Take Advantage of Your Dental Insurance Before It Expires
Have you checked your dental benefits recently? As the year comes to a close, many people leave valuable insurance benefits unused—and once the year resets, those benefits are gone for good.
Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar-year basis, meaning any unused benefits will expire on December 31. If you have been putting off a dental visit, now is the time to act and maximize your coverage before it’s too late.
Why It’s Important to Use Your Benefits Now
Did you know that 1 in 4 adults between ages 20 and 64 has untreated tooth decay? Dental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and your insurance plan is an investment in your health.
Most insurance plans cover preventive services such as cleanings and exams and may also offer coverage for restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, and periodontal care. However, if these services are not used by the end of the year, they do not roll over—which means you lose the benefits you’ve already paid for.
For example, if your plan covers two cleanings per year and you have only had one in 2024, scheduling your second cleaning before December 31 ensures you receive the full value of your insurance while preventing costly dental issues down the road.
Preventive care helps catch issues early—such as cavities or gum disease—reducing the need for expensive and invasive treatments later on.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Benefits?
Dental insurance works differently than medical insurance. While some health insurance benefits may carry over, most dental plans reset every calendar year.
For example, if your plan provides $1,000 in coverage per year and you only use $500, the remaining $500 does not roll over—it expires on January 1, 2025.
If you have pending dental treatments, it’s important to schedule them before year-end to avoid paying out-of-pocket once your benefits reset.
Maximize Your Deductible and Annual Coverage
Understanding your plan’s deductible and annual maximum can help you strategically save on dental care.
- Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering treatments. Some dental plans don’t require a deductible for preventive care, while others have a small deductible for restorative procedures. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, now is the time to schedule treatments before your deductible resets in January.
- Annual Maximum: This is the maximum amount your insurance will cover per year. If you are nearing your limit, you may be able to split major treatments between this year and the next—starting in December and completing in January—to maximize coverage over two years.
Tip: If you have met your deductible but haven’t reached your annual maximum, now is the best time to schedule pending treatments such as fillings, crowns, or periodontal therapy.
Smart Tips for Using Your Benefits Before They Expire
To make the most of your dental insurance before the year ends, follow these simple strategies:
✔ Stay on top of preventive care – Most insurance plans fully cover cleanings and exams, making them a cost-free way to maintain oral health.
✔ Review your coverage – Check what treatments are fully or partially covered by your plan, especially if you’re considering restorative or cosmetic procedures.
✔ Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Many FSAs require you to use funds by year-end. These can be applied toward dental treatments to avoid losing that money.
✔ Book early – The end of the year is one of the busiest times for dental offices. Scheduling in advance ensures you get an appointment before benefits reset.
Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Time is running out to maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire. Don’t let your hard-earned coverage go to waste!
If you need a cleaning, exam, or pending treatment, schedule your appointment today and start 2025 with a healthy, confident smile.
📅 Book your visit before December 31 to take full advantage of your benefits!