Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire at Year-End

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to check in on your dental insurance benefits and ensure you’re taking full advantage of them before they reset. Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning that unused benefits typically expire on December 31st. Here’s an overview of how dental benefits work, why they expire, and some tips for using them effectively.

What Are Dental Benefits?

Dental benefits are part of your health insurance plan and are designed to cover a portion of your dental care costs. Most dental plans provide coverage for preventive care, including routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays, while offering partial coverage for more extensive treatments like fillings, crowns, and root canals. The benefits often come with annual maximums, deductibles, and co-payments, depending on your specific insurance plan.

Key Components of Dental Benefits

Annual Maximum: This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for your dental care in a year. Typically, it ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. Any costs over this limit become the patient’s responsibility.
Deductible: This is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. For dental plans, this is often a relatively low amount, usually under $100 for an individual.
Covered Services: Most plans cover preventive care at 100%, basic restorative care (like fillings) at around 70-80%, and major procedures (like crowns or bridges) at 50%.

Be sure to check your specific insurance. Remember the above are simply averages or norms on what is covered under benefits, but every insurance varies and it is your responsibility as the patient to know what’s covered.

Why Do Dental Benefits Expire?

Dental benefits usually expire at the end of the calendar year because they are designed to encourage routine, preventive care. Insurance companies set a maximum annual benefit amount to help control costs and to incentivize patients to use their benefits consistently. If you don’t use your full benefits within the year, they typically do not roll over to the next year, meaning any unused portion is lost. That is like having unspent cash go to waste, no one wants to do that!

Why It’s Important to Use Your Dental Benefits Before Year-End

Avoid Wasting Premiums

If you’ve been paying monthly premiums, you want to make sure you’re getting the value you paid for. Skipping appointments or delaying treatment means you’re effectively paying for benefits you’re not using.

Maximize Annual Benefits

Most insurance plans have a yearly maximum, so scheduling treatments before the end of the year allows you to fully utilize your benefits. This is especially useful if you have a treatment plan that may require multiple appointments, as you can spread out the cost by starting treatment this year and continuing into the next.

Plan for Major Treatments

For complex or costly dental work, like crowns or implants, breaking up the treatment across two years can help manage out-of-pocket expenses. By starting part of the treatment in December, you can use this year’s benefits and then complete it in the new year with a refreshed annual maximum.

Tackle Minor Issues Before They Become Major

Preventive care can catch minor issues before they escalate into more costly procedures. Regular cleanings and exams are often fully covered and can prevent future dental problems, saving you both time and money.

How to Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire

Schedule a Checkup: If you haven’t had a cleaning or checkup yet this year, book one now. Preventive care is often fully covered, so take advantage of it while it’s still available.
Complete Ongoing Treatments: If you’ve been delaying treatments like fillings, crowns, or extractions, try to complete these procedures before the end of the year. This can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by maximizing your current year’s benefits.
Plan Ahead for Major Work: If you need major dental work that may exceed your annual maximum, ask your dentist about starting part of the procedure this year and completing it in the new year. For instance, the initial stages of a crown or implant can be started in December, with the final restoration completed in January, allowing you to use two years’ worth of benefits.
Check with Your Dentist’s Office: Dental offices are often very familiar with how insurance plans work and can help you plan your treatment schedule to make the most of your benefits. They may even offer end-of-year reminders to patients, as appointments can fill up quickly in the final months of the year.

Final Tips for Maximizing Dental Benefits

Verify Coverage: Before booking an appointment, confirm your coverage details with your insurance provider. This ensures you understand your remaining benefits, deductible, and any exclusions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): If you have an FSA, these funds also typically expire at the end of the year. Dental care is an eligible expense, so consider using any remaining FSA funds toward dental treatments.
Book Early: Dental offices get busy toward year-end, as many people try to use their benefits. Schedule appointments as soon as possible to secure a convenient time slot.

Make the Most of Your Smile and Your Benefits

Utilizing your dental benefits by the end of the year can help protect your oral health and avoid unnecessary costs. A healthy smile is an investment in your overall health, and with a bit of planning, you can ensure you’re getting the full value from your dental insurance.If you have questions about your dental benefits or would like to schedule an appointment before the year ends, contact our office: 763.546.1301. We’re here to help you maximize your benefits and start the new year with a healthy, happy smile!