You’ve been paying your dental premiums all year long. And the catch is this: if you don’t use your benefits by the end of the year, they’re lost. The majority of dental insurance plans are “use it or lose it” plans, meaning your unused dental benefits are not transferable to next year. Don’t lose them. It’s time to reap the rewards of your benefits and give your smile the attention it deserves. The following are some tips and tricks for busy insurers who want to make the most of their dental coverage before it expires.

Why Use Your Dental Benefits?

Dental insurance covers preventive care, which helps you stop more expensive problems down the road. Cleanings, check-ups, X-rays, and even preventive treatments like fluoride treatments are usually covered under basic plans.

But annually, thousands of people forget to schedule their checkups or fail to utilize their dental benefits prior to the end date. Did you know that according to the National Association of Dental Plans, more than 30% of the people who have dental insurance fail to utilize the benefits? This means most of their premiums go to vain.

You don’t want to be part of that statistic. Using your dental coverage before the end of the year ensures you’re getting the full value of your insurance, and you’re also keeping your oral health in check.

Understanding Your Dental Insurance Timeline

The majority of dental insurance plans expire on the last day of the year, and that is the reason why the “use it or lose it” rule exists. But how do you know what is covered, and when to use your benefits?

Annual Maximums: Nearly all plans have an annual maximum – the amount the insurance will pay for your dental care during one year. If you don’t spend it, that leftover balance disappears when the year starts fresh.
Preventive Care: These procedures, like cleanings, exams, and X-rays, are often paid 100%. These procedures are often offered twice a year and assist you in maintaining a healthy smile.
Basic and Major Services: If you have fillings, crowns, or root canals in your coverage, now is the time to book those procedures before missing year-end coverage.

Tips for Busy Patients to Maximize Their Dental Coverage

Life is busy. With work, school, and everything in between, sneaking in a trip to the dentist can be relegated to the bottom of your to-do list. But it could worsen one’s dental problems in the future. Here are some tips for not missing out on your dental benefits:

Schedule Your Appointment Early: Don’t wait until December. As the year ends, dental offices become packed with patients trying to use their benefits before they expire.
Use Preventive Care to Your Advantage: Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year. Make sure you’ve used both cleanings before the year ends to maximize your coverage.
Plan Major Work Strategically: If you have additional major procedures like fillings, crowns, or root canals, consider scheduling them spaced out over two calendar years. You can use up your benefits for the year and have some left over for next year.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

It is stressful to wait until the eleventh hour to use your dental benefits. Dental offices fill quickly as the year ends. If you haven’t scheduled an appointment, now is your chance.

Here at Riverpark Dental of Howell, we would like to make your trip to the dentist as easy and simple as possible. If you have not made an appointment for your end-of-the-year yet, don’t wait. Call us today to make your cleaning or other procedure appointment before your dental benefits expire.