Merchant cash advance for dental practices
By Helm, Business Funding Specialists
- Dental practices with strong private patient card revenue are ideal candidates
- Common uses include new chairs, digital imaging equipment, and practice refits
- Repayments adjust with your daily patient card payments
- Funding can be in place within 48 hours with no personal guarantee required
Running a dental practice means constant investment. From digital X-ray systems to new treatment chairs, the equipment costs are significant and the technology moves fast. Traditional finance options like bank loans can take weeks to arrange, and the paperwork can be a distraction from patient care.
A merchant cash advance offers a faster route. If your practice processes a healthy volume of card payments from private patients, you can access funding in days rather than weeks.
Why dental practices are well suited
Several characteristics of dental practices make them a strong fit for merchant cash advance funding.
- High average transaction values from private treatments, cosmetic work, and dental plans
- Consistent patient flow creates reliable card revenue
- Most patients pay by card, providing a strong data trail for assessment
- Equipment investments directly increase the range and quality of services offered
Common uses for dental practice funding
Dental practices use merchant cash advances for investments that improve patient care and grow revenue.
- New dental chairs and treatment units
- Digital imaging and X-ray equipment
- CBCT scanners for implant planning
- Practice interior refurbishment and waiting area upgrades
- Sterilisation and decontamination equipment
- Marketing campaigns to attract new private patients
- IT systems, practice management software, and online booking platforms
- Staff training and CPD courses
- Opening a second practice or adding treatment rooms
NHS vs private revenue
An important consideration for dental practices is the split between NHS and private revenue. NHS payments are made directly by the NHS and do not pass through your card terminal, so they cannot be used in the MCA assessment.
The advance amount will be based solely on your private patient card revenue. Practices with a higher proportion of private work will typically qualify for larger advances.
| Revenue type | Counts towards MCA? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private patient card payments | Yes | Primary basis for the advance |
| NHS contract payments | No | Paid directly by NHS, not via card terminal |
| Dental plan payments by card | Yes | If processed through your card terminal |
| Cash payments | No | Only card transactions are counted |
How much can a dental practice borrow?
The advance amount depends on your monthly private card revenue. Most providers offer between 50% and 150% of your average monthly card transactions.
A practice processing £15,000 per month in private patient card payments could typically access between £7,500 and £22,500. Larger practices with higher card volumes can access significantly more.
Repayment in practice
Dental practice revenue tends to follow weekly patterns, with certain days busier than others. Your repayments mirror this naturally.
| Day | Card revenue | Repayment (10%) | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | £1,200 | £120 | £1,080 |
| Wednesday | £2,000 | £200 | £1,800 |
| Friday | £2,800 | £280 | £2,520 |
| Saturday | £1,500 | £150 | £1,350 |
Frequently asked questions
Can NHS dental practices get a merchant cash advance?
Yes, but the advance is based only on private patient card payments. NHS contract payments are not processed through your card terminal and cannot be included in the assessment.
Do I need to own the practice premises?
No. A merchant cash advance is not secured against property. Whether you own or lease your practice, you can apply based on your card transaction volume.
How quickly can I get funded?
Most applications are approved and funded within 24 to 48 hours, allowing you to move quickly on equipment purchases or other investments.
Can I use the funds for any purpose?
Yes. There are no restrictions on how you use the funds. Whether it is new equipment, a refit, marketing, or staffing, the money is yours to allocate.