Australian dentist reviewing home loan options
Dental Professionals — Up to 95% LVR

Dentists Can Save $34,000–$61,000 on Their Home Loan

As an AHPRA-registered dental practitioner, you're eligible for one of the most generous LMI waivers available in Australia. Major lenders classify dentists alongside doctors under their medico policies — meaning you can borrow up to 95% LVR with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance, whether you're a general dentist, dental specialist, or practice owner.

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How Much Could You Save?

Indicative LMI savings for dentists borrowing at 95% LVR. Based on typical Helia/QBE premiums.

Starter home

$750,000 property

$34,000

saved on LMI

Family home

$1,000,000 property

$46,000

saved on LMI

Premium home

$1,500,000 property

$61,000

saved on LMI

See Your Estimated Savings

We compare 50+ lenders to find you the lowest rate

Commonwealth Bank
ANZ
Westpac
NAB
Macquarie Bank
ING
Bankwest
St. George
Suncorp
Bank of Queensland
AMP
Citibank
Adelaide Bank
BankSA
RAMS
Liberty Financial
ME Bank
Firstmac
Commonwealth Bank
ANZ
Westpac
NAB
Macquarie Bank
ING
Bankwest
St. George
Suncorp
Bank of Queensland
AMP
Citibank
Adelaide Bank
BankSA
RAMS
Liberty Financial
ME Bank
Firstmac
Heritage Bank
Pepper Money
La Trobe Financial
Resimac
Virgin Money
Bank Australia
Newcastle Permanent
Teachers Mutual Bank
UniBank
BankFirst
Auswide Bank
Southern Cross Credit Union
Gateway Bank
Bluestone
Better Choice
RedZed
MKM Capital
Prime Capital
Heritage Bank
Pepper Money
La Trobe Financial
Resimac
Virgin Money
Bank Australia
Newcastle Permanent
Teachers Mutual Bank
UniBank
BankFirst
Auswide Bank
Southern Cross Credit Union
Gateway Bank
Bluestone
Better Choice
RedZed
MKM Capital
Prime Capital

What Does Lenders Mortgage Insurance Mean for Dentists?

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a one-off premium charged when you borrow more than 80% of a property's value. It can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000+ depending on your loan size and deposit.

Here's the important part: LMI protects the lender, not you. You pay the cost, but receive no personal benefit. It exists solely because lenders consider a lower deposit as higher risk for them.

The good news for dentists? Many Australian lenders will completely waive LMI for professionals in approved occupations. That means you can buy with a smaller deposit and keep thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to an insurance premium you'd never benefit from.

Learn more about LMI

Could You Save on LMI?

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Which Dentists Qualify for an LMI Waiver?

Lenders classify AHPRA-registered dental practitioners as low-risk borrowers due to strong earning potential, stable career demand, and the rigorous professional standards required to maintain dental registration in Australia. Under most major lender medico policies, dentists receive the same LMI waiver terms as doctors — including access to 95% LVR with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. All 13 recognised dental specialties registered with the Dental Board of Australia qualify alongside general dental practitioners.

Qualifying Roles

  • General Dentists (registered with AHPRA)
  • Orthodontists
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • Endodontists
  • Periodontists
  • Prosthodontists
  • Paediatric Dentists
  • Oral Medicine Specialists
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists
  • Dento-maxillofacial Radiologists
  • Public Health Dentists (Community Dentistry)
  • Special Needs Dentists
  • Forensic Odontologists

Typical Requirements

  • Registered with AHPRA as a dental practitioner — general or specialist registration. Provisional, limited, and student registrations typically do not qualify (some lenders accept limited registration for dentists in approved hospital positions)
  • Currently practising or employed in a dental role — including associates, salaried employees, and practice owners
  • Meeting the lender's minimum income threshold — many lenders have no minimum income requirement for AHPRA-registered dentists, while others set a threshold of $100,000–$150,000 gross annual income
  • Borrowing within the lender's tiered loan caps — ANZ allows up to $7.6M on a single security, NAB up to $4.5M at 95% LVR, CBA up to $2.375M at 95% LVR. Higher loan amounts may be available at 90% LVR
  • Owner-occupied property for 95% LVR — investment properties are available with some lenders, typically capped at 90% LVR with tighter loan limits

Dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, oral health therapists, and dental prosthetists do not qualify for medico LMI waivers — these roles are registered under different AHPRA divisions and are not classified as dental practitioners for lending purposes. Dentists holding only provisional or student registration may need to wait until full registration is granted. Recently graduated dentists with full AHPRA registration do qualify, though some lenders require a minimum period of post-graduation practice (typically 1–2 years). For joint applications, most lenders require the dentist to hold at least a 50% property interest.

Check If You Qualify

LVR & Deposit Options for Dentists

How much deposit do you need? With an LMI waiver, far less than you might think.

Maximum Savings

95% LVR — No LMI

5% deposit required

  • Borrow up to 95% of the property value — no LMI
  • Only 5% deposit required, saving you up to $61,000 on a $1.5M property
  • Available from select lenders including ANZ, CBA, NAB, and Westpac under medico policies
  • Typically capped at $1M–$2.375M loan amount at this tier (varies by lender)
Learn about 95% LVR options Most Popular

90% LVR — No LMI

10% deposit required

  • Borrow up to 90% of the property value — no LMI
  • The most widely available LMI waiver tier for dental professionals
  • Higher loan caps available (up to $4.5M–$7.6M with major banks)
  • Available from 20+ lenders including Macquarie, St. George, BOQ, and Granite Home Loans
Learn about 90% LVR options

Income Assessment for Dentists

How lenders assess your income depends on whether you're an associate dentist, a salaried employee, or a practice owner. Dental income structures vary significantly — from stable salaries in hospital settings to highly variable earnings in private practice. Understanding these assessment methods helps you maximise borrowing power and choose the right lender for your situation.

Associate / Employed Dentists

  • Base salary or guaranteed minimum is the primary income component assessed
  • Commission and percentage-of-billings components may be included at 80% of the two-year average
  • Two most recent payslips, employment contract, and AHPRA registration confirmation required
  • Hospital-based dentists with regular overtime may have overtime included at a discounted rate
  • Fastest path to approval — typically three to five business days for PAYG applicants

Practice Owners / Self-Employed Dentists

  • Minimum two years of tax returns and full practice financials required by most lenders
  • Practice revenue, profitability, and the dentist's drawings or salary are all assessed
  • Add-backs for depreciation, personal superannuation contributions, and non-cash expenses considered
  • Some lenders accept one year of financials for established practices with strong revenue history
  • Self-prepared financials may attract additional scrutiny — independent accountant review recommended
Dentists transitioning from associate to practice owner often face a gap period where income documentation doesn't neatly fit either category. Some lenders offer blended assessment approaches that combine your historical PAYG income with projected practice income for recently acquired practices. We identify lenders experienced in assessing dental practice acquisitions and transitions — including those that accept purchase contracts and practice valuations alongside limited trading history.

How to Get Your LMI Waived

Three simple steps between you and saving thousands.

1

Check Your Eligibility

Tell us your profession and borrowing needs. Our free tool takes 60 seconds and checks your eligibility across 50+ lenders.

2

We Match You With a Lender

We compare lender policies to find the best LMI waiver for your situation — maximising your borrowing power and minimising your costs.

3

Settlement, No LMI

Your home loan settles without paying a cent in Lenders Mortgage Insurance. That's thousands of dollars saved, straight away.

Dentists LMI Waiver FAQs

Common questions about LMI waivers for dentists.

Do all dentists qualify for an LMI waiver?
Not all dental professionals qualify. You must hold current general or specialist registration with AHPRA as a dental practitioner. This includes general dentists and all 13 recognised dental specialties — from orthodontics and oral surgery to periodontics and paediatric dentistry. Dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, and oral health therapists do not qualify, as they are registered under different AHPRA practitioner divisions. Use our eligibility check to confirm your qualification in 60 seconds.
How much can dentists save by waiving LMI?
At 95% LVR (5% deposit), a dentist purchasing a $750,000 property could save approximately $34,000 in Lenders Mortgage Insurance. For a $1 million property, savings reach around $46,000, and for a $1.5 million property, over $61,000. At 90% LVR (10% deposit), savings are lower but still substantial — typically $14,000 to $30,000 depending on property price and lender. Use our LMI savings calculator to estimate your exact figure.
What's the maximum LVR for dentists?
Select lenders offer up to 95% LVR with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance for AHPRA-registered dentists — requiring only a 5% deposit. This tier typically has loan caps ranging from $1M to $2.375M depending on the lender. The most widely available tier is 90% LVR, offered by 20+ lenders with higher loan caps of up to $4.5M–$7.6M. Some lenders also offer 85% LVR with the broadest terms and highest loan limits.
Are dental specialists treated differently from general dentists?
No. All 13 AHPRA-recognised dental specialties qualify on the same terms as general dentists under major lender medico policies. This includes orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, paediatric dentists, and others. Specialist income is often higher than general dental income, which can increase your borrowing capacity. The key requirement is current AHPRA registration — not your specific specialty.
Can dental hygienists or dental therapists get an LMI waiver?
Dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral health therapists, and dental assistants do not qualify for medico LMI waivers. These roles are registered under separate AHPRA practitioner categories and are not classified as dental practitioners for lending purposes. However, allied health professionals may qualify for LMI waivers through different lender policies — check our full professions list to explore alternative qualification pathways.
I've recently graduated — do I still qualify?
Yes, provided you hold full general registration with AHPRA. Most lenders accept recently graduated dentists for LMI waivers without a minimum period of post-graduation practice. However, a small number of lenders require one to two years of practising experience. If you're in your first year of practice, a broker can identify lenders with no minimum experience requirement. Your AHPRA registration is the primary qualifying criterion, not years of experience.
Can I use the LMI waiver for an investment property?
Some lenders extend LMI waivers to investment properties for AHPRA-registered dentists, but the maximum LVR is typically capped at 90% rather than 95%. Loan caps for investment properties may also be lower than for owner-occupied purchases. Owner-occupied properties receive the most favourable terms and widest lender selection. If you're considering an investment property, check our deposit options page for strategies to maximise your position.
What if I've just bought or am buying a dental practice?
New practice owners can qualify for LMI waivers provided they hold current AHPRA registration. Income assessment is the main challenge — lenders typically require a minimum of two years of tax returns and full practice financials. For recently acquired practices, some lenders offer blended assessment approaches that combine historical PAYG income with projected practice income. We specialise in matching dentists with lenders experienced in assessing practice acquisitions, including those that accept purchase contracts and practice valuations.
Do I need a minimum income to qualify?
Many major lenders have no minimum income requirement for AHPRA-registered dental practitioners. ANZ, NAB, and several others assess eligibility based on your AHPRA registration and professional status rather than a specific income floor. However, some lenders do set thresholds between $100,000 and $150,000 gross annual income. Your income still affects borrowing capacity (how much you can borrow), even when it doesn't affect LMI waiver eligibility itself. A broker can identify lenders that match your specific circumstances.
Can I apply jointly with a non-dentist partner?
Yes. Joint applications with a non-dentist spouse or partner are accepted by most lenders offering medico LMI waivers. The dentist typically needs to hold at least a 50% interest in the property — an equal or majority ownership share. Both incomes contribute to loan serviceability, increasing your borrowing power. Some lenders are more flexible on ownership split requirements than others.
What documentation do I need to apply?
Standard documentation includes: current AHPRA registration confirmation (printable from the AHPRA online register), two most recent payslips or payment summaries, employment contract or letter confirming your role and employment type, most recent tax return (especially for self-employed or practice owners), evidence of your deposit and savings, and standard identity documents. Practice owners will also need two years of full business financials. Your broker will provide a tailored checklist based on your chosen lender.
Will the LMI waiver affect my interest rate?
No. The LMI waiver does not change your interest rate — you receive the same rate as any other borrower at your LVR tier. Many lenders also offer professional home loan packages for dental practitioners that include competitive rate discounts alongside the LMI waiver, potentially saving you even more over the life of the loan. These medico packages are often the same ones offered to doctors and other medical professionals.
Can I use the LMI waiver to purchase a dental practice?
LMI waivers apply to residential property purchases only — not commercial property or dental practice acquisitions. However, many lenders that offer medico LMI waivers also provide dedicated dental practice finance products with competitive terms. These are assessed separately from your home loan. If you're planning both a property purchase and a practice acquisition, a broker can structure both applications to maximise your overall position.
How do dentists compare to doctors for LMI waiver access?
Dentists receive virtually identical LMI waiver terms to doctors under most major lender medico policies. Both access up to 95% LVR, similar loan caps, and the same lender selection. The key requirement for both is current AHPRA registration as a practitioner. Dentists are not disadvantaged compared to doctors — lenders group both professions under their medical and dental practitioner policies.
Do I need genuine savings for the deposit?
Requirements vary by lender. Some require genuine savings (funds held in your account for at least three months), while others accept gifted deposits, equity from an existing property, or other non-genuine savings sources for qualifying dental professionals. At 95% LVR, genuine savings requirements are more common than at 90% LVR. A broker can match you with lenders that accept your specific deposit source.
How quickly can I get approved?
Check your eligibility in 60 seconds with our free eligibility tool. The LMI waiver is applied automatically as part of your home loan application — there is no separate approval process. Full loan approval typically takes three to five business days for employed or associate dentists and five to ten business days for self-employed practice owners, depending on the lender and complexity of your financials.

LMI Waivers for Other Professions

Not a match? See which other professionals qualify for LMI waivers.

Doctors LMI waiver
Up to 95% LVR

Doctors

AHPRA-registered medical practitioners — including GPs, specialists, surgeons, and registrars — can borrow up to 95% LVR with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Learn more
Nurses LMI waiver
Up to 90% LVR

Nurses

AHPRA-registered nurses and midwives — including RNs, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and midwives — can borrow up to 90% LVR without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance through Westpac, St. George, and other lenders.

Learn more
Lawyers LMI waiver
Up to 95% LVR

Lawyers

Admitted legal practitioners — solicitors, barristers, partners, and in-house counsel — can borrow up to 95% LVR without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance through select lenders.

Learn more
Accountants LMI waiver
Up to 95% LVR

Accountants

Qualified accountants — including CA, CPA, CFA, and FIAA members — can borrow up to 95% LVR without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Learn more
View all qualifying professions

Ready to Save Thousands on Your Dentist's Home Loan?

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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. LMI waiver eligibility, savings estimates, and loan terms vary between lenders and are subject to individual assessment. Figures shown are indicative only and based on typical lender policies as of 2026. Lender-specific loan caps referenced (ANZ, NAB, CBA) are subject to change. Always obtain personalised advice before making financial decisions.