but this means you take on the financial risk. Before offering this:
- Only provide payment plans to established patients with a good payment history.
- Avoid financing for new or emergency patients due to high default risk.
- If you offer it, set clear payment terms and enforce them consistently.
Why Patient Financing Matters for Your Practice
A strong patient financing strategy impacts two key areas:
- Converting Emergency Calls Into Booked Appointments
- Many emergency patients call multiple offices looking for affordable care.
- If you don’t offer financing, they will go elsewhere.
- Practices with financing double their conversion rates compared to those without.
- Turning Initial Visits Into High-Value Treatment Plans
- Many emergency patients only budget $50-$150 for an exam and X-rays.
- Without financing, they often can’t afford thousands in treatment costs.
- Offering multiple financing options increases full-treatment acceptance rates.
Best Practices for Offering Patient Financing
To maximize case acceptance, integrate financing into your patient intake process:
✅ Get Set Up – Register with CareCredit and Sunbit and get referral links.
✅ Train Your Team – Front desk staff should introduce financing on the first call.
✅ Text the Link – When a patient calls, send them the application link before they arrive.
✅ Offer at Checkout – Always present financing options when discussing treatment plans.
✅ Promote It Online – List financing options on your website and social media to attract more patients.
Do Financing Options Matter for Non-Emergency Patients?
Yes! Most Americans can’t afford a large unexpected medical expense. Whether you focus on emergency care or high-end cosmetic treatments, financing options help you:
- Increase case acceptance for big procedures.
- Build patient loyalty by making care more affordable.
- Gain more referrals from satisfied patients who wouldn’t have been able to afford care otherwise.
Final Thoughts
The best financing option depends on your practice goals and patient demographics. CareCredit works best for higher-income, good-credit patients looking for long-term financing. Sunbit is great for fast approvals and higher acceptance rates.
By offering both, your practice can increase conversions, boost revenue, and provide better care to more patients.
Want to learn how to integrate financing seamlessly into your patient intake process? Contact us at Patients4U today!