Key Takeaways:
- A dentist mortgage loan can give you the ability to purchase or refinance a primary residence with as little as 0% down.
- Dentist mortgages have higher loan limits than a conventional loan, with some programs maxing out at $2 million or more.
- Dentists are eligible for most physician mortgage programs, but each lender has different down payment options, eligibility requirements and underwriting guidelines.
Dentists are among the highest-paid professions, but they’re also swamped with huge six-figure dental school debt. Traditionally, the years and money spent earning your DMD or DDS (and possibly pursuing a residency) could delay your homeownership dreams compared to your peers. But what if banks saw your dental degree and lifetime earning potential as an asset instead of a financial barrier?
Enter dentist mortgage loans. These specialty mortgage programs are designed for dentists and other medical professionals who carry a ton of student debt and haven’t had time in their career to save up for a large down payment. By offering low down payment options with relaxed underwriting guidelines, dentist mortgages can be the solution for many dental families.
Although these programs are growing in popularity, they’re often a hidden gem among each bank’s many products and services. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Read on to learn about the top dentist mortgage loans and how to find the right fit.
1. How does a doctor mortgage work for dentists? 2. 13 Top lenders offering dentist mortgage loans 3. Is a dentist mortgage loan right for you?
How does a doctor mortgage work for dentists?
A dentist mortgage is specifically for new dental graduates and those who are still early in their career (usually within a 10-year timeframe of completing residency). It offers a great alternative to traditional mortgages, which generally require a 20% down payment and strict underwriting criteria.
The primary benefits of a dentist mortgage loan include:
- The potential for a $0 down payment or other low down payment options (e.g. 5% to 10%).
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement across the board, even when using 100% financing.
- Higher loan limits than a conventional mortgage (e.g. $647,200) without a rate increase.
- The ability to close on a home up to 90 days before starting your residency or new position.
- Student loan debt is treated more favorably with calculating debt-to-income ratio (DTI).
Dentist mortgage loans also offer competitive interest rates and a variety of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to meet your needs. But finding the right dentist mortgage is just as important as finding the right home for your family.
DDS / DMD Mortgage: Get Quotes
What mortgage product would you like a quote for?
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Select$0 to $200,000$200,001 to $400,000$400,001 to $600,000$600,001 to $800,000$800,001 to $1,000,000$1,000,001 to $1,500,000$1,500,001 to $2,000,000More than $2,000,000
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Select0% Down5% Down10% Down15% Down20% Down
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13 Top lenders offering dentist mortgage loans
The good news is that your DMD or DDS degree will give you access to most physician mortgage loan programs. But have you ever sat down at a restaurant and been entirely overwhelmed by TOO many choices? The same can happen for dentists who are staring down a long list of potential mortgage lenders.
So, we’ve put together a list of trusted lenders that specifically offer dentist mortgage loans and highlighted key details, as well as potential drawbacks, that can help narrow down your home buying search. Note that lenders are listed alphabetically with direct contact information for your convenience.
1. Berkshire Bank
The Berkshire Bank dentist mortgage offers up to $2 million in home financing with various low down payment options, including 0% down for up to $1 million. This lender can close within three to four weeks and accepts employment contracts within a 90-day window of starting your new job.
This is a great opportunity for self-employed dentists as this lender allows 1099 independent contractors with less than 12 months of income to apply.
States available: NY, ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, FL, and CT
Contact: Email Stephen J. Morrison (NMLS #697238).
2. BMO Harris
BMO Harris works with dentists nationwide (excluding New York) via its physician mortgage loan program. For most areas of the country, you can choose from low down payment options, including 0% down for up to $1 million and 5% down for up to $1.5 million.
However, if you live in California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, Rhode Island or Washington D.C., you won’t have access to a $0 down payment option. But you can still take advantage of up to 90% financing.
States available: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Contact: Email Fred Hall or call (916) 586-7633.
3. Fifth Third Bank
Dentists with a minimum credit score of 700 can apply for the Fifth Third Bank dentist mortgage loan. It offers residents and interns up to $750,000 in home financing with 0% down, while established dentists can access up to $2 million with a low down payment.
This lender serves a range of visas, including E1-E5, DV, F2A, F2B, G1-G5, H1B, H4, IR-1, J1, J2, TN, TD and green card holders.
States available: FL, IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, TN, WV, GA, NC, SC
Contact: Email Sandy Salas or call (708) 564-3381.
4. First Merchants Bank (formerly Level One Bank)
If you live in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or Ohio, you might be eligible for a DMD mortgage with First Merchants Bank. It offers 0% down for up to $1 million, with financing options maxing out at $2 million.
This lender offers efficient closing times if you need a fast move-in. The loan officer listed below has an average closing time of 18 days.
States available: FL, IL, IN, MI, OH
Contact: Email Joe Saleh or call (313) 497-5991.
5. First National Bank
First National Bank’s physician home loan offers dentists with less than 10 years of experience a no money down option for up to $1 million. However, dentists who have been out of training for over a decade can still access 90% financing.
States available: SC, OH, PA, DE, MD, WV, TN, GA, NC, VA, FL
Contact: Email Josh Feldman or call (843) 380-4180.
6. Flagstar Bank
The Flagstar Bank dentist mortgage is available in all 50 states for dentists with less than 10 years of post-training experience. Financing options 0% down for up to $1 million and 5% down for up to $1.5 million.
Note this program is limited to adjustable-rate products as it doesn’t currently offer a fixed-rate option.
States available: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Contact: Email Tish Kumar.
7. FNBO Mortgage (First National Bank of Omaha)
A FNBO dentist mortgage loan can give dentists in eligible states access to $850,000 in home financing with 0% down. Other low down payment options are available, maxing out at $1.5 million.
This lender has a strong reputation in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver metroplexes. However, it serves dentists in a wide variety of states.
Note that its minimum credit score of 720 is higher than other physician mortgage programs.
States available: CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY.
Contact: Email Abe Huerta or call (970) 499-8545.
8. Huntington National Bank
Huntington National Bank’s dentist home loan provides up to $1 million in financing with 0% down for dentists with a credit score in the mid-700s. However, it also has alternative low down payment options for borrowers with credit scores as low as 680.
Note you might receive an interest rate discount for establishing a deposit banking relationship with Huntington Bank.
States available: AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Contact: Email Bill Kekatos (NMLS #216590) or call (847) 443-5978.
9. KeyBank
KeyBank’s dentist and medical doctor loan is available to dentists starting with 0% down for up to $1 million, with a maximum loan amount of $3.5 million. Its current dentist mortgage interest rates are below conventional and government mortgage rates, and it maintains low fees.
Note that KeyBank’s loan officers are state-specific as outlined below.
States available: IL, MO, MI, OH, IN
Contact: Email Kent Costello (NMLS #305346) or call (314) 501-5342.
States available: AL, CO, CT, DC, FL, ID, ME, MA, NY, OR, PA, UT, VT, WA, AZ, CA, GA, HI, KY, MD, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WY
Contact: Email J Mansisidor (NMLS #354606) or call (757) 926-0106.
10. Northwest Bank
Dentists in Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania might be eligible for a DDS mortgage with Northwest Bank. Loan amounts are available for up to $1.5 million with down payment options as low as 0%.
Note that Northwest Bank’s loan officers are state-specific as outlined below.
States available: NY, MD
Contact: Email Bob Amico or call (716) 869-6898.
States available: OH, IN, MI
Contact: Email Tad Kuhn or call (614) 587-8158.
States available: PA
Contact: Email Melissa Mattison or call (717) 268-2465.
11. S&T Bank
Dentists who can provide a small down payment might be interested in a physician loan with S&T Bank. With this program, there’s no maximum loan amount, but a 5% down payment is required.
This program is available nationwide, excluding Texas and New York. Newly self-employed (1099 independent contractors) are eligible and encouraged to apply.
States available: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Contact: Email Mike Wagner or call (817) 961-9889.
12. TD Bank
The TD Bank dentists mortgage offers up to $750,000 in financing with $0 down, as well as other low down payment options that max out at $2 million.
Depending on your student loan situation, TD Bank might use a modified monthly amount or exclude your student debt from your DTI ratio altogether.
States available: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT
Contact: Email Neil Surgenor or call (646) 760-6140.
13. Truist (formerly SunTrust)
Truist’s dentist mortgage allows for up to $1 million in financing with 0% down, with alternative down payment options all the way up to $2 million. Although this program is specific to dentists who have been in practice for less than 10 years, Truist will still work with more experienced dentists to provide a low down payment solution.
Note that some of the eligible states listed below require an existing deposit account in order to qualify.
States available: AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Contact: Email Matt Albert or call (336) 439-3560.
Is a dentist mortgage loan right for you?
Relaxed underwriting criteria makes it easier for early-career dentists to secure a physician mortgage than a conventional loan. Plus, you’ll likely qualify for a higher loan amount since your student debt won’t be seen as a barrier.
However, this can be a double-edged sword. On one side, you can potentially find a newer home, a better neighborhood or a more custom-home with a larger housing budget. But a higher loan amount equals a higher monthly payment, which might not be feasible when you work through all the numbers.
So, you’ll need to keep your budget blinders on when it’s time to sign the homeowner dotted line. The less money that’s tied up in your mortgage payment, the more funds you’ll have to make other smart investments, enjoy experiences with your family and, ultimately, build the life you want.
To start exploring dentist mortgage loans, fill out the form below or browse through some of the best physician mortgage lenders across the country to learn more.
DDS / DMD Mortgage: Get Quotes
What mortgage product would you like a quote for?
Home Purchase Home Refinance
What is Your Occupation Status Currently?
SelectAttending PhysicianChiropractorCPA / CFADental SpecialistDental StudentDentistFellowLawyerMed StudentNurseNurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Nurse PractitionerPharmacistPhysical TherapistPhysician AssistantPodiatristOccupational TherapistOptometristResidentVeterinarianVet StudentOther
Are you currently working with a realtor?
Yes No
Are you a veteran?
Yes No NEXT
What most closely represents the price range of the house you’re searching for?
Select$0 to $200,000$200,001 to $400,000$400,001 to $600,000$600,001 to $800,000$800,001 to $1,000,000$1,000,001 to $1,500,000$1,500,001 to $2,000,000More than $2,000,000
What is your preferred down payment?
Select0% Down5% Down10% Down15% Down20% Down
What stage are you at in the home buying process?
How soon do you hope to secure a mortgage approval?
SelectNow1 to 3 months4 to 6 months7 to 12 monthsMore than 12 months
How many banks would you like quotes from?
Select123456 or more
Have you experienced any bankruptcies or short sales?
Yes No NEXT
Full Name
Phone Number
State where you want to purchase your home
SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Metro area where you would like to purchase your home
Citizenship status
US Citizen Permanent Resident Foreign Citizen
Communication preference
Phone calls OKNo phone calls, text onlyEmail only
Would you like to add any additional details?
Yes No GET MY QUOTES Sending request… Request sent. We’ll reach out by email with next steps
Refinance student loans, get a bonus in 2023 1 Disclosures $1,050 BONUS1 For 100k+. $300 bonus for 50k to 99k.1 VISIT LAUREL ROAD Variable 3.99-6.80%1 Fixed 4.49-6.80%1 
2 Disclosures $1,000 BONUS2 For 100k+. $300 bonus for 50k to 99k.2 VISIT SPLASH Variable 3.99-9.24%2 Fixed 4.39-9.24%2 
3 Disclosures $1,000 BONUS3 For $100k or more. $200 for $50k to $99,9993 VISIT SOFI Variable 4.49-8.99%3 Fixed 4.49-8.99%3 
4 Disclosures $1,000 BONUS4 For 100k or more. $200 for 50k to $99,9994 VISIT EARNEST Variable 4.09-8.29%4 Fixed 4.39-8.99%4 
6 Disclosures $1,275 BONUS6 For 150k+. Tiered 300 to 575 bonus for 50k to 149k.6 VISIT ELFI Variable 3.99-7.24%6 Fixed 4.83-7.64%6 
7 Disclosures $1,250 BONUS7 For $100k or more. $100 to $350 for $5k to $99,9997 VISIT LENDKEY Variable 1.90-5.25%7 Fixed 2.49-7.75%7 
8 Disclosures $1,250 BONUS8 $350 for 50k to 100k8 VISIT CREDIBLE Variable 3.27-11.67%8 Fixed 3.94-11.87%8 Not sure what to do with your student loans?
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