If you use dental insurance or an FSA to pay for your dental care, then December is more than a time for gifting and giving–it’s a time to use any remaining dental benefits before they expire. Most dental plans operate on a “use or lose” basis. This means that when they reset every year on January 1, any benefits that you didn’t use before the December 31 deadline get forfeited. However, there are things you can do to maximize your end-of-year benefits, including:
At Dental Depot of DFW, we’re here to help you get the most out of your dental benefits before they reset at the end of the year. We’re committed to delivering high-quality, commonsense care that puts our patients in control of their health, so whether it’s understanding your plan’s coverage, scheduling essential treatments, or completing ongoing procedures, our dedicated team is ready to assist you in maximizing your benefits. For those without insurance, we also offer Dental Membership Plans to make the care you need even more affordable, because we believe everyone deserves to have a beautiful, healthy smile no matter what time of year it is.
If you have traditional dental insurance, either through your employer or directly through an insurance company, you pay a premium, which is a set amount of money paid on a monthly basis to keep the insurance policy active. A premium essentially ensures you receive all the benefits of the plan. The cost varies by plan and insurance company, but typically ranges from about $20-$50 per month for an individual and $50-$150 per month for a family.
If your insurance is through your employer, the premium probably gets deducted from your paycheck. If you purchased your plan on your own, the premium is paid directly to the provider.
A copay is a fixed, predetermined fee you pay for specific services. For instance, if your dental plan has a $25 copay for checkups, you’ll need to pay that amount each time you visit. This fee may count toward your deductible, but you still pay it for each appointment.
A deductible is the set amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to contribute toward treatment costs. For instance, if your deductible is $150 and you need a procedure costing $400, you’ll pay the first $150, and your insurance will cover the remainder based on your plan’s coverage rate. Most dental plans waive the deductible for preventive services like cleanings and exams, which are often fully covered.
Dental insurance includes an annual maximum, which is the maximum amount of dental-related costs your insurer will cover within the calendar year. Typically, this cap ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on your specific plan. If you reach this limit before the end of the year, your insurance stops covering costs, meaning you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for any additional dental services until your benefits reset the following year.
Many dental insurance plans also include a waiting period for major procedures to prevent individuals from signing up for a comprehensive plan just to receive costly treatments and then switching to a less expensive plan afterward. Depending on the specific care you need, you may have to wait several months after enrolling before your coverage kicks in.
Three major things happen with your dental insurance plan at the end of every year.
FSAs are another benefit offered by employers that let you set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to pay for eligible dental and healthcare expenses throughout the year. However, FSAs come with a contribution cap and, like traditional dental insurance, usually follow a “use it or lose it” rule by year’s end for any funds you’ve put in, so it’s important to plan your expenses wisely so you don’t leave money on the table come December.
Some employers may provide a grace period of up to 2.5 months after December 31 or allow a small rollover amount, but it’s important to check your specific plan’s details to be sure.
The good news is that December doesn’t have to be doom and gloom for your dental benefits.
Preventative services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays are often fully covered by most insurance plans. If you haven’t had your second cleaning this year, now is the perfect time to book it. This helps prevent more serious dental issues down the line, saving you from costly treatments later. Completing these services before year-end ensures they won’t count against next year’s coverage limits.
If you’ve already started a dental procedure, such as a crown, filling, or root canal, aim to finish it before your benefits reset. By using this year’s coverage, you’ll maximize your insurance benefits and avoid paying a new deductible next year. Delaying ongoing treatments can result in complications that require more extensive (and expensive) procedures.
If you’ve been postponing treatments like fillings, crowns, or periodontal care, now is the time to tackle them—especially if you’ve already met your deductible. By acting before the year’s end, you’ll ensure that your insurance covers a portion, or even all, of the costs, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
For larger dental treatments, such as crowns, bridges, or implants, that may exceed your annual maximum, ask your dentist about phased treatment plans. By dividing the procedure into two parts—one this year and one next year—you can utilize benefits from two plan periods, lowering your out-of-pocket costs while still getting the care you need.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), use any remaining funds before they expire. FSAs also tend to follow a “use it or lose it” policy, so be sure to schedule necessary treatments now to avoid losing that hard-earned money. Additionally, check if your plan includes a grace period or a small rollover into the new year to extend your benefits, and confirm with your FSA administrator about eligible expenses to make sure you’re fully using your benefits..
If the December 31 deadline has passed, don’t worry. Open enrollment, which usually occurs toward the end of the year, gives you the opportunity to adjust your current plan or switch to one that better fits your needs. If you’re eligible for open enrollment, consider reviewing your existing coverage to see if adjustments are needed, especially if changes in employment or your spouse’s benefits could impact your plan.
During this time, you can also:
You may also choose to skip the December dental benefits deadline drama altogether and consider a dental membership plan.
Dental membership plans are essentially a subscription for dental care. While they are not a one-for-one replacement for dental insurance, they can be an affordable and more practical alternative for people who can’t afford a traditional plan, don’t have any benefits at all, need little dental care beyond routine cleanings, or need more care than what a traditional plan will cover.
Dental membership plans typically follow a rolling calendar, running for 365 days from the date of purchase before requiring a renewal. This means no December 31 deadline, and no “use it or lose it” for unused benefits.
Instead, one low annual or monthly fee covers an array of benefits including:
With a Dental Membership Plan from Dental Depot of DFW, you’ll have:
Dental membership plans from Dental Depot of DFW cannot be used at any other dental provider, but they can be used at any Dental Depot location in the DFW metro area. You pay nothing out of pocket for routine care, and you can start receiving care immediately–no wait periods. You can access and manage your account at any time online and making changes, such as adding dependents, is simple and fast.
At Dental Depot of DFW, we understand that quality dental care is essential for your health, which is why we’re dedicated to making it as accessible and affordable as possible. We offer a range of options to help you get the most out of your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate your insurance, maximizing your coverage to ensure you receive the care you need. For patients without insurance or those looking for additional savings, we also offer our Dental Depot Membership Plan, providing exclusive discounts and preventative care options to fit your budget.
In addition to maximizing your benefits, we’re here to assist in planning for your dental needs in the year ahead. Whether it’s helping you budget for future treatments, finding the right financing solution, or scheduling appointments around your busy life, our team is committed to working with you every step of the way. With flexible payment options like CareCredit, customized financing plans, and convenient locations throughout the DFW metro area, Dental Depot ensures that high-quality dental care is always within reach—no matter your financial situation. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you prioritize your oral health while staying within your budget.
