To start - my 8 year old daughter inherited my soft teeth and needs to have 9 cavities filled, and one "mini root canal". (No OT comments, please...I've already heard them all from the hygenist, family members, colleagues, etc.)

My dental/vision insurance will cover some of the cost (reimbursible only, 70% up to a $2k family max), but we have already hit $1,140 in payouts so that leaves a lot of $ out of pocket.

I'm not about to take my daughter to dental school for this extent of work.

My dentist is only on one insurance plan that is a premium and company sponsored so I'm out of luck on the insurance side.

The only other plan he offers is GE CareCredit. I know what it is, but wondering if anyone has it. I've searched and noticed that some apply for it as part of their AOR.

Any feedback on this card? Limits, exlusions, approval process?

I have excellent credit, and was approved about 3 weeks ago for the Fidelity World Points card (for their 0% balance transfer).

Will applying for the CareCredit card so soon after Fidelity hurt my credit? Their 18 month no-interest terms (with min. payment) definitey seem like a better alternative than a cc, but I can't pull out any $ to keep on deposit anywhere.

Many thanks.

do you keep money in savings for unexpected costs like this, or do you live paycheck to paycheck?

babstexas said:A little of both...we have a small savings account, but I was really hoping not to touch it.

I had been depositing about $500/month into my ing account, and would like to deposit the $ there and earn interest on it and then pay the loan off when it's due.

That is problem number #1 coming on this board and asking for help or ideas so you can deposit money in to your ing account. which pays less than many local savings accounts and much less than most online savings accounts.

The dentist takes the hit of about 8% of what he is charging you in order for Care Credit to pay him up front. Why not take advantage of the essentially free money, assuming you pay within the no-interest parameters?

Get your kid off sodas and make sure she brushes her teeth. I know you asked not to hear this, but this is a great way to save money on dental bills. Also, once the major problem is solved, don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Aside from eliminating sugar and establishing good home care habits, use that insurance coverage for preventive care and maintenance.

Just be sure to pay well within the contracted time frame. The interest is abusive if you miss.

chimeer said:Have you considered negotiating the price for the procedures with the dentist. Most doctors will give you a nice discount if you offer them cash upfront (in reality your going to end up paying the 8% somone mentioned this line of credit costs the dentist). If he doesn't offer a good price write down exactly what your daughter needs to be done and call around. It isn't out of the ordinary to get 30 or 40% off for cash. Our local hospital gives ~60% off if you'll pay within 2 weeks.

I tried. They are pretty inflexible on the pricing. At most, they give a small % discount (1-3%) based on the type of payment: credit card, cash, check.

I called around, and his prices are pretty close to the norm for my area. Some a bit higher, some a bit lower; however to move her, I was told I'd have to pay for another dentist to do an exam and xrays.

I've also check all the dental threads on here. GE seems to be my best option - or pay cash.

Do you have good credit? That is essentially a credit plan. It does not reduce your actual costs at all. The good thing is if you have good credit, you can get no interest free rates for a period of time. I have not looked at it in a while, but I think you could get no interest for 24 or even 36 months if you had good enough credit.

Of the healthcare specific creditors the GE program is probably one of the better ones if not the best ones. If you are able to get 0% on your credit cards finance it that way if you like. But if you can qualify for the 0% term it is not a bad deal. Just realize it won't save you any money, short of potential higher interest costs.