Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste! Most plans reset on January 1, so now’s the perfect time to schedule your cleaning or complete any pending treatment before they expire.
As the year comes to a close, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of the holidays, but there’s one important thing you don’t want to forget — your dental benefits. In general, most dental plan benefits expire on December 31, and any unused coverage does not roll over into the new year. That means if you don’t use it, you lose it!
At Ellicott Mills Dental, we want to help you make the most of your insurance and keep your smile healthy and strong. Here’s why it’s smart to schedule your dental care before the year ends — and how to get the most out of your benefits.
Why Year-End Dental Planning Matters
Most dental insurance plans come with:
- An annual maximum — the total your plan will pay for covered services in a year.
- A deductible — the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
- A benefit period that typically resets on January 1.
If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, any additional covered treatment you complete before year-end could save you money. Waiting until next year could mean starting all over again — with a new deductible to meet and benefits that reset.
Common Services Covered by Dental Benefits
Most plans cover preventive care at 100%, which means there’s no cost to you for services like:
- Routine cleanings and exams
- X-rays
- Oral cancer screenings
Beyond preventive care, your plan may also cover part of the cost for:
- Fillings or crowns for cavities or damaged teeth
- Periodontal therapy for gum health
- Root canal treatment
- Dentures, bridges, or implants
- Invisalign treatments (for eligible plans)
At Ellicott Mills Dental, our services include everything from gentle cleanings to advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures — all delivered with your comfort and care in mind.
How to Maximize Your Dental Benefits
Here are a few simple steps to make sure you’re getting the most out of your coverage before it expires:
- Check your insurance balance.
Check with your insurance provider to find out how much of your annual maximum remains. - Schedule pending treatment.
If you’ve been delaying a recommended filling, crown, or other treatment, now’s the time to complete it. - Plan ahead for next year.
Some larger treatments can be strategically scheduled across two benefit periods — one before year-end and one in the new year — to minimize out-of-pocket costs. - Don’t forget your preventive visit.
Regular cleanings not only maintain your oral health but also help you detect issues early — before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.
A Missed Opportunity You Can Easily Avoid
Imagine this: You’ve met your deductible and still have $600 left in annual benefits. If you skip your cleaning or delay that crown, those funds simply disappear when the year resets — and you’ll pay more out of pocket for the same procedure next year.
That’s money (and dental health) you can save by scheduling now.
Let Ellicott Mills Dental Help You Make the Most of Your Benefits
Our friendly team is here to help you understand your insurance coverage and plan your care so you can maximize your benefits before they expire. We’ll even help you coordinate appointments for the whole family before the holiday rush.
Whether it’s time for your routine checkup, you’ve been putting off a treatment, or you’d like to explore options like teeth whitening or dental implants, there’s no better time to act than now.
Appointments fill up quickly at the end of the year — so don’t wait!
Call us at (410) 461-3311 or request an appointment online today.
