CAN DENTISTS AND VETERINARIANS QUALIFY FOR DOCTOR LOANS?

QUICK ANSWER

Yes. Dentists (DDS/DMD) and veterinarians (DVM) qualify for physician loans at most major lenders, including TD Bank, Laurel Road, Fifth Third Bank, and LoanFactory's national network. These programs offer the same benefits as physician loans for medical doctors: 0-5% down payment, no PMI, flexible student loan treatment, and higher loan limits. However, not all lenders include dentists and veterinarians, so it's essential to verify eligibility before applying.

INTRODUCTION

Beyond MDs: Physician Loans (aka Doctor Loans) for Dentists and Veterinarians

When you hear "physician loan," you might assume it's exclusive to medical doctors (MD) and osteopathic physicians (DO). But many lenders extend physician loan benefits to other healthcare professionals, particularly dentists and veterinarians.

This makes sense: like physicians, dentists and veterinarians graduate with significant student debt, undergo years of specialized training, and earn stable, high incomes. They represent low default risk and deserve access to the same flexible mortgage programs.

This guide answers the key questions dentists and veterinarians ask about physician loans:

• Do I qualify?

• Which lenders accept dentists and veterinarians?

• Are the benefits the same as for MDs/DOs?

• What documentation do I need?

DO DENTISTS QUALIFY FOR PHYSICIAN LOANS?

Yes. Most Lenders Include Dentists

The majority of physician loan programs extend benefits to dentists, including:

• General dentists (DDS/DMD)

• Orthodontists

• Oral surgeons

• Periodontists

• Endodontists

• Prosthodontists

• Pediatric dentists

Why Lenders Include Dentists:

• High, stable income

• Low mortgage default rates (comparable to MDs/DOs)

• Professional licensing accountability

• Predictable career trajectories

Dentist-Friendly Physician Loan Lender examples:

✅ TD Bank: Accepts DDS/DMD

✅ Laurel Road (KeyBank): Accepts DDS/DMD

✅ Fifth Third Bank: Accepts DDS/DMD

✅ Bank of America: Accepts DDS/DMD

✅ Regions Bank: Accepts DDS/DMD

✅ LoanFactory Network: Connects dentists with multiple lenders nationwide

DO VETERINARIANS QUALIFY FOR PHYSICIAN LOANS?

✅ Yes. Select Lenders Include Veterinarians Fewer lenders extend physician loan benefits to veterinarians compared to physicians and dentists, but multiple programs are available nationwide.

How to Find Veterinarian-Friendly Programs:

Most veterinarians find the best options by working with a mortgage broker who has access to multiple wholesale lender programs. A specialized broker can quickly identify which programs in their network accept DVMs, saving you from researching dozens of lenders individually.

Road to Home Solutions works with LoanFactory's wholesale network, which includes multiple lenders that offer physician loans to veterinarians. Whether you're in California or another state, we can help you compare DVM-friendly programs and find the best fit for your situation.

Contact us to verify current veterinarian eligibility and program options.

Why Fewer Lenders Include Veterinarians:

Veterinarians face unique financial challenges:

• Lower average income than MDs/DOs (median $100K-$120K vs. $200K-$300K+)

• High student loan debt (often $150K-$300K)

• Small business ownership (many vets own practices, complicating income verification)

However, lenders that do include veterinarians recognize their stable careers and low default risk.

PHYSICIAN LOAN BENEFITS FOR DENTISTS AND VETERINARIANS

Do Dentists and Vets Get the Same Benefits as MDs/DOs?

Yes. Eligible dentists and veterinarians receive identical physician loan benefits:

✅ Low Down Payment (0-5%)

Purchase a home without saving 20% down. Preserve cash for student loans, practice investments, or other financial goals.

✅ No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Save $100-$400/month compared to conventional loans with low down payments.

✅ Flexible Student Loan Treatment

Deferred loans excluded from DTI, or actual income-driven payment amounts used (not 1% of balance).

✅ Higher Loan Limits

Borrow $1M-$2M+ (varies by lender), accommodating high-cost markets.

✅ Contract-Based Approval (for New Graduates)

Dental residents, veterinary residents, and fellows with signed employment contracts can qualify based on future income—not current trainee stipends.

✅ No First-Time Homebuyer Requirement

Physician loans work for first-time buyers and repeat buyers alike.

Are There Any Differences?

Loan Limits:

Some lenders cap loans slightly lower for dentists and veterinarians compared to MDs/DOs. For example:

• MD/DO: Up to $2M

• DDS/DVM: Up to $1.5M

This reflects average income differences, but most dentists and veterinarians don't need $2M+ loans.

Interest Rates:

Rates are typically identical for dentists, veterinarians, and physicians—though individual profiles (credit score, DTI, loan amount) affect pricing.

These programs are similar to standard physician loans. See our main Physician Loan Complete Guide for complete details. And, learn who to turn to for Top Lenders Offering Physician Loans

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTISTS AND VETERINARIANS

Required Credentials

Dentists:

• DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree

• Active dental license (or pending license application with expected issue date)

• Signed employment contract or current employment verification

Veterinarians:

• DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree

• Active veterinary license (or pending license application)

• Signed employment contract or current employment verification

Credit Score Minimums

Most physician loan programs require:

• 700+ credit score (ideal: 720+)

• Some lenders accept 680+ (with higher rates)

If your score is below 700, spend 3-6 months improving it before applying:

• Pay down credit card balances below 30% utilization

• Dispute any credit report errors

• Ensure all payments are current

Down Payment Options

• 0% down: TD Bank (select programs)

• 3-5% down: Laurel Road, Bank of America, Fifth Third

• 5-10% down: Most lenders (depending on loan amount)

Student Loan Treatment

Like physician loans for MDs/DOs, lenders treat student debt favorably:

Deferred Loans:

• Excluded from DTI entirely, or counted at $0/month

Income-Driven Repayment:

• Actual monthly payment used (not 1% of total balance)

Example:

$250,000 in dental school loans, deferred

Conventional loan DTI: $2,500/month

Physician loan DTI: $0/month

This difference can be the deciding factor in loan approval.

Employment and Income Verification

Practicing Dentists/Veterinarians:

• Two most recent pay stubs

• W-2s or tax returns (last 2 years)

• Employment verification letter

Self-Employed (Practice Owners):

• Two years of personal and business tax returns

• Profit and loss statements

• CPA-prepared financial statements

Dental/Veterinary Residents with Signed Contracts:

• Signed employment contract (start date within 60-120 days)

• Current pay stub from residency program

• Proof of pending or active license

FINDING LENDERS THAT ACCEPT DENTISTS AND VETERINARIANS

Not all physician loan programs include dentists and veterinarians, so verification before applying is essential.

General Availability:

Dentists (DDS/DMD):

Most physician loan programs include dentists and offer terms identical to MD/DO programs. Dentist-friendly programs are widely available through:

- National banks with physician loan programs

- Regional banks in most areas

- Specialty medical professional lenders

- Wholesale broker networks

Veterinarians (DVM):

Fewer lenders include veterinarians, but multiple national programs exist. Veterinarian-friendly programs are available through:

- Select national banks

- Specialty healthcare professional lenders

- Wholesale broker networks with DVM programs

The Broker Advantage for Dentists and Veterinarians:

The most efficient approach is working with a mortgage broker who can:

- Pre-screen lenders for DDS/DMD/DVM eligibility

- Save you weeks of individual lender research

- Compare multiple programs side-by-side

- Access wholesale rates not available to retail borrowers

- Know which lenders have the most competitive terms for your profession

Road to Home Solutions & LoanFactory's Network:

Road to Home Solutions works with LoanFactory's national wholesale lending network to connect dentists and veterinarians with appropriate programs.

For California Dentists and Veterinarians:

Amy Parsons originates your loan directly through LoanFactory's wholesale network, comparing multiple DDS/DMD/DVM-friendly programs to find your best option.

For Out-of-State Dentists and Veterinarians:

Amy coordinates with licensed LoanFactory agents in your state, ensuring you receive the same specialized expertise and program access regardless of location.

This gives you:

✓ Access to multiple wholesale lender programs

✓ Pre-screened for dentist/veterinarian eligibility

✓ Competitive rate comparison across programs

✓ Expert guidance specific to dental and veterinary professionals

✓ Nationwide availability

Contact Road to Home Solutions to verify current dentist and veterinarian program options.

Critical Questions to Ask Any Lender:

When researching programs independently, verify:

For Dentists:

- "Does your physician loan program accept dentists (DDS/DMD)?"

- "Are all dental specialties eligible (orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists)?"

- "Are the terms the same as for MDs and DOs?"

- "Can dental residents qualify with employment contracts?"

- "Do you accept practice owners who are self-employed?"

For Veterinarians:

- "Does your physician loan program accept veterinarians (DVM)?"

- "Do you accept both small animal and large animal vets?"

- "Are self-employed practice owners eligible?"

- "Can veterinary residents qualify with contracts?"

Learn More About Lender Selection:

For a complete guide on how to find, evaluate, and compare physician loan lenders (applicable to all medical professionals including dentists and vets), see our comprehensive resource:

→ Top Lenders Offering Physician Loans

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM DENTISTS AND VETERINARIANS

Can Dental Residents Qualify Before Finishing Residency?

✅ Yes. If you have a signed employment contract with a start date within 60-120 days, most lenders approve you based on your future contract income (not your current resident stipend).

This allows you to purchase a home months before starting your associate or owner position.

Can Veterinary Practice Owners Qualify If They're Self-Employed?

✅ Yes, but documentation requirements increase:

• Two years of personal and business tax returns

• Profit and loss statements

• CPA-prepared financial statements

• Business bank statements

Lenders calculate self-employed income by averaging two years of adjusted gross income (AGI).

Are Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons Eligible?

✅ Yes. Dental specialists receive the same physician loan benefits as general dentists. All DDS/DMD degrees qualify, regardless of specialty.

What If I'm Still Completing My Dental or Veterinary License?

Most lenders accept pending license applications as long as you provide:

• Proof you've submitted your application to the state licensing board

• Expected license issue date

• Confirmation from your employer that your position is contingent on licensure

Can I Use a Physician Loan to Buy a Home and a Practice?

❌ No. Physician loans are for primary residence purchases only. They cannot be used for:

• Investment properties

• Practice purchases or business loans

• Multi-family properties (unless you occupy one unit)

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW DENTISTS AND VETERINARIANS APPLY

Step 1: Verify Lender Eligibility

Not all physician loan programs include dentists and veterinarians. Before applying, confirm your profession qualifies.

Questions to Ask:

• Do you offer physician loans for dentists (DDS/DMD)?

• Do you offer physician loans for veterinarians (DVM)?

• Are the terms identical to those for MDs/DOs?

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Collect:

• Dental/veterinary degree (diploma or transcripts)

• Active license (or proof of pending application)

• Signed employment contract (for residents) or current employment verification

• Two most recent pay stubs (or tax returns if self-employed)

• Bank statements (last 2-3 months)

• Student loan statements

Step 3: Check Your Credit Score

Pull your credit report. Aim for 700+ (ideal: 720+).

If below 700, improve your score before applying:

• Pay down credit cards below 30% utilization

• Dispute errors

• Ensure all payments are current

Step 4: Get Pre-Approved

Submit your documentation to a lender experienced in dentist/veterinarian financing. Pre-approval typically takes 1-3 business days.

Step 5: Begin House Hunting

With pre-approval in hand, tour homes that fit your budget.

Step 6: Close on Your Home

Most physician loans close in 30-45 days from contract acceptance.

WHY WORK WITH A SPECIALIST?

General mortgage brokers may not understand physician loan eligibility for dentists and veterinarians. They might:

• Tell you physician loans are MD/DO-only (incorrect)

• Miss lenders that include your profession

• Apply conventional underwriting (penalizing your student debt)

Working with a specialist like Road To Home Solutions ensures:

• Access to dentist/veterinarian-friendly lenders

• Favorable student loan treatment

• Competitive rates and terms

• Nationwide coverage (whether you're in California, Florida, Texas, or anywhere else)

CONCLUSION

Dentists and veterinarians absolutely qualify for physician loans and receive the same benefits as medical doctors: low down payment, no PMI, flexible student loan treatment, and higher loan limits. While fewer lenders include veterinarians than dentists, multiple national programs exist.

Key Takeaways:

• Most physician loan programs include dentists (DDS/DMD)

• Select programs include veterinarians (DVM)

• Benefits are identical to MD/DO physician loans

• Work with a lender experienced in dentist/veterinarian financing

• Verify eligibility before applying

CONTACT ROAD TO HOME SOLUTIONS

Amy Parsons

Dual-Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer & Real Estate Broker

Phone: (800) 591-9489

Email: amy@roadtohomesolutions.com

Web: www.roadtohomesolutions.com

Loan Officer: LoanFactory, NMLS #693001

Real Estate Broker: Lionheart Pride, CalDRE #01489819

Amy Parsons specializes in physician loans through LoanFactory's wholesale network, giving you access to multiple lender programs for comparison. California borrowers: Amy handles your loan directly from application to closing. Out-of-state borrowers: Amy works with licensed LoanFactory agents in your state to provide the same specialized service and program access nationwide.

RELATED RESOURCES

• Physician Loans: Your Complete Guide to Doctor Mortgages

• How to Qualify for a Physician Loan as a Medical Resident • Physician Loans vs Conventional Loans: Which is Right for You?

• 5 Mistakes Doctors Make When Buying Their First Home (and How to Avoid Them)

• Top Lenders Offering Physician Loans

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Equal Housing Opportunity

NMLS #693001 • CalDRE #01489819

Road to Home Solutions provides mortgage and real estate services nationwide.

Licensing and roles are clearly identified for each transaction.

Written by Amy Parsons, Dual-Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (LoanFactory, NMLS #693001) and Real Estate Broker (Lionheart Pride, CalDRE #01489819).