Modern Australian dental practice interior — home loans for dentists
Home Loans for Dentists

Dentists get the same lending advantages as doctors — with the right lender

Eligible dentists sit in the top tier of medical lending policy: LMI waivers at higher LVRs, and income read the way associates, contractors and practice owners are actually paid. The trick is matching your situation to the lender whose policy fits.

General information only · Written and reviewed by Phil Riches, Director of Medical & Professional Lending · Last reviewed June 2026

Dentists generally rank alongside doctors at the top of medical LMI-waiver policy — many lenders waive Lenders Mortgage Insurance up to 90% (sometimes higher) for eligible dentists. Just as important, the right lender recognises associate, contractor (ABN) and practice-owner income that a standard assessment can penalise. Registration is through the Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). This is general information; your position depends on your circumstances and the lender's assessment.

Dentists and dental specialists, across the board

  • General dentists
  • Dental specialists — orthodontists, oral & maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, prosthodontists
  • Dental associates and contractors
  • Practice principals and owners
  • Recent graduates building income
  • Registration: Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA), general or specialist

Associate, contractor and owner income — read differently by each lender

Most dentists aren't on a simple payslip. How your income is recognised is where deals are won or lost.

  • Associates and contractors (ABN): some lenders shade contractor income, others recognise more of it
  • Practice owners: assessed on the practice's financials and earnings
  • Mixed arrangements: common, and read differently lender to lender
  • The work: matching how you're actually paid to the lender whose policy fits

More on medical lending

Answered plainly

Do dentists qualify for an LMI waiver?

Yes — eligible dentists generally sit in the top tier alongside doctors, with waivers commonly up to 90% LVR and sometimes higher, depending on the lender.

I'm a dental associate or contractor on an ABN — does that change things?

It can. Lenders treat contractor and associate income differently; some apply a shading, others recognise it more fully. Matching you to the right lender is the work.

Are dental specialists treated differently to general dentists?

Both are generally well recognised. Specialist registration can help with some lenders, but your income evidence and the valuation usually matter more than the title.

Can you help me buy my practice or rooms too?

Yes — see practice purchase and commercial rooms. We look at the home, the practice and the premises as one combined picture.

What registration do I need?

Generally current general or specialist registration with the Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). Non-practising or limited registration is usually not accepted.

Ready to Talk?

Buying, refinancing or planning your next move?

A proper conversation about your income, your registration and what's available to you.