As the year draws to a close, your calendar is likely filling up with holiday parties, family gatherings, and year-end deadlines. But amidst the festive chaos, there’s one more important date to remember: December 31st. For many, this date marks the expiration of dental insurance benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Instead of letting your hard-earned money and benefits go to waste, we want to help you take advantage of them. At ProHEALTH Dental, we believe that a healthy smile is one of the best gifts you can give yourself, and using your benefits is a smart, proactive step toward achieving it.
Don't let your dental benefits disappear at the end of the year. Act now and schedule your final dental check-up or consultation. Contact us today by booking an appointment online or by calling (855) 750-5011.
Understanding How Your Dental Benefits Work
Dental benefits can be confusing, but understanding a few key terms can help you make the most of them. Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year. This means that a new benefit period begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st. If you don't use your annual maximum by the end of the year, it will not roll over. Think of it as a "use it or lose it" scenario.
Annual Maximum: This is the total amount of money your dental insurance plan will pay for your dental care within a plan year. This amount resets every year, so any unused funds are lost.
Deductible: This is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company begins to pay for your dental services. For many plans, this deductible also resets at the start of a new year.
Premium: This is the monthly or yearly fee you pay to have dental insurance. Even if you don't use your benefits, you have still paid this premium.
It’s also important to understand your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). These accounts are designed to help you pay for health-related expenses with pre-tax dollars. Like dental insurance, most FSA funds have an expiration date. If you have funds remaining, now is the time to use them on a needed dental service.
Making a Plan: Why a December Check-Up Is So Important
When was your last dental check-up? For many people, life gets in the way, and routine cleanings can fall off the calendar. A December dental check-up is the perfect way to get back on track and use your remaining benefits before they expire. Regular visits are a cornerstone of preventative care and are essential for maintaining your overall health.
During a routine visit, we can do much more than just a cleaning. We can look for early signs and problems, such as:
Plaque and tartar buildup: A professional cleaning removes the hardened plaque that regular brushing and flossing can’t get.
Early signs of gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease, and it is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Cavities: We can detect tiny areas of decay before they become larger, more painful, and more expensive to treat.
Early detection: We use advanced diagnostic capability with the AI-assisted Overjet tool to analyze your X-rays. This technology provides an incredibly accurate analysis to help us detect tiny areas of decay or other issues earlier than ever before, preventing them from becoming larger, more painful, and more expensive to treat.
By scheduling a check-up, you’re not only using your benefits; you’re also taking a proactive step to avoid more serious and costly issues down the road.
Investing in Your Smile: Starting a Treatment Plan
Beyond a regular cleaning, the end of the year is also a great opportunity to begin a more involved treatment plan you’ve been considering. Many people put off major dental work because of concerns about cost or convenience. However, using your annual maximum and any remaining FSA or HSA funds can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
If your dentist has already recommended a treatment plan that you haven't started, the end of the year is the perfect time to move forward. By initiating major procedures—such as starting clear aligner therapy for a straighter smile or beginning the process for a custom dental sleep appliance to address snoring—you can strategically utilize your remaining annual maximum and any FSA/HSA funds.
Committing to the first phase of treatment now allows you to put a significant portion of the cost toward your current benefits, potentially saving you hundreds in out-of-pocket expenses. Or, if you’re tired of sleepless nights and loud snoring, a dental sleep appliance might be a perfect solution. You can begin the process and use your benefits to cover the initial costs.
Dental treatments that could be a great use of your remaining benefits include:
Fillings: If your dentist has identified a cavity, getting it filled now can prevent it from worsening into a more serious issue that requires a root canal later.
Crowns: A crown can restore a damaged tooth and protect it from further decay.
Clear Aligners: These are a popular and discreet way to straighten your teeth and correct bite issues. You can use your benefits to get started on the first phase of treatment.
Dental Sleep Appliances: These custom devices can provide a comfortable and effective solution for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
If you have a treatment plan that has already been recommended by your dentist, this is the ideal time to pursue that care. A comprehensive treatment plan is unique to you, and following through now is the best way to utilize your remaining benefits before they expire at year-end. Our general dentistry services are designed to help you navigate these options with confidence and clarity.
Proactive Care for a Healthy Future
We understand that visiting a dental practice can be a source of anxiety for many people. Concerns about the cost, discomfort, or fear of judgment are all valid. At ProHEALTH Dental, our professional and caring team is here to support you every step of the way. We focus on providing a comfortable environment where you feel heard and respected. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your oral health, not to push products or services. By using your benefits now, you are making a smart financial decision and a powerful investment in your health for the year to come.
Don't let your benefits expire. Making an appointment before December 31st is a simple and effective way to invest in your health. Whether it's for a routine cleaning or to begin a much-needed treatment plan, our caring team is ready to help you get the most out of your insurance, FSA, or HSA.
Take control of your oral health today. Contact our dental practice to schedule your final check-up of the year and start the new year with a fresh, healthy smile.
To get started, please book an appointment online or call us at (855) 750-5011.