Dental Equipment Finance: Funding Practice Equipment in Australia

Dental equipment finance in Australia enables dental practices to acquire chairs, X-ray systems, sterilization equipment, and technology through chattel mortgages, equipment loans, or finance leases. In 2025, rates typically range from 6-12% p.a. (indicative only, subject to individual circumstances), with loan amounts from $10,000 to $500,000+ and terms of 2-7 years. Dental professionals often qualify for competitive rates due to stable income profiles and professional qualifications. Tax benefits may include depreciation deductions and immediate GST credits for established practices. Settlements are possible within days for dentists with solid trading history and established equipment suppliers.

For dental practitioners, equipment represents one of the largest capital investments in establishing or upgrading a practice. From basic dental chairs to advanced digital X-ray systems and CAD/CAM technology, the costs can quickly reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Dental equipment finance provides a way to acquire what you need while preserving working capital for staff salaries, supplies, and operating expenses—and potentially gaining tax advantages.

Common Dental Equipment Financed

Essential Practice Equipment:

• Dental chairs and units
• Delivery systems
• Operating lights
• Patient monitoring systems

Diagnostic & Imaging:

• Digital X-ray systems
• Panoramic X-ray (OPG)
• Cone beam CT (CBCT) scanners
• Intraoral cameras
• Digital sensors

Sterilization & Infection Control:

• Autoclaves and sterilizers
• Ultrasonic cleaners
• Instrument washers
• Barrier equipment

Advanced Technology:

• CAD/CAM systems (CEREC, etc.)
• 3D printers
• Laser systems
• Digital impression scanners
• Practice management software

Laboratory Equipment:

• Model trimmers
• Vacuum formers
• Casting machines

Dental Equipment Finance Options

Chattel Mortgage

Most popular for dental practices. You own the equipment immediately, claim the full GST credit upfront (if registered), and may deduct depreciation and interest subject to your tax circumstances.

• Typical terms: 3-7 years
• Indicative rates: 6-11% p.a. (subject to individual circumstances)
• Best for: Established dental practices wanting tax benefits and long-term ownership

Learn more about chattel mortgage options.

Equipment Loan

A straightforward secured loan where you own the dental equipment from day one, with the lender holding security.

• Typical terms: 2-7 years
• Indicative rates: 6-10% p.a. (subject to assessment)
• Best for: Simple purchases of standard dental equipment with established suppliers

Finance Lease

The lender owns the equipment and you lease it. At term end, you can upgrade, purchase at market value, or return the equipment.

• Typical terms: 3-5 years
• Indicative rates: 7-12% p.a. (rates vary by circumstances)
• Best for: Practices wanting to keep technology current or preferring consistent expenses

For broader medical equipment financing, see our medical equipment finance guide or equipment finance Australia guide.

What Dental Equipment Lenders Consider

• Practice stability: Most lenders prefer 12-24 months of practice operation, though new graduates with associate positions or practice purchases may be considered differently.
• Professional qualifications: Dental registration and qualifications strengthen applications significantly.
• Income consistency: Dental practices typically have stable, predictable income streams that lenders view favourably.
• Equipment supplier: Purchasing from established dental equipment suppliers (Henry Schein, Dental Corp, ProDental, etc.) usually streamlines approval.
• Practice structure: Solo practitioners, group practices, and corporates are all considered, though criteria may vary.

Tax Considerations

Dental equipment finance may offer several tax benefits, subject to your individual circumstances:

• Depreciation deductions: Claim decline in value over the equipment’s effective life (typically 5-10 years for dental equipment, depending on type and usage).
• Interest deductions: Deduct interest portions of finance repayments.
• Immediate GST credit: Claim full GST input tax credit upfront with chattel mortgages (for GST-registered practices).
• Instant asset write-off: May be available for eligible practices under current ATO thresholds.

Important: Tax benefits vary significantly based on your practice structure (sole practitioner, partnership, company), income level, and how you use the equipment. Always consult your accountant before making financing decisions.

New Dental Practice vs Established Practice

New/Recently Graduated Dentists:

• May face more stringent requirements
• Often benefit from professional qualification recognition
• Associate positions or guaranteed income help applications
• May require personal guarantees or additional security
• Consider starting with smaller equipment purchases to build lending relationships

Established Practices:

• Access to more competitive rates
• Larger loan amounts available
• More flexible structures
• Faster approval processes
• May bundle multiple equipment items

Practice Purchases:

• Specialized lending for buying existing practices
• Equipment finance can be part of broader practice acquisition funding
• Different criteria than equipment-only purchases

Typical Dental Equipment Finance Example

Scenario: Sydney dental practice financing a digital X-ray system upgrade

Finance Structure:

• Equipment cost: $65,000 (including GST)
• Deposit: $6,500 (10%)
• Amount financed: $58,500
• Interest rate: 8.5% p.a. (example rate)
• Term: 5 years (60 months)
• Indicative Monthly Repayment: ~$1,195
• Total Cost Over 5 Years: ~$71,700

This example is for illustration purposes only. Actual rates, terms, and repayments depend on lender assessment, your individual circumstances, and current market conditions. Consult your accountant regarding tax implications.

Getting Dental Equipment Finance Approved

• Prepare documentation: Practice financial statements, tax returns and BAS statements, AHPRA dental registration, and detailed equipment quotes.
• Choose reputable suppliers: Use established dental equipment dealers with clear purchase agreements and warranty details.
• Compare options: Different lenders offer varying rates. Specialist healthcare finance providers often understand dental practices better than general banks.

For broader equipment financing guidance, see our business asset finance guide.

Compare Dental Equipment Finance Options

Ready to finance your dental equipment?

Loan Phone provides fast comparison of dental equipment finance options from 100+ lenders including healthcare finance specialists who understand dental practices.

• Fast Online Comparison — See personalised rates from multiple lenders
• Healthcare Specialists — Brokers who understand dental practice needs
• Flexible Structures — Chattel mortgage, equipment loan, or lease options
• All Equipment Types — Finance for chairs, X-rays, CAD/CAM, lasers, and practice technology
• Professional Recognition — Lenders who value dental qualifications and stable practice income

Speak with specialists:

Related Resources

Last updated: October 7, 2025