Use It or Lose It: Getting the Most From Your Dental Benefits Before Dec 31

Why Dental Benefits Expire at the End of the Year

Most dental plans include a few limits that reset every plan year. For many people, that reset happens on January 1.

• Annual maximum: The most your plan will pay toward your care in one year. Whatever you don’t use typically doesn’t roll over.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out of pocket before your plan starts covering certain services. Once you’ve met it, it often resets in January.
• Preventive visits: Many plans cover two cleanings and exams per year. If you’ve only had one, the second may still be available.

Not every plan follows a calendar year, so check your plan documents or call your insurance company to confirm your plan year dates.

Don’t Forget Your FSA or HSA

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can both be used for many dental expenses, but they work differently at year-end.

• FSA: Funds are often “use it or lose it.” Some employers offer a short grace period or let you carry over a limited amount, but many balances expire. Check with your employer for your deadline.
• HSA: Funds roll over from year to year, so there’s no rush to spend them. Still, an HSA can help cover treatment you’ve been putting off.

What You Can Still Schedule Before December 31

Your Cleaning and Exam

If you haven’t had both of your covered preventive visits this year, now is the time to book. A routine dental cleaning and exam includes a professional cleaning with our hygienist, a full exam, and an oral cancer screening. Many plans cover preventive visits at or near 100 percent.

Treatment You’ve Been Putting Off

If your dentist recommended a filling or crown earlier this year, finishing it before year-end may let you use this year’s remaining benefits instead of starting over against next year’s deductible. Common examples include:

• Tooth-colored fillings for small cavities
• Porcelain crowns for cracked or heavily filled teeth
• Cracked tooth repair before a small crack becomes a bigger problem

Small problems tend to become bigger, more expensive ones when they wait. Treating them now protects both your tooth and your budget.

Your Child’s Checkup

If your kids are due for a visit, school breaks can be a convenient time to come in. Our children’s dentistry visits include cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride when appropriate.

Plan Ahead: December Fills Up Fast

Many patients have the same idea at the end of the year, so December appointments tend to book quickly. Scheduling in November gives you the most choice of dates and times, and it leaves room for a follow-up visit before December 31 if you need one.

How to Check What Your Plan Covers

Before your visit, it helps to know:

1. Your plan’s annual maximum and how much of it you’ve used
2. Whether you’ve met this year’s deductible
3. How many preventive visits you’ve had this year
4. Your plan year end date
5. Your FSA balance and deadline, if you have one

Your insurance company’s website or member services line can answer most of these questions. You can also call our office with your insurance information, and our team will help you plan your visit.

Schedule Your Year-End Visit in Milford

Gloss Dental Studio is a privately owned practice at 636 Main Street in Milford, serving patients from across Cincinnati’s east side, including Indian Hill, Montgomery, Loveland, Terrace Park, and Anderson Township. Dr. Alexandra Shehata Kress and Dr. Christina Huber care for patients of all ages.

Call (513) 831-2121 or request an appointment to make the most of your benefits before the year ends.