Getting the Most Out of Your End-of-Year Dental Benefits

Here’s what you need to know about your end-of-year dental benefits.

What happens when dental benefits reset?

When your dental benefits reset at the end of the year, two primary things occur: your deductible resets and you lose any unused benefits. 

Deductible reset. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering treatments. For most dental plans, this amount ranges between $25 and $100. Once you’ve met your deductible, your insurance covers a percentage of the services. However, at the beginning of a new year, your deductible resets, which means you’ll need to pay that amount again before your benefits kick in. So, if you’ve already met your deductible this year, it’s a great idea to take advantage of any necessary treatments before it resets.

Forfeiture of any unused benefits. Dental insurance plans often include specific coverage, like two annual cleanings or a set dollar amount for restorative care. If you haven’t scheduled your second cleaning or made use of your remaining benefits, those opportunities don’t carry over into the new year. This means you’ll lose out on services you’ve already paid for through your premiums. 

Additionally, insurance companies may update their fee schedules or coverage terms at the start of the year, potentially increasing your out-of-pocket expenses. By acting now, you can avoid higher costs and ensure you’re getting the most value from your current plan.

What kinds of dental procedures or treatments should I get before my benefits expire?

Making the most of your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year means knowing what kind of care you should prioritize. This includes:

• Preventative care. Preventative services, such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays, are often fully covered by most insurance plans, meaning you may only need to pay a minimal co-pay or even nothing at all. If you haven’t had your second cleaning for the year, book it now. Regular cleanings not only keep your smile bright but also help catch potential issues early, preventing the need for more costly procedures down the line. Plus, getting these treatments done before the new year ensures they won’t count against next year’s coverage limits.
  
  
• Ongoing treatments. If you’ve already begun a dental treatment—like a crown, filling, or root canal—now is the ideal time to complete it. Using your current benefits ensures that your insurance covers as much as possible before your deductible resets. Delaying ongoing treatments can allow dental issues to worsen, which could lead to more extensive and expensive procedures later. For example, putting off a filling might result in the need for a root canal or even a tooth extraction if decay progresses. By completing your treatment now, you’ll save money and avoid unnecessary complications.
  
  
• Current concerns. Whether it’s a cavity that needs filling or more involved work like crowns, dentures, or periodontal care, tackling these issues before the year ends can help you take advantage of your remaining benefits. Common but necessary treatments such as extractions, implants, root canals, or oral surgery can be costly, but once you’ve met your deductible, your insurance will often cover a significant portion of these procedures, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. 
  
  
• Extensive restorations and phased treatment plans. More extensive procedures like crowns, bridges, or implants could put you over your plan’s annual maximum, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get them. Be sure to speak with your dentist; many can break the treatment into two phases: one part completed this year and the remainder scheduled for early next year. This strategy allows you to use benefits from both plan periods, reducing your out-of-pocket costs while ensuring you receive the care you need.

Does my FSA have a deadline for dental benefits, too?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a great way to set aside pre-tax dollars for dental and healthcare expenses. These funds come directly from your paycheck and are placed in an account you can access throughout the year for eligible expenses. However, FSAs do also typically have a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning any unused funds at the end of the year are forfeited. Some plans may offer a brief grace period or a limited rollover amount, so be sure to check your specific plan’s guidelines.

Since these pre-tax dollars are essentially savings for your dental care, it’s wise to plan ahead in order to make the most of your remaining FSA funds. Schedule any necessary treatments—like cleanings, fillings, or orthodontics—before your FSA deadline to avoid losing those hard-earned dollars, and confirm with your FSA administrator about eligible expenses and your plan’s specific deadlines to ensure you’re fully using your benefits. Planning ahead can help you maximize your account while prioritizing your dental health.

How do I know if I can still get dental treatments before the end of the year?

Most dental insurance plans include an annual maximum, which is the upper limit your insurer will pay for dental care each year. This amount typically ranges between $1,000 and $1,500. If you haven’t reached this limit yet and you haven’t passed the December 31 deadline, there’s still time to take advantage of your remaining benefits and have additional treatments covered before the year ends.

What do I do if my dental benefits have already expired?

If the December 31 deadline has already passed, don’t stress. Open enrollment, which typically takes place toward the end of each calendar year, offers you a chance to adjust your existing plan or even switch to a new one that better suits your needs. This period is an excellent opportunity to optimize your dental benefits for the coming year.

During this time, you can also take proactive steps to plan ahead, such as scheduling a consultation with your dentist early in the new year to evaluate your oral health and prioritize any treatments. Spacing out necessary dental care throughout the year can help you avoid the last-minute rush and make better use of your benefits. 

Additionally, if you’re eligible for open enrollment, you can:

• Review your current coverage and consider adjustments, especially if changes in your employment or your spouse’s coverage might affect your benefits.
• Consider increasing your FSA contributions or opting for a plan with a higher annual maximum if you anticipate needing extensive dental work in the year ahead.

Make Your Dental Benefits Work for You with Dental Depot of Arizona

At Dental Depot of Arizona, we understand how important it is to make the most of your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year and get the care you need. Whether it’s scheduling a routine exam, completing ongoing treatments, or using FSA funds effectively, our team is here to guide you in maximizing your coverage. We take a personalized approach, working closely with every patient to plan for their dental care needs while staying within budget. As a doctor-owned dental support organization (DSO), Dental Depot operates like a family-run practice, and we’re proud to provide high-quality dental services with a personal touch, all at a common-sense price.

Choosing Dental Depot of Arizona means choosing a partner dedicated to your oral health and overall well-being. We accept a wide range of dental insurance plans–including AHCCCS/Medicaid–and offer flexible payment options to make dental care accessible for everyone. With multiple convenient locations and flexible scheduling, we’re committed to making great dental care fit into your busy life, especially at the end of the year. Let us help you and your family make the most of your benefits while ensuring your smiles stay healthy and bright into the new year. Schedule your appointment today and see why we’re one of the Phoenix area’s most trusted dental providers.