As the end of the year approaches, now is the perfect time to check in on your dental insurance benefits. Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, which means your benefits reset on January 1st—and any unused coverage is lost for good. That’s right: if you don’t use it, you lose it.
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your benefits:
1. Dental Insurance Pays on Delivery Date, Not Start Date
Many patients don’t realize that dental insurance companies typically pay based on the date of service or delivery, not the date the treatment was started. For example, if you begin a crown in December but the final crown isn’t placed until January, your insurance may apply the payment to your new year’s benefits, not this year’s.
Since some procedures—like crowns, bridges, or dentures—can take 3 or more weeks to complete due to lab work and multiple appointments, starting treatment in December might be too late to use your current year’s benefits.
2. Plan Ahead—Don’t Wait Until December
December is one of the busiest months in dental offices. If you wait too long, available appointments may be limited, and you might miss your window to use your remaining insurance benefits. Now is the time to schedule any outstanding treatment, exams, cleanings, or x-rays.
3. You’ve Already Paid for These Benefits
Dental insurance is a “use it or lose it” system. You’ve been paying premiums all year—so why not make sure you’re getting the full value of your coverage? Even preventive care like cleanings and exams are often covered at 100%, and using these benefits now can help avoid bigger problems (and costs) later.
What You Should Do Next:
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Call our office to review your remaining benefits
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Schedule pending treatments before the holiday rush
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Plan ahead for any multi-step procedures
Let us help you make the most of your coverage. Contact us today and secure your appointment before the year ends!