Cost is one of the most common reasons people delay dental care, and the gap between needing treatment and moving forward with it often comes down to not knowing what the monthly payment would actually look like. The good news is that flexible financing exists specifically to bridge that gap, and most patients have more options than they realize. The harder part is understanding how those options actually differ so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your situation.

At Patriot Family Dental in Jacksonville, FL, we offer three of the most widely used healthcare financing programs available: CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry. Dr. Kevin Wiman, a West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran, and U.S. Navy retiree, believes every patient who needs treatment should have a clear path to affording it. Our financing options are designed to make that possible across a wide range of budgets and credit profiles.

Why Dental Financing Matters More Than Most People Realize

According to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, cost ranks among the top reasons adults cite for avoiding the dentist, with 17% of working-age adults reporting they skipped needed dental care due to cost in 2022. That number is not just a statistic. It represents patients living with discomfort, deferring restorative work until it becomes more complex, and putting off procedures that would genuinely improve their quality of life.

Financing removes that barrier. It allows patients to begin treatment now, pay over time with manageable monthly amounts, and stop letting cost stand between them and the care they actually need. Understanding which program fits your situation is the first step.

How Each Financing Option Works

Each of our three financing programs operates a little differently, and the right choice depends on your credit profile, treatment cost, and preferred repayment structure. Here is a straightforward breakdown of what each one offers.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a healthcare-specific revolving credit card issued by Synchrony Bank and accepted at more than 250,000 healthcare providers nationwide, including dental offices, vision centers, and veterinary practices. Once approved, the card can be used repeatedly across any provider in the network. Promotional periods of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months with no interest are available on qualifying purchases, provided the full balance is paid before the promotional period ends. Patients with good credit tend to qualify for higher credit limits and longer interest-free windows. CareCredit is a strong choice for patients who want a reusable line of credit they can use across multiple healthcare needs over time.

Alphaeon

Alphaeon is a healthcare credit card issued by Comenity Capital Bank, designed exclusively for medical providers including dentists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Because its network is limited to healthcare providers, patients who carry an Alphaeon card are less likely to have their credit line tied up with non-medical expenses, making more credit available when they need it. Alphaeon offers promotional financing options with credit lines up to $25,000, making it well suited for larger treatment plans such as dental implants or full-mouth restorations. Patients can prequalify using a soft credit check that does not affect their credit score.

Cherry

Cherry is a healthcare financing platform built around accessibility and speed. The application takes under 60 seconds and uses only a soft credit check, meaning your credit score is not impacted just by applying. Cherry reports an approval rate of 80% or higher across a wide range of credit profiles, with a minimum credit score requirement of 520. Unlike traditional credit cards, Cherry functions as an installment loan, offering terms from 3 to 60 months and true 0% APR options for qualified borrowers with no deferred interest traps. For patients who may not qualify for traditional credit card financing, Cherry is often the most accessible path forward.

Each option covers the full range of dental procedures we offer, from routine preventive care to Invisalign, dental crowns, and multi-step treatment plans.

Which Option Is Right for You

The best financing option depends on a few key factors. Consider the following:

• If you have strong credit and want flexibility across providers: CareCredit may be the best fit, given its vast nationwide network and reusable revolving credit line
• If your treatment cost is high and you want a credit line reserved for healthcare: Alphaeon’s exclusive focus on medical providers and high credit limits make it worth considering for larger cases
• If you want the fastest approval process or have a lower credit score: Cherry’s 80%+ approval rate, soft credit check, and true 0% APR options make it the most accessible choice for a wide range of patients

The reality is there is no single best answer. Some patients end up qualifying for all three, and the choice comes down to which terms and monthly amounts work best for their budget. Our team is happy to walk through the options with you at your appointment.

Schedule a Dental Appointment With Patriot Family Dental

You should never have to choose between your financial health and your dental health. At Patriot Family Dental, Dr. Kevin Wiman and our team make it a priority to present every patient with a clear, honest picture of what their treatment costs and what their financing options look like, so they can make a confident, informed decision. Dr. Wiman’s background as a military veteran reflects a direct, no-pressure approach to every conversation, including the financial one. Learn more about Dr. Wiman and what sets our practice apart on his provider profile.

Whether you are ready to begin treatment or simply want to understand your options before your next visit, our team is here to help. Contact our office to schedule your appointment at Patriot Family Dental and find a payment plan that makes your care possible.