Synchrony has announced an expanded strategic partnership with Planet DDS focused on integrating patient financing tools into orthodontic and dental practice management systems.
In the United States, more than 6 million patients are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment across an estimated 15,000 practices. Through the integration of CareCredit into Planet DDS’s Cloud 9 orthodontic practice management platform—used by approximately 2,500 orthodontic practices nationwide—financing capabilities will be embedded directly into clinical and administrative workflows. According to the companies, this represents Synchrony’s first integration with a practice management system designed specifically for orthodontics.
The integration is intended to allow practices to incorporate financing discussions and application processes within existing digital workflows. This approach may reduce administrative steps associated with third-party financing and align financial coordination more closely with treatment planning and case presentation.
"For Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and growing practices, the ability to scale hinges on having efficient, connected systems," said Sonia Williams, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dental, Synchrony. "Our expanded partnership with Planet DDS is designed to power that efficiency. By integrating CareCredit into their core software, we help practices operate more effectively and strengthen how they connect with patients about their financing options. This simplifies the financial workflow and allows teams to focus on delivering optimal patient care."
Through the integration, practices using Cloud 9 will be able to initiate and manage CareCredit applications within the platform. Patients may check whether they prequalify for the CareCredit credit card at the practice or via a personal smart device without impacting their credit score. When the card is used, payment to the practice may occur in as few as two business days.
"At Planet DDS, we believe technology should make it easier for practices to say yes to patients and for patients to say yes to care," said Nathan James, Chief Product Officer at Planet DDS. "Integrating Synchrony's CareCredit credit card as our preferred financing solution brings a trusted payment option directly into our platform, helping teams simplify financial conversations while expanding access to treatment. This partnership strengthens our ability to support practice growth, operational efficiency, and more predictable patient outcomes."
Under a new multi-year agreement, CareCredit has been designated the preferred patient financing solution across Planet DDS platforms, including Denticon, its cloud-based dental practice management system, and Cloud 9 for orthodontic practices. Integration across platforms is planned in the coming months. The expanded agreement builds on a partnership that began in 2020.
