5 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits

Studies show that people with dental insurance benefits are 58% more likely to visit their dentist, which leads to better oral and overall health. That’s because it helps make professional dental care an affordable option! If you need a standard checkup or a complex procedure, you don’t have to worry about them breaking the bank because your insurance company will usually share the costs with you.  With that in mind, here are a few simple ways you can maximize your dental insurance benefits.

Don’t Neglect Preventive Care

Preventive dental care is critical to your general health. Checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to prevent, detect, and treat dental problems before they become severe complications. Because they play an important role in maintaining good health, most dental insurance plans will cover preventive services at little to no cost to you. Make sure you attend all your oral examinations, professional teeth cleanings, and routine X-rays for the year while you still can! By doing so, you can preserve a healthy smile and avoid needing extensive and costly dental work down the line.

Understand What Your Insurance Covers

Although most dental insurance plans will only cover preventive dental care, you may be able to use your benefits for other types of dental work like fillings or dental crowns. Since both of those services can be considered restorative or medically necessary, your dental insurance might pay for a percentage of the cost. It’s worth noting that every policy is unique, so make sure you review the details of your specific plan to understand what’s covered!

Schedule Major Procedures in Advance

It may come as no surprise that major treatments and procedures often require multiple appointments to complete. That said, it’s a good idea to schedule them in advance so you can get the most out of your coverage. If you need dental work that exceeds your annual maximum, you can ask your dental team to schedule part of it this year and the rest next year. With this strategy, you can use two annual maximums instead of just one and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.

Find Out When Your Benefits Expire

Even though every dental insurance policy is unique, most tend to operate on a calendar-year basis. You’re given an annual maximum at the beginning of each year, which is the most your plan will pay for approved services. If you don’t use your benefits by the time December 31^st comes around, they’ll expire and won’t roll over into the new year. Therefore, it’s a good idea to schedule any outstanding dental treatments before the year ends.

It’s not too late to make the most out of your dental insurance. By following the tips outlined above, you can maximize your dental insurance benefits and walk into the new year with a healthy smile and thicker wallet!

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has over two full decades of dentistry experience under her belt. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Tufts University and is currently an active member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. Dr. Philipps is passionate about helping her patients achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. For more ways to maximize your dental insurance benefits, visit our website or call (432) 570-4433.