Five Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Your Remaining Benefits

Dental insurance is a great tool for maintaining a healthy mouth, but if you’re not doing a good job of using it, you might be leaving some benefits behind. If you’d like to maximize your dental benefits before they expire, now is a great time to contact your dentist’s office. Being aware of what remains of your dental benefits can save you money and allow you to get the care you need. Here are five questions you should ask your dentist’s office today so that you’re receiving the most value from your dental plan.

1. What Benefits Still Remain Under My Plan?

At year’s end, you’ll want to know what dental benefits you still have available. Have your dentist’s office outline your remaining benefits and detail what services are covered. Dental insurance policies have most preventive treatments covered, such as cleanings and exams, but you must make sure that you have any unused benefits for procedures such as fillings, crowns, or orthodontics. With your knowledge of what’s included, you will not miss out on treatments that can improve your oral health.

2. Does My Dental Insurance Have a “Use It or Lose It” Policy?

Most dental insurance plans have a “use it or lose it” rule, where any benefits not used will revert at year’s end. Check with your dental facility to see if your plan uses this process. If it does, make an appointment before the end of the year to utilize any unused coverage. This is especially important for those who might have gotten behind on regular cleanings or other preventive procedures. Don’t let your hard-earned benefits go down the drain.

3. Are there any future procedures that I should take into account?

If you have been putting off dental procedures, it is time to determine whether any procedures may be covered by your remaining dental benefits. Your dentist will probably recommend other procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or bleaching teeth, that will be covered by your insurance. Understanding the timeline of dental coverage and what procedures you still need can help you plan and avoid getting caught up in the year-end rush when appointment slots fill quickly.

4. How Does My Dental Coverage Apply to Emergency or Unforeseen Issues?

Sometimes dental crises arise, and they don’t fit neatly into the preventive care category. It’s worth asking your dentist how your remaining dental benefits translate when such emergencies actually do arise. If you chip a tooth or get an unforeseen toothache, knowing how your plan pays for emergency procedures can assist you with your budgeting. Knowing the limits of your dental protection stops you from being taken aback later.

5. Can You Help Me Maximize My Benefits Over Two Plan Years?

In some cases, splitting up some treatments over two plan years maximizes your benefits. For example, if you need a great deal of dental care, such as a crown or a deep cleaning, having some done before the end of the year and some next year may enable you to get the most out of both years of benefits. Talk with your dentist’s office about whether this is possible with your treatment needs.

Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Appointment Now

The clock is ticking, and your final dental benefits won’t last forever. Ask these five crucial questions today at your dentist’s office to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your coverage. Don’t wait – schedule an appointment with your dentist now to protect your smile and your wallet before it’s too late.

We’re here at Glendora Healthy Smiles to help you maximize your dental benefits and receive the care that you deserve. Give us a call today to fully use your dental benefits before they renew.