We’re nearly two months into the new year, which means you’ve already used up one-sixth of your dental insurance benefits period. If you haven’t scheduled your first dental visit of the year yet, now is the perfect time to take action. At Acacia Dental, we want to help you maximize your dental insurance this year and make the most of what you’re already paying for each month.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, which means your coverage reset on January 1st. This fresh start brings a new annual maximum—typically between $1,000 and $2,000—that represents the total amount your insurance will pay toward your dental care this year. If you don’t use your dental benefits before December 31st, that money disappears. It’s truly a “use it or lose it” situation.
Dr. Aaron Jeziorski and our team at Acacia Dental frequently remind patients that understanding what dental insurance covers is crucial to getting the best value. Most plans fully cover preventive care, including two cleanings per year, routine X-rays, and sometimes fluoride treatment. These services typically require no out-of-pocket costs when you visit an in-network dentist like us.
What Happens If I Don’t Use My Dental Benefits?
Here’s the reality: if you don’t schedule a dental visit and use your benefits, you’re essentially leaving money on the table. Your deductible resets annually, and any unused portion of your annual maximum doesn’t roll over to the next year. Plus, preventive care that could have been covered at 100% now becomes your responsibility if you wait until a problem develops into something more serious requiring major treatment.
Many patients also have a flexible spending account or HSA that operates on a calendar-year basis. These funds can help cover your copay, deductible, or any services not fully covered by insurance—but only if you use them before they expire.
How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance This Year
The key to getting the most value from your insurance is strategic treatment planning and early action. Here’s what we recommend:
- Schedule your dental check-up now to take advantage of your preventive care benefits before your schedule fills up
- Use both of your covered cleanings—space them six months apart for optimal oral health
- Address recommended treatment early in the year so you can spread costs across two benefit periods if necessary
- Understand your plan type—whether you have a PPO, HMO, or are out-of-network affects your coverage
- Ask about waiting periods if you recently enrolled in new coverage
Your Dental Insurance Reminder: Take Action Today
Consider this your friendly dental insurance reminder that time is ticking. February is already here, and the months will fly by faster than you think. By scheduling your cleaning and exam now, you’ll secure your spot, establish your treatment planning for the year, and ensure you’re not scrambling in December to use benefits before they disappear.
At Acacia Dental, we make it easy to use your dental benefits. Our team verifies your coverage, explains what’s included, and helps you maximize every dollar available to you. We’re an in-network dentist with most major insurance carriers, which means lower costs and less hassle for you.
Don’t let another month pass by. Call us today at (480) 485-3971 to schedule your first dental visit of the year. Your smile—and your wallet—will thank you.