For many of us, December feels like a sprint to the finish line. Amidst all of the events and to-do lists, there’s something to take note of that might fly under your radar. Your family’s dental benefits will vanish when the calendar turns to 2026. Most dental plans operate on the logic of use it or lose it. At the end of every calendar year, whatever benefits your family hasn’t used simply disappear.
Things to know about your 2025 benefits:
- Preventive visits, like cleanings and exams, are usually completely covered.
- Scheduling now helps you avoid the December rush.
- Understanding how dental insurance works can help you plan better.
Your family deserves every benefit you’ve paid for! Let’s talk about how to make the most of your remaining benefits.
Understanding Your Dental Benefits
How does dental insurance work? It’s important to point out that every dental plan is different. But most family plans cover two preventive visits per person every year at little or no cost. Preventive visits usually include routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. Your plan also likely covers a portion of additional treatments for things like fillings.
Most plans are made up of three parts: a monthly premium, a deductible, and an annual maximum. Your premium is the monthly amount you pay for insurance. The deductible is the amount you have to pay before your benefits kick in, and the annual maximum is the total amount your insurance will pay in a calender year. Once the year ends, the money left over that you haven’t spent is simply gone. It doesn’t roll over. Knowing what your plan covers can help you schedule the right appointments before time runs out.
How to Use Your Dental Benefits Before Year-End
Start by calling your insurance company or checking your online portal. Find out how much of your annual maximum remains and which services your plan covers. Take note! Next, call your pediatric dentist to schedule appointments before December's time slots fill up. You can ask about any treatments your dentist recommended for your child at previous visits.
If the busy school year has kept you from bringing your child in for an exam, it’s a good time for a checkup and evaluation. Your dental team can also help you review your benefits and determine a good course of action for making those benefits count before the end of the year.
Why This Matters for Your Child’s Smile
Regular dental visits are great for maximizing your benefits. For your children, they also help build healthy habits that set a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Children who see the dentist consistently develop positive associations with oral care. They learn how to brush and floss properly. These regular visits also allow their dentist to catch any problems before they become more severe.
Using preventive benefits saves you money, as proactive care is cheaper than waiting and paying for more advanced treatments that could have been addressed earlier.
Schedule Your Family’s Visit Today
Your 2025 dental benefits will soon be gone. At All Smiles Orthodontics and Children’s Dentistry, we make scheduling easy and visits fun for kids of all ages. Call our Corona office today at (951) 356-4018 to schedule an appointment.