Key Takeaways

• Texas dental offices that offer third-party or in-house financing must hold an active license with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
• The renewal deadline for this license is December 1, 2025.
• You can complete the renewal directly through the Texas OCCC website, or we can manage the process for clients.
• Practices that don’t comply risk penalties and potential disruption to their patient financing options.

Understanding the Texas Financing License Requirement

For Texas dental practices, offering flexible payment options can help improve case acceptance and make dental care more accessible to patients. However, if your office provides third-party financing (such as CareCredit or Sunbit) or in-house payment plans that extend beyond 90 days, you’re legally required to hold a business license from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).

This licensing requirement stems from Texas Finance Code §342, which regulates businesses that extend consumer credit. The goal is to ensure that lenders, including healthcare providers who allow deferred payments, operate transparently and in compliance with consumer protection laws.

While the regulation has been in place for a few years, many dental offices are still unaware of it or have yet to renew. The annual renewal deadline is December 1, making now the time to double-check your compliance.

Who Needs the License?

In simple terms, if your practice allows patients to pay balances over time or through third-party financing, you likely need a license.

You do not need a license if:

• Your practice only accepts direct payments at the time of service.
• You don’t offer installment plans or financing options.
• You work solely as an associate or contractor and don’t bill patients directly.

Failing to maintain an active license could expose your practice to fines, delays, or loss of financing privileges, which can impact both cash flow and patient relationships.

How to Stay Compliant

You can file or renew your OCCC license directly through the Texas OCCC website by paying the $10 renewal fee. If you prefer not to handle the paperwork yourself, we are here to manage the process for our clients as long as you let us know by November 19. For a flat $100 filing fee, we’ll submit your renewal, confirm completion, and keep your practice compliant with state regulations. (Note: If you’re already part of our Monthly Core Services plan, we’ve got this covered for you.)

Why It Matters

For dental practices, compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting the trust you’ve built with patients and ensuring uninterrupted access to financing options that support treatment acceptance. By staying proactive, you can maintain smooth operations and focus on what matters most: providing great patient care.

Need Help Filing?

If you’re unsure whether this rule applies to your office or would like us to handle your license renewal, contact our team today. We’ll ensure everything is filed correctly and on time, so you can move into the new year with peace of mind.