How to Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire

By Andrew Hickey on Mar 7, 2025 @ 10:15 AM

The year is wrapping up and you're working to get all your ducks in a row. While you're at it, don't forget to make the most of your dental benefits before they reset at the start of the new year.

By understanding and using your benefits wisely, you can get necessary dental care without unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. Keep reading to learn how you can strategically plan your dental visits and treatments to make the most of your coverage.

Key Takeaways:

Review your dental benefits to understand coverage limits, copayments, and included treatments.
Focus on preventive, basic, and major dental services to maximize value before year-end.
Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings, as most plans cover these services fully.
Utilize preventive care options like fluoride treatments, sealants, and X-rays.
Plan major treatments like crowns or root canals to use remaining benefits and reduce costs.
Discuss treatment plans with your dentist to optimize benefits for the current and upcoming year.
Stay informed about any changes to your dental benefits package to adjust your care plan accordingly.

Understand Your Dental Benefits

To get the most out of your dental benefits, it's important to know exactly what your plan covers. Take a good look at your dental coverage to understand the details, like coverage limits, deductibles and copayments, and the types of treatments included.

Dental plans often have different coverage levels for preventive, basic, and major dental services. As far as your cost, the typical model is ‘100-80-50’. This means the plan pays 100% of the cost of preventive care. And once you’ve met your deductible the plan will pay 80% for basic procedures and 50% for major procedures. The dental deductible is typically low compared to the deductible on a medical insurance plan.

By understanding the features of your benefits, you can focus on the treatments and services that offer the best value to you before the year wraps up.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups and Cleanings

One of the easiest ways to take advantage of your dental benefits is by scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings. The great news is that many dental insurance plans cover these services completely, so you won't have to spend a dime. Regular visits can catch potential issues early, saving you both money and discomfort in the future. If you haven't had your dental cleaning yet, now is the perfect time to book it.

Take Advantage of Preventive Care

Preventive care goes beyond just cleanings and check-ups. Many dental plans also cover fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and X-rays. These services are great for keeping your teeth healthy and catching any issues before they become serious. To make the most of these preventive perks, go over your benefits and have a chat with your dentist about which services you can take advantage of.

Utilize Your Coverage for Major Treatments

If you've been putting off some dental treatment now could be the perfect time to get them scheduled. Perhaps you you've been recommended for crowns, bridges, or a root canal. While major treatments can be a bit pricey, using your remaining benefits before the year wraps up can really help cut down on your out-of-pocket costs.

Have a friendly chat with your dentist about the treatments you need and how you can space them out to make the most of your yearly benefits. This way, you can keep your expenses in check and stay within your coverage limits.

Plan Ahead to Maximize Next Year's Benefits

As the year winds down, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about next year. Why not set up a chat with your dentist to create a treatment plan that makes the most of your dental benefits for the year ahead? This way, you can space out those bigger treatments and really get the best bang for your buck.

Also, keep an eye out for any updates to your dental benefits package. Employers often tweak coverage options, and being in the know can help you adjust your dental care plan to fit any new changes.

By planning ahead and staying in the loop, you can get the care you need without breaking the bank. As the year winds down, take a moment to review your benefits and book any treatments you might have missed. This proactive approach will not only help you make the most of your current benefits but also set you up for a healthier, more budget-friendly year ahead.