Professions / Dentists

Dentists are among the most creditworthy borrowers in Australia. Most are not being rewarded for it.

Key Takeaway

Some nurses may be able to use overtime, shift loading and penalty rates when applying for a home loan, but lender treatment varies significantly. The right lender can make a meaningful difference to borrowing capacity, especially where HECS, casual income or changing rosters are involved.

This Page Is For

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Employed dentists buying with less than 20% deposit and checking LMI waiver eligibility

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Practice-owner dentists whose income flows through a company or trust

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Dentists considering practice purchase, fit-out or equipment finance

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Dentist investors reviewing equity access and investment loan structure

What To Prepare Before Speaking With Us

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AHPRA dental registration certificate

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Most recent payslips (PAYG) or practice financials (self-employed)

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Two years personal and business tax returns if practice owner

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BAS statements for the last four quarters

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Practice bank statements and existing loan details

Quick Answer

Dentists may qualify for LMI waivers with certain lenders and can access specialist lending for practice purchase, equipment and investment. Income assessment is more complex for practice owners than for employed dentists.

PAYG vs Practice Owner Income

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PAYG dentists: payslips and employment contract

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Company/trust income: trust deed and financials

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BAS statements for GST-registered practices

Employed dentists with PAYG income are assessed more simply. Dentists who own a practice have additional complexity — practice income, business debt, company or trust structure and practice liabilities all affect the personal home loan assessment.

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Practice owners: 2 years tax returns + financials

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Practice owners: 2 years tax returns + financials

Dentist LMI Waivers

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AHPRA dental registration typically required

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Income minimum may apply

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Practice ownership can complicate eligibility

Some lenders include dentists in their professional LMI waiver policies. Eligibility typically requires AHPRA registration, minimum income and a loan that falls within the lender’s LVR threshold.

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LVR threshold varies — commonly 85–90%

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Loan size caps may apply by lender

Practice & Business Finance

Dentists acquiring, expanding or refitting a practice need finance that accounts for goodwill, equipment, fit-out costs and working capital. These are separate from personal home loans but affect personal serviceability.

Practice Purchase

Finance for acquiring an existing dental practice including goodwill and fit-out.

Equipment Finance

Dental chairs, imaging equipment, technology — structured as chattel mortgage or lease.

Fit-Out & Refurbishment

New or upgraded premises finance for dentists relocating or expanding.

Investment Lending For Dentists

Dentists with stable practice income and equity are well-positioned to invest. However, practice debt and business income structure must be assessed alongside personal borrowing capacity.

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Practice debt reduces personal investment capacity

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Loan structure matters for future borrowing

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Business income requires financials

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LMI waiver may extend to investment loans with some lenders

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dentists get LMI waivers?

Some lenders include dentists in professional LMI waiver policies. Eligibility depends on AHPRA registration, income, LVR and loan size.

Yes. Practice income, business debt and entity structure all affect how lenders assess personal borrowing capacity.

Some lenders will finance a portion of goodwill as part of a practice purchase. Policy varies.

Yes, subject to lender policy, serviceability and personal borrowing capacity assessment.

Typically 2 years of personal and business tax returns, financial statements and BAS statements.

Book A Dentist Lending Review

We assess AHPRA registration, practice income, LMI waiver eligibility and lender options for dentists.

General information only. Lending eligibility, LMI waiver policies, rates and approval outcomes vary by lender and are subject to assessment.

Common Mistakes Dentists Make Before Applying

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Applying to a lender without practice income lending experience

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Not having two years of practice financial statements prepared

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Assuming practice debt does not affect personal home loan capacity

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Not having AHPRA registration certificate ready for the LMI waiver process

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Underestimating how business entity structure affects income assessment

Documents Lawyers Should Prepare

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AHPRA registration certificate

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Most recent payslips (PAYG)

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Employment contract (PAYG)

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2 years personal tax returns

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2 years business financial statements

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BAS statements (last 4 quarters)

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Business bank statements

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Practice purchase agreement or valuation

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Equipment quotes or invoices

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Existing loan and liability statements

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Trust deed if applicable

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Identification documents