Two people sitting on a couch smiling and looking at a newspaper

Why You Should Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Now, Before They Expire

With the end of the year fast approaching, it’s time to take full advantage of your dental insurance benefits. We know the end of the year can be a busy and stressful time for individuals and families. Unfortunately, your oral health can often take a backseat between tailgating at Lambeau and planning for the busy upcoming holiday season.

Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste. Let us help you improve your smile and make the most of your dental insurance benefits. Here are some helpful tips for how to start your new year off right with a bright and healthy smile!

Annual Dental Insurance Basics

First, it’s important to fully understand your dental plan and your insurance benefit options and limits. Whether you have Delta Dental or another insurance provider, taking a close look at the details will give you the needed insights to capitalize on your insurance plan. 

Take a peek at a recent Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement from your dental insurance provider to understand what your annual maximum is. The annual maximum is the total amount your insurance provider will pay toward your dental care within the fiscal or calendar year. Compare this number against your annual maximum used to date. If there’s still money to spare, you’re in luck! It’s now time to schedule an appointment with your local family dentist and use your remaining benefits. 

What Happens to Unused Dental Insurance Benefits?

Unfortunately, unused benefits will not roll over to the following fiscal or calendar year. The insurance benefit clock will reset come the first of the year, and your teeth will surely be disappointed you missed out. The best way to maintain your oral health is to get the most out of your dental plan. 

Have you been putting off an overdue root canal or crown? We get it. Not everyone is as excited about root canals as we are. However, in addition to your plan’s annual maximum, most dental insurance plans have an allocated number of dental services allowed each year. If you have yet to use your allotted yearly number of root canals, crowns, or implants, then you should consider adding a dentist appointment to your to-do list. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover preventative care, as it’s an investment into your overall oral health, so checkups and cleanings will be covered well. If you can stay up to date on regular exams and cleaning throughout the year, this is the most efficient use of your money. It will reduce your upfront costs and help to avoid expensive treatments down the road, like those troublesome root canals.  

It may seem daunting to dive into the details of your insurance plan, but we assure you it is financially worth it. No matter your dental needs, our professional and caring team can help put together a customized treatment plan that will have you soaking up your insurance benefits while smiling ear to ear. 

December is a busy month in our family dentistry office, so don’t miss out on your chance to take full advantage of your annual dental benefits. Grab your calendar, and start planning your dental appointments with our trusted Green Bay family dentists before the end of the year!

Dr. Adam Koch, D.D.S.

About the Author

Dr. Adam Koch, D.D.S.

Dr. Adam Koch is proud to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a third-generation family dentist in Green Bay. He received his undergraduate from the University of Northern Iowa and earned his board certification and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Koch is also a member of the advisory board for the NWTC Dental Hygiene Program. View Dr. Koch full bio>>

Blog Images