Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before the Year Ends

If you have dental insurance, there's a good chance some of your benefits will disappear on December 31. Most dental plans run on a calendar year, and unused benefits generally don't roll over. Scheduling care before the year ends can help you get the full value of the coverage you've already paid for.

Why Year-End Matters

Annual maximums reset. Most dental plans have an annual maximum — the most the plan will pay toward your care in a benefit year. If you don't use it, you lose it, and a new maximum starts in January.

Deductibles start over. If you've already met your deductible this year, any additional covered care before the end of your plan year may cost you less out of pocket. In January, you'll typically need to meet the deductible again.

Preventive care is often covered at a high level. Many plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at or near 100%. If you haven't had both of your checkups this year, now is a great time to schedule.

FSA funds may expire. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), check your plan's deadline. Some FSAs offer a short grace period or allow a small amount to carry over, but many unused funds are forfeited. Eligible dental expenses can be a smart way to use them. Health Savings Account (HSA) funds, by contrast, roll over year to year.

Treatment Worth Scheduling Before Year-End

• Your second cleaning and exam of the year
• Fillings for cavities found at a recent checkup
• Crowns for cracked, weakened or heavily filled teeth
• Gum disease treatment such as scaling and root planing
• Treatment you've been postponing — small problems tend to become larger and more expensive over time

If you need more extensive work, we can sometimes plan treatment across two benefit years — part in December and part in January — to make the most of both years' maximums.

Tips to Maximize Your Benefits

• Check your remaining benefits. Our team is happy to help you understand what your plan covers and what you have left for the year.
• Book early. The last few weeks of the year are a popular time for dental visits, so appointments fill up quickly.
• Ask for a treatment estimate. We'll review expected costs with you before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
• Confirm your plan year. Most plans follow the calendar year, but some don't. Your insurance card or benefits booklet will tell you.

No Dental Insurance?

You're always welcome at All Smiles Family Dental. Ask us about payment and financing options that can help make care more affordable. Learn more on our insurance and financing page.

Schedule Before the Calendar Fills Up

Don't leave benefits on the table. Call our Greensboro office at (336) 378-9953 or book your appointment online. We'll help you make the most of your coverage.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for a dental exam or professional advice.