---

Schedule Preventive Visits

Many dental plans fully cover preventive care, such as cleanings and exams. Scheduling these before year-end ensures you get the most from your coverage.

Complete Necessary Treatments

If you’ve been delaying procedures like fillings, crowns, or root canals, consider getting them done before benefits reset. Your deductible may already be met, which could lower out-of-pocket costs.

Plan Multi-Stage Treatments

For treatments like dental implants or orthodontics that require multiple visits, you might split the procedure across the end of this year and the beginning of next. This can maximize benefits across two plan years.

Use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

If you have an FSA or HSA, use these funds to cover dental costs before they expire. FSAs, in particular, often have year-end deadlines for use.

Combine Family Appointments

If other family members are on the same plan, make sure they’re also using their covered cleanings, exams, or treatments.

Speak with Your Dentist's Office

Your dentist's office can help you plan out necessary treatments in a way that makes the best use of your benefits. They might suggest prioritizing certain treatments based on urgency and coverage.

Review Coverage for Add-Ons

If your plan includes perks like fluoride treatments for adults, sealants, or mouthguards, and you need these, schedule them before the year ends.

Taking advantage of your benefits will not only help avoid extra costs but also contribute to better oral health!

Does Your Dental Insurance Plan Allow Unused Benefits to Carry Over to the Next Year?

Generally, most dental insurance plans do not allow unused benefits to carry over to the next year. Most plans have an annual maximum benefit, which is the total amount the insurance will pay for your dental care within a calendar year. Any unused portion of this maximum usually expires at the end of the year.

However, some newer or more flexible dental plans offer a "rollover" or "carryover" option. With these plans, if you don’t use all your annual benefits, a portion of them may carry over to the following year, though there’s often a limit on the amount you can roll over. To know if your plan offers this feature, check with your insurance provider or review your policy details.

If your plan doesn’t include a rollover, the best way to maximize your benefits is to use any remaining balance on necessary treatments before the year ends.

What Does "Use It or Lose It" Mean for My Dental Insurance at the End of the Year?

"Use it or lose it" in dental insurance refers to the common policy where any unused benefits or annual maximum amounts do not carry over to the next year. Most dental plans provide a set annual benefit amount (e.g., $1,000 to $2,000) that covers a range of services like exams, cleanings, fillings, and more. If you don’t use up this amount by the end of the calendar or plan year, the remaining balance simply expires—you "lose" it.

Here’s Why This Matters:

• Preventive Care: You’re essentially missing out on "free" benefits for covered services like cleanings and exams if you don’t use them. Preventive care is usually fully covered and helps avoid costly treatments later.
• Dental Treatment Costs: Any dental work you need, like fillings or crowns, could end up being more expensive if you don’t take advantage of your benefits within the current year.
• Maximizing Insurance Value: You’re paying premiums, so using up your benefits means getting the most out of your coverage.

To avoid losing out, schedule necessary treatments before year-end and plan ahead to use your benefits on any outstanding dental care needs!

Do You Need a Dentist in Kanata?

If you need dental care and want to use your benefit before the end of the year, Dr. Taner Cakmak and his professional team would be happy to help you. You can call us at 613-519-1400 or email [email protected].

---

Dentist Kanata