Use Your Dental Benefits Before the Year Ends 

Have you checked your dental benefits recently? As the year draws to a close, many people may not realize they are leaving valuable dental insurance benefits unused. Dental insurance typically operates on a calendar-year basis, meaning any benefits not used by December 31st  may be lost. If you have been putting off a dental visit, now is the time to act and maximize your coverage before it is too late.  

Why It’s Important to Use Your Benefits Now 

Did you know 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay? Dental health is a critical part of overall well-being, and it is essential to view your dental insurance as an investment in your health. Most plans cover a set number of preventive services each year, such as cleanings and exams, and some even offer more advanced treatments like fillings or crowns. However, if you do not use these services by the end of the year, you lose out on that investment. By taking advantage of your benefits now, you ensure you are getting the full value of your plan. 

For instance, most plans include coverage for two cleanings per year. If you have only had one cleaning in 2024, why not schedule a second one? Preventive care, such as dental cleanings and exams, helps prevent small issues from becoming costly, painful problems. Routine exams can catch cavities, gum disease, and other conditions early, reducing the need for more expensive treatments later. 

What Happens When You Don’t Use Your Benefits? 

Dental insurance is unique compared to other forms of insurance. While medical insurance might carry over some benefits into the next year, most dental insurance plans reset every new calendar year. Any unused portion of an annual benefit disappears on January 1st, 2025.  

For example, if your plan includes $1,000 worth of coverage for the year, and you only use $500, the remaining $500 does not roll over—it is lost. This can be especially important if you have pending treatments in your treatment plan.   

Make the Most of Your Deductible and Coverage 

Understanding your plan’s deductible and annual maximum can help you save on dental care. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering treatments. Some dental plans do not have deductibles, but for those that do, once it is met, additional treatments typically cost less. The annual maximum is the most your insurance will cover in a year. After reaching this limit, any extra costs are the patient’s responsibility. 

If you have met your plan’s deductible, now is a good time to schedule any pending treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or other necessary work. If you are nearing your annual maximum, you can plan your dental work carefully to make the most of your coverage. 

Some patients choose to split major dental procedures between two calendar years if they are nearing their annual maximum—starting in December and finishing in January. This way, you can spread the cost and maximize your insurance benefits over two years. 

Tips for Using Your Benefits Smartly 

To get the most out of your dental insurance, consider these helpful tips: 

• Stay on top of preventive care: Schedule regular cleanings and exams to avoid more expensive treatments later. Preventive care is often fully covered, so it is a wise way to maintain oral health without additional costs.
• Review your plan's coverage: Make sure you understand what treatments are fully or partially covered by your plan, especially for elective procedures like teeth whitening or sealants.
• Check your flexible spending account (FSA): If you have an FSA, remember that it may need to be used by year-end. You can apply these funds to dental care, ensuring you do not lose that money.
• Book early: The end of the year is often a busy time for dental offices. Scheduling your appointments ahead of time helps ensure you complete your treatment plan and make the most of your benefits before the year-end rush.