UT Dentists expands access to care through CareCredit

UT Dentists, the clinical practice of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, has expanded its payment options by accepting CareCredit, a health care credit card designed to help patients manage out-of-pocket health care expenses. The initiative, which began with a pilot rollout in late fall 2023, has already helped improve access to care and enhanced patient satisfaction.

CareCredit, issued by Synchrony Bank, is accepted at more than 260,000 health care providers nationwide. It allows patients to finance a wide range of services — including dental care, vision care, cosmetic procedures, and more — with promotional interest-free periods and extended payment plans.

“Other than it being one of the goals of our dean, Dr. John Valenza, CareCredit acceptance was essential to provide an alternative method of payment to receive access to care,” said Chris Truong, MBA, director of operations at UT Dentists. “CareCredit provides UT Dentists’ patients another funding mechanism to receive care, especially when there is a large number of patients who don’t have dental insurance.”

Patients at UT Dentists can now use CareCredit to pay for any treatment-planned dental services, with funding based on their approved credit line. This includes general dentistry, restorative procedures, cosmetic procedures, and specialized care. The addition of CareCredit aligns with UT Dentists’ mission to provide comprehensive oral health care to a diverse patient population.

“Dental insurance only covers so much with such a minimal annual coverage limitation. This frequently leaves patients with necessary and desired dental treatments, resulting in increased out-of-pocket costs,” Truong said.

Since the implementation, UT Dentists has seen a significant increase in utilization. UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry recorded a 173% increase in CareCredit usage by the end of fiscal year 2025 compared to initial rollout the previous fiscal year.

Patients have responded positively to the new option, with many expressing appreciation for the flexibility it offers — especially in unexpected dental emergencies or when considering elective procedures that insurance often doesn’t cover.

“It makes dental and oral health care more accessible by offering patients flexible financing options, which has resulted in increased treatment acceptance and improved patient satisfaction,” Truong added.

Patients who do not already have a CareCredit account can apply either online or by scanning a QR code provided by UT Dentists staff. The application typically takes less than five minutes to complete.

By accepting CareCredit, UT Dentists broadens its avenues to reduce financial barriers and support broader access to dental care.