Tips to Maximize Your Annual Dental Benefits

We are drawing closer to the end of the year, so you may want to start thinking about how to maximize your annual dental benefits. Most plans reset in January and, if you don’t use your benefits now, they do not carry over.

Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how much money they are losing when they don’t use their dental benefits. However, taking the time to learn how dental insurance works can help you protect your smile as well as minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re wondering how to make the best use of your dental benefits, contact our friendly office staff at HollowBrook Dental. We can help you ensure that you get the services you need, using the benefits you are entitled to and saving you as much money as possible.

It’s important to understand that there’s more to your oral health than your smile. In fact, research has proven that oral health impacts your overall health and may even be linked to depression.

In this article, we’re going to offer you 3 tips for maximizing your annual dental benefits.

The primary purpose of dental insurance is to offset some of the costs associated with dental services. Most dental plans cover 100% of preventative services, 80% of basic services- such as dental fillings, and 50% of major services- such as root canals. Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures at all. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to learn what is and what is not covered by your dental plan.

Making the best use of your dental plan will not only optimize the health of your teeth, but will also help you save money in the long run.

Below are 3 tips to maximize your annual dental benefits:

First of all, it’s important to understand that dental insurance is not free- and the benefits do not roll over at the end of the year. Basically, you have already paid for the services covered under your plan through your monthly premium. When you do not take advantage of this, you are losing money. Most dental plans reset on January 1 of the new year. Therefore, it is important that you consider what benefits you have left before December 31 of the current year.

For example, if you have already paid your deductible, but have not reached your yearly maximum, it might be a good time to obtain some dental services. Once the year starts over, your plan will reset, and you will have to pay your deductible again.

When considering dental services close to the end of the year, keep your holiday plans in mind and schedule accordingly.  

When it comes to protecting the health of your teeth, prevention is best. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing at least once. In addition, you should be scheduling exams and cleanings every 6 months. If you don’t do these things, your risk of developing painful, expensive dental problems is increased.

Typically, dental insurance plans cover two dental cleanings per year. If you have not had your second cleaning, schedule it as soon as possible.

While you may have been provided with a benefits booklet from your insurance provider, it can be difficult to understand. Also, it can be challenging to keep up with the benefits you’ve used versus what you have left.

If you’re not sure what you have left, contact your dental insurance provider. They will be able to pull your plan up and tell you exactly what your plan covers, what you have used and what benefits you have left.

This is an important step in helping you optimize your dental care and maximize your annual dental benefits. If you do have benefits left, it’s important to use them before you lose them.

At HollowBrook Dental, we want to help you make sure that you maximize your annual dental benefits before the year is over. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact our friendly office staff and we will help you use your dental insurance to your advantage!

While it’s true that dental insurance is useful, we also understand that it’s not an option for everyone. We believe that everyone has the right to dental care. Therefore, we offer a variety of financial options, as well as a cash plan for our patients who pay out-of-pocket.