The end of the year is approaching, and if you have dental insurance, you should know about one important rule: the “use it or lose it” rule. The majority of dental policies start a timer that resets each year, so any benefits that you do not use don’t carry over. It helps if you understand how this works to help you use your dental benefits effectively before the clock chimes twelve on 31st December.

What is the ‘Use It or Lose It’ Policy?

The “use it or lose it” rule applies to the majority of dental insurance policies, particularly those that operate on a calendar-year basis. Essentially, if you don’t use your benefits by the end of the year, you lose them — end of story. This goes for preventive care treatments like checkups, cleanings, and sometimes even more substantial procedures like fillings or crowns, depending on your policy.

Time is of the essence, and it is wiser to act proactively to book your appointments or treatments before your dental insurance benefits expire. You might otherwise have to pay cash for procedures that would have otherwise been covered.

Why You Should Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits

Dental care is important, and preventive care like cleanings and checkups helps you avoid developing serious oral health issues down the line. Under dental insurance, these types of procedures are typically paid entirely or with a minimal copay. But if you don’t avail yourself of them, you’re effectively paying for a benefit that you never used.

Most people don’t even notice that they must spend their dental insurance by the last day of the year, but it will save you trouble down the road. By sitting down with your dentist today, you will be getting your oral health in line without giving up your coverage.

Know More About Your Dental Insurance Timeline

Each dental insurance policy operates on a timeline, and most reset on January 1st. This means that any remaining balance of your benefits, whether for routine exams or more complex procedures, expires at the end of the year. If you’ve put off a cleaning or a checkup, now is the time to schedule it.

You’ve already spent your dental insurance funds throughout the year, so it makes sense that you use your benefits before the policy renewal. Not only are you preventing more expensive problems further down the line, but you’re also maximizing your dental coverage before it expires.  

Don’t Wait – Act Now

To avoid the scramble described, book your visit as soon as you can. Dental offices tend to get busy at the end of the year when people rush to use their coverage. Waiting until December might leave you scrambling to get an appointment and give up on your coverage altogether.

We’re here at Duo Dental Group to get the most out of your dental insurance. We can help book an appointment, clear up any concerns about your benefits, and help maintain your smile’s health over the holidays and beyond.

The “use it or lose it” approach is one that you can’t afford to ignore. If you have unused dental benefits, today’s the day to put them to good use. Don’t see your hard work go to waste – schedule an appointment today with Duo Dental Group and protect your teeth for the rest of the year.