Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Reset at Year-End

As the year winds down, it's easy to forget about the dental benefits you've been paying for all along. If you've been meaning to book a cleaning or finish a treatment you've put off, the end of the year is a good moment to check where your plan stands. Many dental plans reset on a set date, and unused benefits usually don't carry over. At our New Haven dental office, our treatment coordinator can help you make sense of your coverage. Here's how annual benefits typically work, what to check, and how to plan your care with confidence.

Many dental plans reset once a year

Dental plans usually work on a yearly cycle, and many of them reset on December 31. The American Dental Association explains that unused benefits don't roll over into the new year for most dental plans, though some plans end at a different time of year, so it's worth checking yours.

When your plan resets, any benefits you didn't use that year are typically gone. You and your employer have been paying premiums all year either way, so using the care your plan includes is a simple way to get the value you've already paid for.

How yearly limits work

Many plans pay part or all of your covered dental costs up to a yearly limit, often called an annual maximum. The ADA's guide to types of dental plans notes that many plans also have a deductible, the amount you pay before your plan starts to help. Every plan sets its own limits, deductible and coverage rules, so your plan's details are the ones that matter.

Questions to ask before your plan resets

The quickest way to know what you have left is to look at your plan or ask your benefits provider. These questions give you a clear picture:

1. When does my plan year end? Many plans follow the calendar year, and some don't.
2. How much of my yearly maximum is left? This tells you how much coverage is still available this plan year.
3. Have I met my deductible? If you have, your plan may cover more of the care you get before it resets.
4. Am I due for a checkup and cleaning? The ADA suggests scheduling your preventive visits before your benefits reset.
5. Do I have money left in a flexible spending account? The ADA notes that FSA funds generally need to be used within the plan year, and some employers offer a grace period or a carryover, so check with your employer.

You don't have to sort through the fine print alone. Bring what you know, and our team will help with the rest.

How our team helps you make a plan

Our Patient Treatment Coordinator, Karen Courtemanche, brings more than 30 years in dentistry to helping you with financial plans and benefits. Karen can walk you through what your plan is likely to cover for the care you need, so you know what to expect before anything begins.

For general dentistry, we're in-network with Delta Dental of New Jersey. If you have another plan, give us a call and we'll help you understand how it works with our office. Our finances and insurance page explains the details.

Financing options for cosmetic care

Cosmetic dentistry isn't covered by dental insurance, so it's fee-for-service. If you're planning a smile change, like teeth whitening or a larger smile design, Karen can help you look at third-party financing through CareCredit or Alphaeon, so you can plan around a payment path that fits your budget.

Planning care that spans the new year

If your treatment needs more than one visit, ask us whether it makes sense to plan some of it before your plan resets and some after. Karen can look at timing with your plan's details in hand and help you decide what works for you. The ADA also suggests talking through your dental needs at your appointments during the year, so there's time to plan before your benefits reset.

When to call us

Call us if you're due for a checkup, if you've been putting off a treatment we talked about, or if you're simply not sure what your plan has left. A quick call to our treatment coordinator is often all it takes to see where you stand. If it's been a while since your last visit, a checkup and cleaning is a great place to start.

Frequently asked questions

Do unused dental benefits roll over to next year?

For most plans, no. The ADA notes that unused dental benefits don't roll over into the new year for most dental plans, and many reset on December 31. Some plans run on a different schedule, so check your plan documents or call your benefits provider. Our treatment coordinator can also help you understand where you stand.

What is an annual maximum on a dental plan?

An annual maximum is the most your dental plan will pay toward covered care during one plan year. Once you reach it, you typically pay for further care yourself until the plan resets. Every plan sets its own amount, so check your plan or call our office, and we'll help you understand your coverage.

Does dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry isn't covered by dental insurance, so it's fee-for-service at our office. For general dentistry, we're in-network with Delta Dental of New Jersey. If you're planning cosmetic care, our treatment coordinator can help you explore financing through CareCredit or Alphaeon. Not sure where your care falls? Call us, and we'll help.

Can I use my FSA for dental care?

Many people use flexible spending account funds for dental care. The ADA notes that FSA money generally needs to be used within the plan year, and some employers offer a grace period or carryover. Rules vary by employer, so check with yours, and our team can help you plan your visits around your deadline.

Make the most of your benefits

A little planning now helps you get the care you need and the value you've paid for. Our New Haven, CT dental team is happy to help you understand your benefits. Call us at (203) 624-5256, visit us at 375 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511, or send us a message through our contact page to talk with our treatment coordinator.

Published by Center for Esthetic Dentistry.