The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has selected Panacea Financial as its endorsed practice finance lender, making Panacea the only practice finance lender independently endorsed by the association.
According to an announcement, the endorsement followed a formal request-for-proposal process and a multi-month review. The program provides AAO members with access to exclusive pricing on practice and personal loans, applied after underwriting in addition to Panacea’s existing rates. Benefits include a 0.25% rate discount and zero origination fees on practice loans.
The financing program is intended to support orthodontists throughout the practice ownership lifecycle, including practice startups, acquisitions, expansions, equipment purchases, commercial real estate, and working capital needs. The agreement also provides members with a single lending relationship from residency through multi-location practice ownership.
“Orthodontists assume one of the most financially demanding paths in healthcare,” said Michael Jerkins, M.D., M.Ed., president and co-founder of Panacea Financial. “From dental school, to a highly competitive and expensive residency, much of it self-funded through student loans. By the time an orthodontist is ready to open or acquire a practice, they may be carrying $500,000 to $700,000 in educational debt. Panacea Financial is built by doctors who understand that trajectory, and the AAO endorsement tells orthodontists that they don’t have to take that on faith.”
The AAO represents more than 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. Founded in 1900, the organization focuses on advancing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, public education, and advocacy related to oral health and safety.
“Our members invest years and significant resources to become orthodontic specialists,” said Dr. Michael Durbin, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “When we looked for a practice finance partner, we applied the same due diligence we'd expect our members to bring to any major financial decision. We evaluated candidates rigorously, vetted their underwriting approach, and assessed alignment with member interests at every stage. Panacea Financial stood out as a lender that was built by doctors and designed around the financial trajectory of a healthcare career. This endorsement reflects that work.”
The announcement also included comments from Michael Seelig, DMD, MS, of Shine Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, who described his experience financing a dual-specialty practice. “My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Panacea to finance the practice we’ve always dreamed of,” Dr. Seelig said. “As a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist, we envisioned running a dual-specialty practice together. However, other lenders in the space presented challenges due to the size of the facility needed to accommodate both specialties. Panacea understood the unique requirements of our non-traditional setup and made the entire process smooth from start to finish. Now, three months into owning our dream practice, we couldn’t be happier. The Panacea team was responsive, professional, and easy to work with throughout. We highly recommend Panacea for anyone pursuing their practice goals.”
Panacea Financial is a financial technology company serving physicians, dentists, and veterinarians. Founded by doctors, the company offers lending, deposits, payments, and advisory services and operates as a division of Primis, Member FDIC. Loans are offered in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
AAO members can begin applying through the program immediately. More information is available at https://panaceafinancial.com/aao-members/.
